Barbaro Updates: 88
updates are now here.
Update 740: Sue McMullen sent an e-mail which highlights the fantastic racing we have from Longchamp on sunday:
A feast of racing in Europe this weekend, culminating in Sunday's Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, a mile and a half Turf race at Longchamp, France's premier track, which offers as much of a challenge in terms of its undulations as Epsom. First run in 1920 in its present form, the Arc is a spin-off from the Grand Prix de Paris which started in 1863 and evolved over the years, adding big prize money which attracted foreign runners and eventually the inclusion of older horses. By 1920 it was decided to 'rebrand' the race by creating a prestigious international event, a decision made by a committee that included the British Ambassador and the French racing authorities, so the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe was born, named after soldiers that served in the Great War.
The Arc weekend now offers a total purse of 4.5 million euros, with 2 million going to the winner of the Arc, a seriously prestigious race, which continues to be hyped as Europe's premier, all-aged Flat race, certainly over this distance. But it could also be argued that the Arc is the premier event for this distance at this time of the year, as nowadays the all-aged King George run at Ascot in July would also be a major target for a middle-distance horse. For example, Hurricane Run, last year's winner of the Arc, won this year's King George and will take some beating on Sunday.
In terms of this race's position in the racing calendar (outside the US), it would be the principal end of season target for a mile and a half turf horse, with the Breeders' Cup an option thereafter. It is unlikely that a European horse good enough to be a major contender for the Arc, would bypass this race and head straight for the Breeders' Cup. Ideally, they would be able to do both but the Arc is a very tough race to be a mere prep for the Breeders Cup. Having said that, it didn't exactly slow down the awesome High Chaparral who ran third in two Arcs, before winning both his Breeders' Cups. But it's a possible case of what might have been the year Sakhee, one of the toughest horses in training, won the Arc and just 20 days later went down a nose to Tiznow in the Classic at Belmont, on a surface that didn't suit him.
The Arc field is limited to 18, but given the nature of the track, a field of that size will inevitably result in hard luck stories and just occasionally, the race throws up a result that leaves a bit of head scratching. But it takes a very good horse to win, combining speed and stamina in equal measure and in its 84 runnings has seen some of the finest turf horses in the world added to the roll of honour. This year, just 8 go to post and while there have been some defections due to the going, the top three, Hurricane Run, Deep Impact and Shirocco stand their ground.
Just as the Irish are an integral part of the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival in March, adding a vital ingredient to its unique atmosphere, it has to be said that the British and Irish are just as important to the Arc weekend and thousands head off by train or by air, either making a weekend of it, or just going over for Sunday's racing, which also stages the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye, one of Europe's premier Sprints and the Group 1 Prix de l'Opera, limited to fillies and mares and which now includes Mandesha, who at one stage had been a possible for the Arc.
Tomorrow Sue will preview the Arc field. The Arc will also be broadcast on sunday, on HRTV. Of course also tomorrow we have some great racing in the US, broadcast on ESPN, 4 - 6 pm (previewed in update 725).
Update 739: Just spoke to Peter, who had spoken to Michael, who visited about 4:30 pm. Barbaro remains comfortable. Michael mentioned to Peter he was "squealing" ... I guess he saw Michael and assumed he was off to go outside. Anyway, whatever the reason for the squeal, squealing is good!
Update 738: Rachel from Kennett Florist just posted this update (comment timestamp: 9:21 pm):
Just back from NBC. Everyone seems in good spirits today... must be Friday! We had heard Mr B was low on carrots, so we loaded him up for the weekend. We also had a nice big basket of carrots and apples for the donor horses (and goats and pigs, etc). It is such a beautiful cool fall day here... I think it's time for apple picking (although we are up to our elbows in apples here these days :)... guess I'll have to bring some in the form of a pie!). Hope eveyone has a great weekend!
Also, wanted to thank each and every one who has worked so hard with S.1915. We're trying to do what we can at this end. Keep up the fight!
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel at Kennett Florist
I also wanted to post another beautiful poem: We Are The Horses.
