Barbaro Updates: 205
updates are now here.
Update 1480: From Upenn:
Roy and Gretchen Jackson Endow Chair for Equine Disease Research at Penn Veterinary Medicine School
Feb. 13, 2007
A $3-million gift from Roy and Gretchen Jackson, owners of Barbaro, will endow a chair in the name of Dean W. Richardson at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
In acknowledging the gift, Penn President Amy Gutmann said, "Gretchen and Roy Jackson have already done so much for veterinary medicine through their commitment to giving Barbaro every possible opportunity to recover from his catastrophic injuries. People throughout the world now understand that veterinary medicine --- and Penn veterinary medicine in particular --- shares in the advances that define today's biomedical science. Now, with this generous gift, Gretchen and Roy Jackson not only promote continued progress, but they pay tribute to the doctor who, like them, gave his heart to a magnificent horse."
"This endowed chair," said Joan C. Hendricks, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine, "is a strong recognition of the power of translating fundamental scientific advances into new real-world treatments. With a new faculty position dedicated to the study of equine disease, we will be better positioned to fight deadly conditions like laminitis."
The endowed chair is the cornerstone of a major new Penn Vet initiative to fight laminitis, which afflicted Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. Laminitis is a severe, painful condition in horses that can be fatal. The laminitis initiative will foster training programs and studies for new treatments of equine diseases.
"We are very pleased to make this commitment in support of the School of Veterinary Medicine's research of equine diseases," Gretchen Jackson said. "Our close relationship with Dr. Richardson over the last eight months persuaded us to name the chair in his honor. We are indeed grateful to him, and we especially look forward to a future without laminitis."
Roy and Gretchen Jackson have a long and close connection with Penn and the School of Veterinary Medicine. Both are Penn graduates, and they have been dedicated supporters of Penn's athletic, medicine and veterinary programs for many years. In addition, Gretchen Jackson serves on the Penn Vet Board of Overseers.
"I am deeply honored by this generous and important gift," said Richardson, chief of surgery at Penn's George D. Widener Hospital and leader of the team that treated Barbaro. "The Jacksons' remarkable philanthropy will translate into better outcomes for injured and ill horses in the future."
The Penn School of Veterinary Medicine is a leader in the development of new treatments and technologies to improve the health and care of both companion and large animals and is at the forefront of training students and veterinarians in diagnosing, preventing and curing animal diseases.
Update 1479: Horseracing lost a wonderful person yesterday: Trudy McCaffery, 62; horse breeder and owner worked to improve racing. Trudy McCaffery was also breeder of Round Pond.
Update 1478: It seemed relatively warm this morning first thing (low thirties I guess) but then a "wintry mix" descended upon us and made riding a cold task. First set was Hawty Creek, the weather was still decent and we did three laps of the Tapeta track. She basically ended up galloping about a mile and a half. She went well, but got a little steemed up coming home as the horsepath was pretty busy with horses by that time. I will likely start getting on her a little earlier over the next few days. I rode three for Tim, Chesapeake City Slew, Grandma and Medi Man. Each went well as the weather got progressively worse. The "moister" was horizontal and a mix of snow and sleet I guess. OK when it was on your back, but when coming right at you it was pretty miserable. My last three sets were shedrows in the barn (phew)! Anyway with the weather we are likely to have its likely the track may not be in use tomorrow. Wednesday is typically one of our gate days for gate schooling, that has already been cancelled.
I think I missed this article: Prado honors Barbaro for his 'courage, will to live', which quotes Edgar Prado, including:
"Barbaro was a very special horse, not only because he provided me with the greatest achievement in my career but also because he showed he was a horse with a lot of courage and a lot of will to live," Prado said. "He fought for eight months and nine days, but unfortunately the laminitis was just too strong."
Update 1477: Ed Fountaine writes a nice piece about NoBiz: 'BIZ' IS THE BUZZ. The following is an excerpt:
Recalling the first time he saw the "Biz" as a 2-year-old in Florida, Tagg - hardly a gushing, love-struck schoolboy-type, as we learned when he trained Funny Cide to win the Derby and Preakness four years ago - said: "Before he jogged three steps, I called (owner-breeder Elizabeth Valando) and told her 'this is the most gorgeous horse I've ever seen. If he's not a Triple Crown candidate, they've never made one.' "
I remember Ed relaying this comment to me when we had dinner a month ago. The Daily Racing Form has a nice recap of the Derby situation for those who ran in the stakes last weekend: First pieces of Derby puzzle fall in place.
An FOB created scrap book for NBC is under development, if you want your name listed please add here: Names for NBC Scrapbook.
Good morning, Barbaro! Good morning, Alex! Good morning, fellow Fans!
I'm happy to report that I have connected with two other FOBs here in the racing wasteland that is Maine. If there are any others lurking out there, please track down my post on the DB titled "MAINE FOBs CHECK IN HERE". I took it upon myself to organize a state-based group and would like to see more organization at the state level.
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Laurie H. - Last night's tuck in was very poignant. A room with a spectacular view!
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Shelley in CA - I can picture your husband, Bogart and Barbaro sitting around up there and they're all talking about how wonderful you are!
Mr. Boxcar races in the 9th at Philly today. Safe trip and warm mash at the end of the day, beauty boy!
Marg
Proud Fan of Barbaro forever
Posted by: Marg in Maine at February 13, 2007 11:15 AM