Barbaro Updates: 201
updates are now here.
Update 1456: Jeannine Edwards interviewed Dr. Richardson today. The interview was for ESPN, but may also air on Good Morning America. Once I know where and when I will post. Jeannine called me this afternoon to let me know and shared some of the interview with me. She noted the interview was emotional, obviously this has been tough for Dr. Richardson, and there is now a huge void for him. There was a tear in his eye at at least one point of the interview. When Jeannine asked him about his favorite memory, it was walking outside with Barbaro in the grass. When Jeannine asked why, he said with a quivering voice "Because he was happy." Dr. Richardson noted that for the vast majority of time, Barbaro was a comfortable, happy horse. He wasn't being tortured or "experimented on". He also said the notes and messages from well-wishers have touched him. Jeannine shared more but I will leave it to the interview that is aired.
Jeannine was very grateful to Dr. Richardson and the New Bolton staff for allowing for this interview. Dr. Richardson is now Jeannine's favorite, most heartfelt and sincere interview subject, not Allen Iverson!! Apparently Dr. R. knows what that means.
Update 1455: A nice essay that helps explain what Barbaro means to his broad fan base: America's Pony. I would comment on the end of the essay when Barbaro's legacy is discussed. Shortening races will yield no benefit, but put further emphasis on speed, Polytrack is one of three brands of synthetic tracks, and there is no mention regarding the move to push through anti horse slaughter legislation.
Update 1454: Michael Matz has been named Overall Horseman of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse (you need to get their magazine to read the article).
Update 1453: I just spoke to Barclay Tagg about NoBiz Like ShoBiz. He said he came out of his race well (Holy Bull) and trained today (jogging). It is usual to give a horse three days off after a race. It looks like the Fountain of Youth in early March is their current planned next race, but that is "not etched in stone".
It was a little warmer this morning, all things being relative, so no shedrowing, I took six to the Tapeta track. Hawty Creek was first out there, and there was about a two inch layer of snow covering the ground and track. I jogged / galloped her two turns, as I was coming off the track the next horses had just got to the track (Barclay's crew). The track was good first set and handled the many horses that trained on it today. For the most part my horses went well, but a couple of days training in the barn did get a couple of them stired up when getting back outside. It was also very bright outside, goggles were necessary. Chesapeake City Slew and Grandma were the two I rode for Tim, both are cool. As is Flash, who had a nice gallop around there, really extending himself. A decent morning, and things can only get warmer I think.
I asked Tim about The Kielbasa Queen, who ran a couple of days ago (fifth of six at Laurel). She came out of her race well but it seems they have now decided to retire her. A good decision, she did break her maiden, but just does not seem to be as competitive as you would like. Lets hope her owners can find a good home for her, she is cute.
Update 1452: Barbaro has clearly touched many of us, which in many cases has manifested into giving: Barbaro's Memory Spurs Retirement Program Donations, excerpt:
Two weeks ago, before Barbaro's recovery took a turn for the worse, the Friends of Barbaro, an Internet-based fan group presented Old Friends, an equine retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., that is home to 24 ex-racehorses including Breeders' Cup champion Sunshine Forever, with an unexpected gift in honor of trainer Michael Matz's birthday. Matz trained Barbaro.
"I called over to his farm and left a message and told him, 'If you're looking for your birthday presents, they're over here at Old Friends because these people raised nearly $700 for these old retired horses,' " said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends.
And while opening the daily mail, Blowen was taken aback to find a check for $1,500 from a Maryland racing fan for a run-in shed.
I spoke briefly to Peter Brette yesterday. He noted that he and Michael had received many many kind expressions of good will over the last week. He also noted Chelokee worked well yesterday and Round Pond may be working this morning for a March return to the races. I also spoke to Gary Stevens. I wanted to thank him for writing the "letter to the editor" to the LA Times. He noted that others had also done the same (Eoin Harty's wife being one of them).
Now its time to really push forward on anti horse slaugher, calling your representative and congressmen, and encouraging others you know to do the same.
Good Morning Alex,FOBs & Barbaro in heaven,Stay warm & have a great day,
Posted by: JOHN K. at February 7, 2007 11:12 AM