Update 737: A great AP article from Rich Rosenblatt: Barbaro an inspiration on and off the race track. I had noted in an earlier update that I met the writer when he was in Fair Hill a couple of days ago (Barbaro nipped his trouser leg). Anyway, here are some excerpts:
"You can just see it in him, he wants to survive," Barbaro's exercise rider Peter Brette said. "He does everything right to allow himself to get better. And he's had a really good month or so now. He's tougher than I gave him credit for."
and
The cast could come off within two weeks and be replaced by a splinted bandage. It remains now because Richardson does not want to add stress on the foot with laminitis. "I'm being very conservative," he said. "The cast would be off the right hind if there was no laminitis in the left hind."
and
"I really believe it's a miracle," Gretchen Jackson said. "Everything has just seemed to come together against incredible odds."
The outpouring of get-well cards, flowers and gifts hasn't let up, either. During his stay, the colt has been sprinkled with holy water and received hundreds of gift baskets and thousands of drawings from children wishing him well. Tens of thousands of e-mails have been sent to the hospital's Web site.
Jackson recalls one that read: "Believe in Barbaro: A Miracle in Progress."
"That about sums it up," he said.
The entire article is a must read.
Update 736: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (thursday night). I saw Peter coming back from my fourth set (Rocky), he had heard from Michael, who had heard from Dr. Richardson. Michael is not at Fair Hill this morning.
Lots of action this morning at Fair Hill, most of which is action you would rather avoid. One loose horse, one run off, all first thing in the morning. I think all involved are fine, but I know from experience, being run off with is the single worst feeling a rider can have. The last time I was run off with it was a stupid mistake on my part, I had forgotten to tighten my girth. I turned my horse round to begin his gallop (I had not ridden him before, and he was supposed to be breezing) and as soon as I did I felt the saddle slip forward on top of his withers. The horse took off, and there was nothing I could do except sit as still as possible and steer the horse to the inside rail. This I did, and we went for a mile and a half, I was then picked up by a pony. Anyway, it was an experience hard to forget.
OK, back to today, Chappy breezed second set, on the woodchip. She went a nice half, finishing strongly. She does seem to like the chips, lets hope she likes the new tapeta surface when it is ready.
update, 8:45 am, friday september 29
Update 735: The morning update for Barbaro will again be a little later, possibly around 8:30 am. Barbara Livingston e-mailed me a link to her Precisionist Album. Barbara also included this commentary in the e-mail:
Precisionist provided me my first Blood-Horse cover over twenty years ago, and the graceful chestnut gelding has been close to my heart since.
He was a brilliant racehorse - a true Hall of Famer - and after retirement he remained classy, tolerant and proud. The lanky chestnut held his head unusually high, with deep-set, brilliant, dark eyes. Those eyes understood the world.
I visited Kentucky for a whirlwind trip (less than 24 hours) Tuesday, and had a few hours to spare before heading to the airport. We decided to swing by Old Friends to see our old buddy Precisionist. We called. They mentioned Precisionist was failing, and nothing more could be done for him. The staff still allowed us to visit.
There stood Precisionist, resting against Michael Blowen as Michael rubbed Precisionist's 'special spots.' The famous gelding, in obvious discomfort, eased under Michael's touch. When Michael ceased rubbing him, Precisionist's ears flicked back. Michael kept rubbing. Several volunteers stood vigil nearby, tending to Precisionist's every need. Tears were rubbed away.
Precisionist eventually made it clear he wanted to rest and was led back to his sunlit stall, laid thick with straw. Staff volunteers brought him first-rate alfalfa and cleaned, cut carrots. After resting awhile, Precisionist dipped his head to eat.
Before leaving, I peered through the stall rungs. Precisionist was watching me. I looked into those soulful eyes one last time and said, 'Thank you, old boy.'
Precisionist was euthanized the following day and laid to rest at Old Friends.
He was so beloved, gallant, proud and beautiful; and Old Friends treated him like the champion he was. They understood.
Hi Alex,
Those pictures are beautiful. I write this with tears streaming down my face. What a proud and soulful horese. Those eyes say it all. I am so glad he was surrounded by such wonderful people. I wish every horse had the same love and care that he did when the end draws near. A peaceful goodbye.
Thanks
Posted by: Trish in NC at September 29, 2006 10:28 AM