Barbaro Updates: 165
updates are now here.
Update 1232: Merry Christmas! My christmas begins by heading in to Fair Hill to ride Hawty Creek. A couple of nice Christmas articles:
Jack Ireland writes: Here's hoping Barbaro is Horse of Year. Of course we would all like that here I think! Realistically its not too likely but I think he clearly performed most impressively on a single day (KY Derby) and is now capturing everyone's imagination with his performance in his most important race.
Steve Haskin writes: Merry Christmas, Barbaro. It includes the following excerpt:
"Barbaro's been receiving lot of Christmas cards and holiday cards," said Jennifer Rench, New Bolton's marketing and communication coordinator. "He received a beautiful winter blanket from Churchill Downs with his name and the Derby logo embroidered on it. And his fans sent a Christmas tree for Barbaro and for New Bolton Center with beautiful glass hand-painted ornaments on it. On each one is a fan's name and where they're from. The tree is in the lobby of the hospital.
"Gift baskets have been coming pretty much every day, filled with carrots, apples, peppermints, and horse treats for Barbaro, and for the other patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Barbaro loves peppermints. Last week, he received a gorgeous wreath made out of carrots. It was really incredible. Some people have also sent gift baskets for the staff, containing things like coffee and chocolate."
Update 1231: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (saturday night). Mrs. Jackson just called after her morning visit with Barbaro.
update 9:00 am, sunday, december 24
Update 1230: Japanese superstar Deep Impact is now retired after a facile win in his final start: DEEP MAKES LASTING IMPACT. Lets hope he can follow in his father's footsteps and become a sensational stallion.
Update 1229: This is the article Mike Jensen was working on when I caught up with him at New Bolton last week: Barbaro could receive the best present of all. It includes the following excerpt:
Sweeney pointed to a peppermint wreath in the corner of her office, and Churchill Downs sent a winter blanket for the recovering Kentucky Derby winner.
Other fans have written Christmas carols for Barbaro and sent them to New Bolton. Someone delivered a wreath made of baby organic carrots and a Christmas tree of green apples.
He has also received a custom-made halter, an embroidered blanket, a Santa hat, and even his own stocking.
And what else do you get for the horse who has everything?
"There's now a star named Barbaro and a star named New Bolton Center," Sweeney said. Both are in Constellation Hercules, named and paid for by "Grandma Bea" in the Poconos.
When I was visiting Barbaro yesterday someone mentioned a lovely bouquet of yellow roses had recently been delivered. As I was getting ready to leave I saw another gift arrive (more edible).
Update 1228: My fifth visit with Barbaro.
Today I was to meet Tom (the Jackson's farm manager) and make sure I am familiar with everything that needs to be done with Barbaro as the plan is for me to substitute for Tom on Christmas day. I got to New Bolton a little early so I could hang another poster on the outside fence. Once completed I went to the ICU. I was not sure if Tom was already inside so I put on the appropriate wear and went inside. Tom was not there yet, and Barbaro was fast asleep. I left him be and went back outside to wait.
Tom arrived shortly thereafter along with his wife Kathy. We had quick introductions and then went inside. Tom went to work with Barbaro, cleaning him up and getting him ready to go outside. Once he was ready I led Barbaro outside and we walked up to his grazing spot and he dropped his head to graze. Tom Kathy and I were chit chatting as Barbaro continued to graze (talking about Barbaro of course). I then led Barbaro around for about five minutes and then continued to let him graze. It was a nice bright afternoon with a bit of a breeze. Barbaro has a blanket on when he goes outside and is just very relaxed. We stayed out for about forty minutes in total, I then led him back inside to his stall.
Once inside I tied Barbaro back up and Tom went back to work tidying him up. Along the way I met a couple more of the staff working in the ICU, one of whom will also be there for christmas day. Another very pleasant visit with a very cool horse. We left Barbaro at about 2:45 pm (having arrived at just after 1 pm) and I am making this update from New Bolton before heading up to New York for the afternoon.
Gator Nation was fourth at Laurel today, only just beaten for third. Tim said he cooled out well after the race.
Update 1227: Mrs. Jackson called (11 am) after her morning visit with Barbaro. Barbaro remains comfortable. He was laying down when Mrs. Jackson arrived, he got up and enjoyed his Lael grass.
update 11:35 am, saturday, december 23
YES!!!! Another ACN. thanks, Alex. thanks. Mrs. Jackson.
GROW HOOF GROW!!!!
Lisa in Colorado
Posted by: Lisa Leach at December 23, 2006 4:38 PM