Barbaro Updates: 72
updates are now here.
Update 641: Here is today's release from New Bolton Center: Barbaro improving slowly and steadily
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is improving slowly and steadily according to veterinarians at Penn's George D. Widener Hospital . "We are pleased with his progress," said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "He is wearing the cast on his right hind limb well; we continue to monitor it closely, and we expect to change the cast and radiograph the leg within the next seven to 10 days."
In addition, Barbaro continues to stand comfortably on his laminitic left hind foot. "The left hind foot is progressing well, especially as it grows down from the coronary band," said Dr. Richardson. "However, we remain cautious, because Barbaro will still need several more months of healing before we'll know how well the overall hoof structure can be restored."
Barbaro continues to be hand-grazed daily, and his vital signs and appetite are excellent.
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania's George D. Widener Hospital, where he is recovering from injuries suffered at the Preakness on May 20.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, September 19 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.
I am still hoping to hear from Peter after he visits. His visit was delayed by a little racing I think. I did manage to go to Mike Rea's birthday party. He looked great, is all I can say. I was pretty amazed at how well he looked, and he seemed a little overwhelmed by the surprise party. Kudos to his family and to Kennett Florist and to you guys for helping make this day special for Mike! It was cool though, I was introduced to the head nurse (the title may be way wrong), and she has been following this site since the Preakness. She gave Mike a picture of Barbaro for his birthday, very cool.
Update 640: Still no update on Barbaro, but Peter did talk to Michael, and since the topic did not come up Peter is assuming things are status quo. Peter is planning to visit this afternoon so I will call him back later today to get an update.
Happy birthday to Mike Rea, will plan on being at the party: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON-BABY BROTHER-HUSBAND-FATHER.
Update 639: Still waiting for an update on Barbaro. In the meantime I called Barclay Tagg to get an update on Showing Up after his race in the Man o' War, and to see how Funny Cide was progressing. Barclay said Showing Up came out of his race well. He was not disappointed with his run, he ran well (of course he would have liked to have won)! I did not ask Barclay what the current plan is. Funny Cide did a little easy breeze today (so he is obviously doing well after the Woodward.) Barclay said they were considering the Brooklyn Handicap for Funny Cide, a grade 2 at Belmont, on saturday.
A nice article on Barbaro, everyones fascination with his progress, and this site: Barbaro and the 9-11 Connection, the following is an excerpt:
We all began to breathe more easily after the horse's long surgery. Baskets of flowers, carrots, cards, and monetary donations deluged the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania vet school, where Barbaro remains stabled in intensive care. A fund was started in his honor. We rejoiced when he was briefly reunited with the jockey who undoubtedly saved his life, Edgar Prado, and when he was courted by the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Update 638: The initial update on Barbaro will again be delayed (due to Michael being in Keeneland). I hope to get an update by lunchtime today (tuesday). New Bolton is scheduled to release an update today too.
Its a lovely morning this morning at Fair Hill. A little on the crisp side. Thus far I have ridden four horses, all two year olds. One was having his first little work this morning (open gallop a quarter) and another was galloping for the first time since his first little work (open gallop an eighth). Its the time when two year olds are starting to learn their trade. They have done some gate work and now are starting to realize what everything is about. Before coming to Fair Hill many are broken at farms that specialize in educating young race horses. The following article discusses where Barbaro was broken before coming into training: Stephens Thoroughbreds helped shape a Derby win. The following is an excerpt:
John Stephens remembered Barbaro as "always being a very nice horse with a good mind and who did everything easily." He won't tell you that he knew the colt was Kentucky Derby bound. "We definitely thought he'd be a very good racehorse," he said. "But there's no way you can tell if a horse is going to go on to be a great horse."
The Stephenses attended the Kentucky Derby, their first such trip, as guests of the Jacksons. They cheered on Barbaro with what Stephens described as "contained excitement" and joined the celebration in the winner's circle.
"We have been so fortunate to have great clients," said Stephens, 45. "The Jacksons have been so wonderful to us. They flew into Ocala just before the Florida Derby, came out to the farm to watch their horses gallop, then took us on their plane to Miami for the Florida Derby. That was a great experience, but the Kentucky Derby was an unbelievable experience. I'm still having trouble believing it really happened."
And now to return to Fair Hill to ride three more (one of whom is not a two year old).
Update 637: Its Mike Rea's birthday tomorrow, and Kennett Florist have helped organize a party for him thanks to your generosity. Rachel left a comment (timestamp: 8:12 pm):
We are still trying to sort out all the things we are planning for Mike's Rea's Birthday! We're hoping that they have some friends from Fair Hill there tomorrow at 1:00. We've ordered the cake and I have 3 different people going in different directions tonight looking for gifts that we've decided on, with the help of Nancy, Mike's sister. The cake is ordered and my hubby is picking up the ice cream and a bulk box of peanut M&M's. We are looking forward to some lightness after all the other news. I will take pictures tomorrow and hopefully have a way to share them!
With all the other craziness, we had to send the driver to NBC today. All sounded well when I talked to Dr Sweeney today, and we are gearing up for the Town Hall meeting that we are hosting a donut and coffee hour before... that will include the entire facility!! (something that has never been done)
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel at Kennett Florist
I saw flyers about the party in the barns at Fair Hill this morning so I am hoping Mike will get a lot of people visiting tomorrow afternoon!
Whose who in racing is in Keeneland for the sales. Michael Matz and the Jackson's are there. Here are a few reports from the first day: Daily Racing Form: Storm Cat colt brings $8.2 million, Bloodhorse: Son of Storm Cat Hits $8.2 Million at Keeneland and Thoroughbred Times: Keeneland near record-setting pace again after first session. It seems its the usual battle at the very top of the market: Godolphin versus Coolmore.
Update 636: We have uploaded four new pictures. The featured image of Barbaro was taken a week or so before the Preakness, at Fair Hill. There is a photo of Lost in the Fog a week before the Breeders' Cup last year and a photo of Miraculous Miss on the Paddock at Delaware on saturday before her impressive win. Each of these images was taken by Lydia Williams: Theshedrow.com. I met Lydia at Delaware Park on saturday and introduced myself. I explained I was part of this site and she gladly agreed to send the pictures (and take one of Miraculous Miss for us). The fourth picture is from Wendy, from her visit to Lost in the Fog on saturday.
You can see all the images at the gallery. Scroll your mouse over an image for a brief explanation.
Update 635: Peter visited Barbaro with Eduardo earlier this afternoon. They gave him a good grooming and Peter remarked that he thought Barbaro really does look well. Another pretty upbeat report on his overall condition. Peter assumes Dr. Richardson will be on grazing duty today.
update 3 pm, monday september 11
Great report Alex,
Thanks so much!
Go Barbaro Go!
Believe in Miracles
Believe in Barbaro
Posted by: Lisa Morin at September 11, 2006 7:15 PM