Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[Janet]

Which brings me to ponder, what will Barbaro's legacy actually be? I think, in part, it will be for the general public to realize that many people really do care for the humane treatment of these wonderful animals. On a personal level, the fallout is that my work colleagues no longer look at me quite so strangely when I tell them I have to take a morning off "because the vet is coming to look at one of my horses."

[citymouse]

Is there a link to Michaels video?

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1421: Alex just got off the phone with Gary Stevens (http://www.garystevens.com/), one of the best jockeys we have seen in the US for many years - and asked him a few questions:


Alex: Your thoughts on Barbaro:
Gary: An outstanding racehorse who will be remembered more for his battle to survive and will to live than for his Kentucky Derby victory.
Alex: Your thoughts on Barbaro's Kentucky Derby win:
Gary: It was the greatest Derby win I have seen, one of the largest margins of victory, and the ease with which he did it ...
Alex: Your thoughts on Horse Slaughter in the US:
Gary: Its a travesty that they have been doing it all these years. Horses should not be slaughtered for human consumption.

[Carol Ames]

/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/OPINION01/70131

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

VB, what a wonderful e-mail, thank you for sharing. :sadsmile:

[eggbutt]

Is there a link to Michaels video?

I haven't seen an on-line link. It was a video on ESPN early yesterday morning that also had snippets of the news conference as well as the Derby and Preakness. It ended with Michael's thoughts on his favorite memory. What a true gentleman Michael is.....Barbaro seemed to surround himself with classy folks didn't he?

[citymouse]

I haven't seen an on-line link. It was a video on ESPN early yesterday morning that also had snippets of the news conference as well as the Derby and Preakness. It ended with Michael's thoughts on his favorite memory. What a true gentleman Michael is.....Barbaro seemed to surround himself with classy folks didn't he?

Most Definately! You just knew, watching all the footage leading up to the derby that day that this was Michaels race! of course Barbaro's and Edgars also! He is up there with the greats, he was to be our Triple Crown Champion!

I could not help but think of Barabaro watching "Dreamer" last night! I did not even think when I was putting it on, until that one line they use a couple of time in the movie:

"You Are A Great Champion
When You Ran The Ground Shook
The Sky Opened And Mere Mortals Parted,
Parted The Way To Victory
Where You'll Meet Me In The Winners Circle And
I'll Put A Blanket Of Flowers On Your Back!"

I didn't even cry, it was strange, almost like time stood still and just the thoughts of Barbaro!

THANK YOU VB, ALEX, THE JACKSONS, DR. R, NBC, MICHAEL, EDGAR, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO ALLOWED BARBARO TO BECOME THE PEOPLES HORSE!
RUN HARD!
RIP BOBBY!

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex!
Update 1422: It is taking me a while to read through the discussion board (nearly 3,000 posts in the last 2 days), but I found this news report very heart warming regarding Barbaro's legacy already at work: Barbaro "Euthanized" ... and saves a horse (http://wfmz.dayport.com/?artID=54629/?tf=wfmzviewer.tpl)

[Gunnar]

Thanks, Alex!
Update 1422: It is taking me a while to read through the discussion board (nearly 3,000 posts in the last 2 days), but I found this news report very heart warming regarding Barbaro's legacy already at work: Barbaro "Euthanized" ... and saves a horse (http://wfmz.dayport.com/?artID=54629/?tf=wfmzviewer.tpl)

Thanks for the link! Today I did not cry as I watched our boy proudly be led around! I thought I may never stop crying but maybe I can! I keep 4 pictures of Barbaro around my desk:

One of he and DR with Edgar
One of he and MM
One of him poking his lively, lovely head out his stall door
and my favorite is one of Bobby, under saddle, gazing off with the wonderful spirit we have come to know>

Every day I imagined his perky face when visitors came a calling! Now I have trouble knowing that he is gone! Does anyone else have trouble with missing his character so much? I certainly knew he may die but I grew attached to the daily reports of how he was! Was he happy today, did he get out to graze today, did he get groomed today, did he try to bite everyone today?

Thanks again to you all and most of all thanks for understanding what Team Barbaro meant!:sadsmile:

Run, Bobby, Run, on your 4 good legs!

[ivy62]

Was he happy today, did he get out to graze today, did he get groomed today, did he try to bite everyone today?

