Barbaro Updates: 67
updates are now here.
Update 609: A report from Kennett Florist (timestamp: 6:36pm):
Afternoon Everyone,
All is quiet this afternoon. The town hall meeting that was scheduled for this morning that we were going to bring treats for was postponed. We did bring some treats for the staff and our beloved boy. I'm still a little gun shy around those darn green tops. The stitches come out today!! LOL
The carrots were heading right up to Barbaro.
Anyway, also wanted to let you know we're planning a trip to Elkton, MD next Tuesday, September 12. It's just an FYI. Thanks again for all your calls and emails!
WE BELIEVE!!
Martine posted in the comments a conversation she had with the Fog's owner (timestamp 9:10 pm):
I had a nice conversation yesterday with Lost in the Fog's owner, Harry Aleo. Mr. Aleo is a very sweet man who took time -- at a time when things are obviously quite hectic -- to talk about the Fog and what a fighter is! Mr. Aleo was gracious and touched by the interest of others in LITF. Great guy, great horse. Best wishes to both of them!
Anyone that reads the comments below today can be nothing but impressed with everyones efforts for tomorrow's vote. Amazing. Vigil tonight, 7pm, east coast time.
Update 608: Barbaro remains comfortable. This took a while today, but Peter did just call (3:10 pm). He had Barbaro out grazing for 15 - 20 minutes, no problems at all. It was the first time Peter had grazed him so that was good!
Update 607: Still no Barbaro update, but just got off the phone with Peter. He is going over to visit this afternoon. Michael asked him to take Bobby out to graze, so I plan to get an update later from Peter.
Update 606: Still no morning report for Barbaro. I spoke to Barclay Tagg to get updates on Showing Up and Funny Cide. Showing up shedrowed today, which is very typical the day after a work. They all remain pleased with him going into the Man o' War on saturday. Funny Cide did his first bit of exercise since the Woodward on saturday. He jogged a mile. He felt good, the rider was very happy with the way he was moving, so at this stage he does not appear to have suffered any ill effects from his Woodward race.
The Thoroughbred Times has this article on the vote for tomorrow: Close vote predicted on horse slaughter bill, excerpt:
"I think it's changing by the moment," said Charles Stenholm, who was the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee for six years. "It's going to be a very close vote. There's no question about that."
Update 605: Saw Michael Matz going on to the woodchip track for my first set this morning. He let me know that for the next few days he'll have to provide me evening reports from his visit with Barbaro the night before as Dr. Richardson is away at a seminar for a few days. Michael's evening report from last night (tuesday) is that Bobby was comfortable and all remains well. He visited about 8pm.
For whatever reason, I forgot one of my gloves this morning...my left hand glove. This is the hand that holds on to everything (neck strap, mane, and reins). So this might be a problem! But we survived the first set intact. And now about to get on Chappy. I will endeavour to post a report on Barbaro later today as I am able.
updated wednesday 6:55am
Update 604: Kennett Florist's report of their NBC visit yesterday (timestamp 1:03pm):
So glad to be back today!! There was so much to catch up with that I never got a chance to post until late tonight. It was so nice to be back at NBC today. (Good grief, what will I do when Barbaro goes home?) We welcomed everyone back from their long weekend with pizza and salad for lunch. Everyone expressed their gratitude for your kindness. We brought up a big basket of carrots and pears for the big guy! I can imagine he was wondering where his usual daily delivery of green tops was... "OK, I get that they don't deliver on Sundays, but what's with this long weekend thing?" All kidding aside, when I asked about Barbaro, Iwas told that he had a really good weekend.
Alie went back up later with a special delivery for a special friend, some apples, carrots and treats for the blood donor horses, and some other treats for the two legged beasts. I got to make a trip to Fair Hill, with goodies for Michael Matz, Peter, Alex, Tim and Dr Anderson.
Again, thank you all for everything you do... the candles, prayers, tributes, poems, jokes, etc. It truly is nice to be HOME!
WE BELIEVE!!
Having bolted out of Fair Hill early yesterday (drenched) I am now excited to return!
Miraculous Miss is back in the entries, 11th race at Delaware Park on saturday. It has been a long road to get her back after the Acorn gate incident. I will be going over to Delaware Park, it is a great days racing altogether saturday.
Bluegrass Cat is adapting to his new life on a farm: Bluegrass Cat adapts to life off the track, relevant excerpt:
The son of Storm Cat (the Kentucky Derby runner-up and winner of $1.8 million) was happily bedded down in his new home, munching hay, when I paid a visit this past week.
He turned to the door and seemed happy to see people. No doubt the transition from Todd Pletcher's busy racing stable to being the only horse inside the barn during the day has taken some adjusting on Bluegrass Cat's part.
He'll get 30 days in the stall while healing begins on the non-displaced fracture of his right hind pastern. He will not need surgery.
After the stall rest will come 30 days of walking for exercise. For now, he's wearing a thick bandage wrapped around his leg to protect the fracture.
Finally one day to go for the anti horse-slaughter bill. We will have a vigil tonight, 7 pm (east coast time) for the passing of the bill. A list has been compiled of those not on board with the bill: List of Reps that are NOT for the bill. And we have this lovely poem: My Poem and Plea for HR503:
Help me find the words, Dear Lord, to reach the heart of man
That each will hear this message and will clearly understand.
To some, it may be humble prayer for those who can not pray
To others, a voice of wisdom that can end unspoken pain.
Each and every person bears a gift to stop this crime
All were born and living just to be here at this time.
It doesn't matter who you are or where you've stood before
An open heart is all you need to close this fateful door.
Time is of the essence lest another thousand fall
In excruciating slaughter, born of greed and hidden gall.
Captive bolt and bleeding while the others watch in fear
Sold for wealthy foreign appetites, when will Our Country hear?
America's companion who has carried her so far
Across the plains in covered wagons, homestead bound, to farm.
Express mail was a pony, through rain, through sleet, through snow
Throughout this nation's history are hoof prints leading home.
The cowboy's friend and livelyhood, his song beneath the stars
All the pretty horses prance through childhood dreams and hearts.
The bloodhorse is bred and trained to bear our triple crown
An artist gift is born where mare and foal are bedded down.
Please let these words and images move each of us to stand!
It is our duty and our right as stewards in this Land.
Call and write your congressmen on HR503
Let the USA shine proud again from sea to shining sea.
Good morning Bobby & everyone! I hope another good night was had by you, Bobby, as well as another great day ahead! Your candle as well as Fog's will be lit as always is every day!
What a heart-wrenching poem. Thanks for posting the list of reps not supporting this bill, Alex, I have made a very good note of those who will never have my support when they are seeking re-election.
Have a good day everyone, and I hope Bobby gets to see some sunshine to get outside today, enough with the rain!
Posted by: Ruth Ann at September 6, 2006 9:21 AM