Barbaro Updates: 196
updates are now here.
Update 1432: While this has been a very tough week (we english guys are known for being a little understated at times), racing does continue and some standouts are running this weekend. 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor is at Gulfstream (Horse of Year Invasor Returns in Donn Handicap) as the highweight in the Donn Handicap. Also at Gulfstream NoBiz Like ShowBiz and Scat Daddy clash in the Holy Bull (won last year in the slop by Barbaro) and Eclipse Award winner Miesque's Approval returns. Finally "First Saturday in May" star Brother Derek tries again at Santa Anita.
A couple more recent Barbaro articles:
Losing Barbaro
Derby Fever: 2006 Was All About Barbaro
Update 1431: From Dr. Kathy Anderson:
Dear Fans of Barbaro:
Although I have communicated with you indirectly through Alex and this blog I am writing to you now to share some of my thoughts and emotions at the end of Barbaro's journey through life. First, I would like to thank all who energized and galvanized our will to see this journey through --- your frequent messages and notes were very appreciated and a constant reminder of just how many people were touched by Barbaro, the warrior horse.
So, what of Barbaro? Please be reassured that throughout his hospitalization, and indeed his life, Barbaro remained in charge --- his eye did not dim nor did his spirit waver until the last. Most of you have come to know him intimately through your research but for me the best thing about him was he was first and foremost a horse, an equine hero to be sure, but always a horse with all that is so special of our equine friends. He was kind and talented as a two year old, he became increasingly confident as his fan base increased, and prior to the Preakness I believe there could be no happier horse ... nor human support team.
Following Barbaro's tragic misstep, we staggered with him, but like he, brushed ourselves off and carried on with the challenging task in front of us --- to bring Barbaro back into our lives healthy and happy. New members joined the team, Dr. Richardson becoming the visible "leader" with many behind the scenes caregivers. Despite the odds, Barbaro improved steadily, our hopes rekindled, our fears diminished and Barbaro remained constant --- day by day inspecting his kingdom and his servants with little patience for the slow or weak of heart. The critical week in July became the fork in the road --- he took the path less traveled and still managed to look challenge in the eye and gather momentum towards his future. In early January I took my children to see him, for I was sure that our next visit would be in a grassy paddock at the farm of his choice. He stood on that sunny afternoon, silhouetted against his large window with a panoramic view of nearby pastures, gazing intently at the lucky equines on the horizon, no doubt plotting what contortions and gyrations he would enjoy when he joined them in the not too distant future --- that is the memory I hold in my mind's eye. His inner peace and ever present confidence that all would be right in his world, his shiny healthy coat, his well muscled and conformed body, even his wonderfully naked legs with no wraps, casts or bandages --- just his badges of courage --- the healed but deformed right hind limb and the lightly padded left hind foot ... he was a portrait of health. True, he had lost his perfect body and the innocence of youth but now he stood as a battle seasoned wise warrior.
This is how I remember him, and although my heart weeps for his loss I know that he is now cavorting and challenging his cloud mates to those races that he was destined to win. I will see that bright spark in the eye of the racehorses I meet in years to come, and I will wonder if he is mischievously playing with me, challenging me to search for that intangible quality of "champion" amongst future generations. Certainly I am forever indebted to Barbaro for his gift of courage and grace which he bestowed upon us all from the moment he burst upon the racing scene in 2005. What a ride it has been "through sickness and health." Barbaro fans hail from around the world with diverse cultural and economic backgrounds but together we have found common ground and realize that heroes come in many shapes, sizes and species --- hail to the hero Barbaro!
Kathleen M. Anderson, DVM
Equine Veterinary Care, PC
Fair Hill Training Center, MD
Update 1430: Fair Hill felt warm this morning, I guess everything is relative! I rode six, the same six as yesterday. All went well. Hawty Creek is really doing well at the moment, there may be a race for her tuesday of next week, or the following weekend, so I just need to try to keep her ticking over. She galloped a strong mile and a half this morning. Chesapeake City Slew and Nonpariel also galloped well. They are both working an eighth tomorrow, together, so Tim will be riding one of them I guess. Flash was cool (he garners attention out there). My other two were also good. The Tapeta carpet was just that, like galloping on a carpet. As I was grazing Hawty Creek later in the morning Kathy Anderson stopped by. She wanted me to post something to this site about her reflections of Barbaro. That will be the next update.
Update 1429: Here are some more of the many articles that have been recently posted:
Barbaro's legacy positive
Kentucky horsemen recall Barbaro's early days
Vet: Barbaro was 'different horse' in final hours
Barbaro's birth stall stands empty
Lessons Learned From Barbaro
Barbaro's painter recalls horse's strength
Steve Haskin: Reflections on Barbaro and His Fight for Life
Barbaro's Plight Shined a Light on Advances
Matz soldiers on with Barbaro gone
The Barbaro Fund hats have raised $15,400 for the Barbaro Fund. I am not sure yet if more will be made available.
Being on this great website with you good people is as good as it gets.
Thank you.
Posted by: Rob at February 2, 2007 10:55 AM