Barbaro Updates: 143
updates are now here.
Update 1106: As noticed by a few people in the comments, the New Bolton release notes only a light cotton bandage supporting Barbaro's right hind leg (makes no mention of splints). When I visited Barbaro I also noticed this. I decided not to mention it at the time, I thought I would wait for New Bolton to make this information available.
Update 1105: The New Bolton update for Barbaro: Barbaro steadily improving
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to improve following the removal of his right hind leg cast on November 6, according to his medical team. "Barbaro is steadily gaining strength on his right hind limb now that it is out of the cast," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "He is only wearing a very light cotton bandage on that leg and both walks and stands well on it." Barbaro's lower right hind leg had been in a cast since surgery at Penn's George D. Widener Hospital following his accident at the Preakness on May 20. "Radiographs of his fractured lower limb were taken yesterday and look excellent," said Dr. Richardson.
Barbaro's left hind foot, which had laminitis, continues to improve. "The left hind foot is improving gradually and has a long way to go although his comfort on that foot remains surprisingly good," said Dr. Richardson. "Barbaro's attitude and appetite remain excellent, and he still takes short walks outside to graze each day if the weather permits."
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, December 12, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.
Update 1104: For Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, would you vote for Barbaro or Dr. Richardson ? Both appear to have compelling cases. December 4 we will know.
Update 1103: It has taken a long time, and who knows, it might be temporary, but as I type this site is on the first page of search results on google for both Barbaro and barbaro.
Alie, from Kennett Florist left this upbeat comment (timestamp: 5:36 pm):
Hello All
What a beautiful day here in Kennett Square. I just returned from NBC. They were very busy. Lots of people coming in and out. The mood was extremely up. I was greeted by happy faces & even a couple hugs. Mrs. Jackson was visiting & had her bag of grass, for the boss horse. She is just a wonderful lady. I talked to Dr Sweeney we decided where the tree is going to go, in the lobby. Have a great day.
God Bless
We Believe
Alie
Update 1102: Mrs. Jackson just called. Barbaro remains comfortable. Mrs. Jackson had just visited. He was laying down as she was leaving. Of course she brought him his cut grass. There will be an update today from New Bolton.
I did see Peter early this morning before he left for Florida. He will take a couple of days off as he, Kim and Nicholas get re-situated for the "winter". It is a lovely day today again at Fair Hill (and New Bolton I assume). I don't think it could be warmer for this time of year. Seven sets, and I was wishing I had not had the long johns on later in the morning.
update 12:30 pm, tuesday, november 28
Update 1101: Sue McMullen is keeping up with Ouija Board's travels:
Ouija Board has arrived in Hong Kong safely and is reported to be in fine fettle ahead of her bid to win the Hong Kong Vase, one of the Cathay Pacific International races on December 10. She won this race last year and it will be her final appearance on a racecourse. Ouija's amazing run to claim third in the Japan Cup behind what is for many people the world's best turf horse, Deep Impact, adds yet another glittering result to her resume and when she bows out in a couple of weeks time, racing will certainly miss her. Described as positively thriving on all the travelling she does and being in new places, this incredible mare is now on her last jaunt and it will be interesting to see how she eventually settles down to a serene life in the paddocks.
Update 1100: Another great article, this one documenting Barbaro's journey: Barbaro: America's Horse Continues to Beat the Odds Six Months Later. It includes the following excerpt:
Regardless of whether Barbaro is able to recover sufficiently to cover a mare and produce colts and fillies, his sad injury has brought about some remarkably positive events. Through Alex Brown's postings on Fair Hill trainer Tim Woolley's website at http://www.timwoolleyracing.com, thousands of the popular bay colt's fans check in each day hoping to read of any change, positive or negative, in his condition. They maintain a lively comment board and refer to themselves as "Friends of Barbaro"--FOBs. This band of fervent animal lovers has become a force to reckon with as far as mobilizing the public and elected officials regarding animal-friendly issues such as recent anti-horse slaughter legislation. And the horrific and highly-publicized injuries of Barbaro and dozens of other thoroughbreds recently have led track owners to consider using new, improved materials such as Polytrack.
Keep up the good work "Fans" of Barbaro and keep calling!
Jeannette received a Call from Harry J. Aleo--Lost in the Fog.
The Barbaro update will again be after training hours.
GOOD MORNING ALEX and all FOB's. Thanks Alex, for the good articles and updates. They are always very well written and interesting.
I wish Michael Matz and Peter Brette a good trip to Florida, a wonderful winter stay there and much success. I'm sure they have mixed emotions about leaving, but I'm also certain they'll make time to come up to visit Barbaro whenever they can in the coming months..
Looking forward to a very positive update today from New Bolton!
What is it they say on the major league baseball commercial..?
"WE LIVE FOR THIS!"
Posted by: Christine at November 28, 2006 11:01 AM