Barbaro Updates: 41
updates are now here.
Update 427: No update yet for Barbaro this morning, although I did see Peter who said that he remained comfortable last night. He also noted that they had reduced his pain medication recently. I will catch up with Peter a little later to see how Bobby is this morning.
I just spoke with Adrian Rolls, Graham Motion's assistant, who flew out to Chicago with Better Talk Now and Film Maker. They flew out yesterday (friday), it was a two hour flight from BWI. Adrian said it was amazing, as soon as they got on the plane they dropped their heads and totally relaxed (they have flown before). It was a very smooth two hour ride. Film Maker just shedrowed this morning (ridden in the shedrow in the barn). Better Talk Now was ponied to the track and jogged / galloped once around just to stretch his legs. Both look well and are in good order for their races. Adrian also caught up with Barclay (Tagg) who reported Showing Up was in good form. I think he flew in on thursday.
We had three visitors to Fair Hill today. Jazz, Lyn and Lois. It was fun being a host, I hope it was fun / interesting to visit!
Update 426: I was hoping to hear back from Jeannine Edwards (and may still do so yet) re: ABCs racing coverage today. The following is an excerpt of an e-mail she sent to me a couple of days ago:
we are not showing the secretariat, it's after we are off the air. we ARE showing the beverly d, arlington million, sword dancer (SAR) and vanderbilt (SAR). we may do a quick interview with the jacksons, not sure yet. there will be a barbaro update.
Its a shame we won't get to see the Secretariat (The Jackson's Showing Up's race) but it would be great if they were to interview the Jackson's! Lets see.
The following Bloodhorse article previews the Arlington Million: Many Obstacles in Million for English Channel which includes the following excerpt:
The leading quartet must face seven other worthy challengers in Saturday's Arlington Million XXIV. Among them: Bushwood Racing Partners' Better Talk Now, who won the 2004 John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf at Lone Star Park, last summer's United Nations, and was fourth in last summer's Arlington Million.
The Arlington Million I believe was the first million dollar race in the US. It was the first older horse US race that I really took notice of when growing up in the UK. European trainers have had a good degree of success in the race. I do remember when Teleprompter won the race!
Update 425: Thank you to those of you who contributed to my dinner tonight at the Whip. Very thoughtful, if unecessary. Tomorrow will be a busy day. We will have a few visitors coming to Fair Hill. I am looking forward to hopefully providing a couple of hours of "entertainment". For those coming, just plan to be at Parlo 1 at 8 am. If you arrive early, then park by the starting gate and hang around there until 8. The starting gate is the first thing you will see as you drive in from the 213 entrance. Parlo 1 is then the first barn after the starting gate. If you are late, still plan to come to Parlo 1 and ask for me. Someone will tell you what's going on, you may just have to wait around for a while. As far as I know i'll have 3 horses to ride after the break (8:45 am) and perhaps one at 8 (not sure yet). If not one at 8 we can use the time to look around a little. Feel free to come tomorrow, or another saturday, whether you have told me you are coming or not. If you have any trouble finding us call me.
Update 424: Peter Brette just called and Bobby seems to have had another good day. There is also a lovely thank you from New Bolton Center: Thank You and Kennett Florist left this note:
Just got back from NBC. We loaded them up with treats for Bobby for the weekend. Dr Sweeney reassured me and also wanted to let you know that they ARE getting to Bobby. She had someone bring a basket up to him as I was there. I admire this lady more and more each day.
I was talking to one of the staff and they were thinking about planting a "Barbaro Garden" of bulbs, so in the srping they could be reminded of him with beautiful colors and flowers. I think this is a wonderful ideas, and will try to get my hands on some bulbs.
We have stud muffins on the way! So we will include those in the baskets next week. I was told on Wednesday by one of the guys that works with Bobby, that he really likes them. Anything the boy wants... the boy gets!! Love to you all!
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel at Kennett Florist
Update 423: Another comfortable night for Barbaro (thursday night), and a good morning. Peter has just visited and called to let me know (2:15 pm). Again he was upbeat. I asked him about the roses (traditionally worn after the Derby win). Apparently there were roses to wear after the Florida Derby win, he did not want anything to do with those, so for the KY Derby they did not want to push it. They did do something for a couple of quick pictures (I think Edgar jumped off for those), but that was it.
update, friday, 2:25 pm
Update 422: Mike has written the next portion of "The Call":
"In an amazing turn of events here today , the horses are into the far turn and now BARBARO is making another move", shouts Durkin. You can sense the emotion in his baritone voice. It's a dual emotion of amazement and AWE. He knows that this is no ordinary race, and what he and all are witnessing is no ordinary horse. " For the first time Prado goes to his whip and BARBARO RESPONDS WITH A TREMENDOUS MOVE", hails Durkin," you can see the confidence now in this horse with every stride". Edgar tucks the whip away and begins to hand ride him as he passes horses on the outside, devouring the track and the opposition with a sublime display of raw power. He's now 8th, 7th, 6th, 5th, BARBARO HAS MOVED INTO 4TH with a big swooping move and looks like there's no stopping him now . It seems like seconds ago Edgar was in a life and death hold on this horse, but now BARBARO IS ON THE MOVE.....
(Mike perhaps post the entire call to the discussion boards ?)
