Barbaro Updates: 43

updates are now here.

Update 437: For fun: We have a cartoon caption contest at: Just for FUN, a Contest. The deadline for entries is 2 pm eastern time, august 23rd. We look forward to your creativity / imagination. Thanks Anna for putting this together.

We have another Arlington Million Report: Arlington Million Day Wonderful and "landesign" also took some pictures, available on snapfish. Some great ones of Showing Up, Film Maker, the Jacksons, Better Talk Now, and more!

And finally a limerick from Susan E (timestamp: 7:16pm):

A LIMERICK FOR BOBBY, PART II

So Bobby went out in the sun,
To the delight of everyone.
He nibbled and grazed,
In the sunshine he lazed,
Another race Bobby has won.

Update 436: Another comfortable day for Bobby, just spoke to Peter. He was unable to visit today but had heard from Michael. It does appear that all in all, this has been a good week. Despite that, we do need to remember that we have a long way to go, we should however be thankful for the progress that we are hearing.
update sunday, 6:30 pm

Update 435: Jeannine Edwards just e-mailed me this note to provide more information on her interview with the Jackson's yesterday at the Arlington Million (the transcript of the interview has been transcribed by Jean i the comments, see her comment timestamped: 2:44 below):

Just wanted to follow-up on the interview I did with them yesterday and add a few tidbits for the site if you're interested and if it isn't old news by now.... Gretchen and Roy were kind enough to come down to the paddock at Arlington earlier in the day and do a taped interview with me for the 3pm CT ABC telecast. They were very upbeat about Barbaro's current condition. They both said they thought it was the end when Dean told them Barbaro had foundered badly in the LH foot. They said everyone, including Dean, was crying. Gretchen said Dean has really fallen in love with Barbaro, and that there is only one other horse that he ever became really attached to.... an Arabian stallion that also had alot of charisma and intelligence. The Jacksons said they are so pleased with how Barbaro has kept the fighting spirit and appears to be turning a corner. He is no longer on continual IV drips, the epidural is out, he just receives some pain management shots. He's spending less time in the sling. And it was Dean's idea to take Barbaro out for grass the other day.... Gretchen said they were all there visiting and out of the blue Dean said "Let's take him outside!" So out he marched (Dean leading him), eyes wide and eager, and Roy said Barbaro just stood there looking around for a few minutes, just taking it all in, before finally dropping his head to graze. My interpretation of that would be Barbaro thinking "Where the hell am I, and has it really been 3 months since I've seen daylight???" :) The Jacksons both said Michael has tirelessly gone to see Barbaro every day.... he is so personally and emotionally invested in his horse's ordeal. Roy said he continues to be amazed at the interest in and outpouring of support for Barbaro's condition.... they simply can not believe it. He said it is baffling, but wonderful. And they are happy to help keep the world informed of how Barbaro is doing, because they know how people are yearning for updates. And one other note.... The Jacksons said they visit timwoolleyracing.com!! It's official, you guys have become the Go-To Site for Barbaro!! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Jacksons for graciously spending some time with me yesterday afternoon and sharing some of their personal thoughts on Barbaro. And congratulations on a wonderful victory by Showing Up!

Update 434: Just spoke to Peter. He has not visited yet today, and today's update will likely be later this afternoon. He did note Bobby had a good day the remainder of the day yesterday.

Here is a nice article on Tin Man's win yesterday in the Arlington Million: A horse that's all heart.

I have also been meaning to note Bernadini's breeze on friday as he prepares for the Travers Stakes. It seemed like a nice "maintenance breeze": Bernardini strong in first workout back in a nice leisurely 1:03.48 for the five furlongs. I imagine this breeze was designed just to get some wind into him and stretch his legs. He will likely have one or two more breezes before the Travers.

It also looks like Funny Cide is getting closer to running again: Funny Cide prepares for the Saratoga Woodward.

Update 433: No update yet this morning. I think Peter Brette is planning a visit to Barbaro so will try to catch up with him a little later. Gloria wrote this report of her visit to the Arlington Million yesterday: Arlington Million day report. Thanks Gloria, and for those going racing, it is great to read about your experiences.

Here is another nice review of Showing Ups race yesterday: Showing Up wins Secretariat Stakes. Clearly like everyone else, Marcus Hersh really had Bobby on his mind (thanks JS).

Its always nice to hear from people from afar following Barbaro's progress. This comment was left (updates 42 timestamp 11:44):

Greetings from Sydney Australia!!! Even though I'm half way around the world I continue to check on Barbaro. I am heading to the Hunter Valley today which is supposed to be THE place for the Australian racehorses - hope to catch a horseback ride while I'm there.

Julie