There have been a few questions about the history of Fair Hill. This pre-Preakness article discusses Fair Hill and its history: Fair Hill provides Barbaro a peaceful home.
A nice article on Showing Up that also has a couple of Barbaro mentions: Not here just for show: Barbaro's stablemate Showing Up favored in Secretariat Stakes. The Barbaro mentions are:
"Barbaro is doing as well as can be expected," Roy Jackson said. "The main thing is to try to save him so he has a pain-free life. It's sort of going day by day. We have a special feeling for Barbaro because we bred him and raised him."
and
"They're only a 3-year-old once," Tagg said. "I decided to make the switch [to the grass] because I thought Barbaro would win the Triple Crown. I can't imagine he'd have beaten Barbaro [who went into the Preakness undefeated in six races]. I thought Showing Up might have a chance to be the [national] champion turf horse."
A relatively belated start and the ability to run on both dirt and turf are the common denominators in the careers of Showing Up and Barbaro, who won his first three starts on the grass before moving to the main track.
Now, the torch that Barbaro carried has been passed to Showing Up.
Update 421: Peter is planning to visit Barbaro today, a little later, so I will get a quick report of his visit probably mid afternoon. He did speak to Michael this morning, but they did not discuss Bobby, so while I am unable to report that Bobby had a comfortable night (yet) I imagine if otherwise it would have been a topic of conversation. At least that is what Peter, Emily, Grae and I discussed when I asked Peter about Bobby. Peter did mention Bobby had a nice massage last night and the end of day report was very positive.
Update 420: A few have already commented on the note left on the site referenced in update 419 which indicated Bobby did not want anything to do with the roses after winning his Derby. This is confirmed here. I will also ask Peter about it when I get back to Fair Hill.
It was another beautiful morning this morning riding out. I have ridden five, and have two more to go. The first set, coming out about 5:25 am, you can see the track and clocker's stand silhouetted by the moon. As I was walking towards the track I could see about five horses jogging backwards (i.e. clockwise). This was Michael Matz's crew, again they were only lit by the moon. Its a very peaceful time of the morning.
On to the weekend racing. Graham (Motion) has Sweet Science in today in a stake at Saratoga. He is also shipping Better Talk Now (Arlington Million) and Film Maker (Beverly D) to Chicago today. They will van down to BWI and then fly to Chicago. Adrian Rolls (he led up Last Suspect to win the National a long time ago), assistant to Graham (and good friend) will be overseeing the shipping. I will call Adrian tomorrow to see how things are after both horses take a look at the race track.
Update 419: Michael Matz is still in Saratoga, I think he is returning on sunday, so again, the morning update will be closer to lunchtime. Here is another nice painting of Barbaro, which will be auctioned for charity: Thoroughbred Charities of America (December 1). I have added another update to the Fan Media page which includes the two latest Barbaro videos from Youtube.
Thankfully Mike Rea is continuing along his long road to recover: Hello Everyone.
And finally, two poems:
The first, mysteriously dictated by Bobby to Melissa Harden:
Song of the Thoroughbred
By
Bobby Jackson
(Dictated to Melissa Harden)
Some run for the joy of it, some for the glory
Those who think otherwise, don't know the whole story
Some run to win races and that is their pleasure
Then some others that run just run at their leisure.
We love to run like the wind, that is our nature
And to run with the wind, what couldn't be greater.
From those who finish last to the noblest of steeds,
We are born and raised to run, for that is our breed.
If you watch us as youngsters, we're not standing still.
We are all running free, for that is our own will.
If all of you who doubt, would watch us in pastures,
While we're playing our games, to see who is faster,
Don't any of you doubt a thoroughbred's great heart.
All those of you who do, are so wrong from the start.
I still run in my dreams and will run when I'm healed.
It might not be as fast but; run someway I will.
We're magnificent creatures; - "Boy, don't we know it."
And if you should doubt that , then you should just stowe it.
So all of you "Neigh-sayers" should just go away
Let me get back to healing and eating my hay.
The second, posted on the discussion boards: http://forums.delphiforums.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=127.1:
A Longed For Dream
Hopes so high that day, it seemed;
fulfillment of a longed for dream.
Raw burst of power, away you went;
another victory evident.
Then fate stepped in that one cruel day,
and stole the longed for dream away.
Confusion, fear, shown on your face;
am I not still to win this race?
An angel then lept quickly down,
concerned no longer with the crown.
And held you with such steely will,
in great attempts to keep you still.
The masses stood with heads bowed low;
your future they did fear to know.
But love stepped in and would not bend;
that day for you came not the end.
Delivered to a healer good,
who did what others seldom would.
There now is hope, where once was none,
although much yet need still be done.
Your courage, strength, unending grace,
will serve you well this final race.
A champion's heart you do possess;
Victorious! and nothing less.
The day will come to greet blue skies
and sunshine with your soulful eyes.
Let warm winds soothe and comfort you,
for all your pain and strife is through.
God graces you, each day, you see;
He gives you now new destiny.
A longed for dream desired so...
the dream IS YOU, sweet Barbaro.
- Sandra Gehri-Bergman
Good Morning!!! I am sure we will hear about another comfortable night!!
Posted by: Lynda Pellitteri From SE Texas at August 11, 2006 9:32 AM