I am sure he had all this today...he has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and has a perfect life, what more could we ask for? He is watching over all that loved him...Running free as he was meant to due. At least for me knowing he did not suffer until the very end he was a happy horse....It is hard to believe he is gone, wasn't there supposed to be a happy ending here? Not to be, just shows us we are not in control and how fragile life really is....Today his soul is happy.....
I am not sure what I will feel like the day this thread concludes...what other thread has been going for 9 months and has had 4000 odd posts let alone views..
Thanks for everything everyone......

[ivy62]

I was looking for the number for the florist, does anyone have it handy? better then sifting through all the posts...

[Anne FS]

Thanks, Alex!
Update 1422: It is taking me a while to read through the discussion board (nearly 3,000 posts in the last 2 days), but I found this news report very heart warming regarding Barbaro's legacy already at work: Barbaro "Euthanized" ... and saves a horse (http://wfmz.dayport.com/?artID=54629/?tf=wfmzviewer.tpl)

VB (or anyone), can you post the actual link, please? I can't get anything to come up.

Thank you so much, as always.

[KZ4Horses]

I know I'm very late posting this, but honestly, I've been speechless when it came to this tragedy.

R.I.P. Barbaro. Although you won't win another race, you have won the hearts of Millions. You have left your hoofprints in many lives, and you will not be forgotten.

I thought I would post this vid, sorry if its been posted, or that the quality is bad. Its a recap of all his races, and really gives you a chance to see the miracle that was Barbaro.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmgf-ocQFbc&mode=related&search=

ETA: Thank you VB for your tire-less updates. They meant so much to so many ppl...

[Kenike]

VB (or anyone), can you post the actual link, please? I can't get anything to come up.

Thank you so much, as always.

Oh good..I thought I was the only one and I REALLY want to read!!

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1423: Here is the second glimpse of Barbaro from John Hennegan. This clip is actually is in the documentary "First Saturday in May": Michael introduces his son to Barbaro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s50c9Nj4-Fg).

[VirginiaBred]

VB (or anyone), can you post the actual link, please? I can't get anything to come up.

Thank you so much, as always.

Here you go: http://www.wfmz.com/

[War Admiral]

Forgive my posting a question here (I *really* don't want to start another Barbaro thread)... Does anyone know where I could find the pic of Barbaro with the kitty on the fence post?? Have Googled; can't seem to find that one. Thanks!!

[J. Turner]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1423: Here is the second glimpse of Barbaro from John Hennegan. This clip is actually is in the documentary "First Saturday in May": Michael introduces his son to Barbaro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s50c9Nj4-Fg).

What a sweet video. Is that a magnetic therapy thing Bobby's wearing in that video? What a patient man Michael is. He is truly a magician.

[VirginiaBred]

Thursday~
Update 1424: Kim Brette forwarded these pictures of Barbaro's yearling full brother: Barbaro's Brother pictures (http://forums.delphiforums.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=4639.1). The New York Times writes about him: Can His Kid Brother Follow in Barbaro's Huge Footsteps? (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/sports/othersports/01barbaro.html)

(http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/sports/othersports/01barbaro.html)
Delaware Park is wanting to pay tribute to Barbaro and Dr. Richardson: DelPark wants to pay tribute to Barbaro (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070201/SPORTS/702010341/1002) and Gulfstream Park Establishes Barbaro Foundation (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37328).


Sabina Pierce has updated her photos of Barbaro. (http://www.sabinalouisepierce.com/Barbaro.htm)
Thanks, Alex.

[Texarkana]

What a sweet video. Is that a magnetic therapy thing Bobby's wearing in that video? What a patient man Michael is. He is truly a magician.

That's his "rocket pack" aka his massager.

[VirginiaBred]

Lovely Article on Dr. Dean Richardson~
www.cnn.com (http://www.cnn.com)

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/01/31/pysk.richardson/index.html

[VirginiaBred]

www.bloodhorse.com (http://www.bloodhorse.com)

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37352

Jacksons Considering Options for Derby Winner Barbaro

[VirginiaBred]

www.bloodhorse.com (http://www.bloodhorse.com)

Barbaro Remembered By Those Who Raised Him

Greg Burchell doesn't know if it'll be days or weeks. For now, he just can't bear leading any of the 26 horses on his farm in Nicholasville, Ky., into a certain stall inside barn No. 4.

The stall is different from the others because a diamond-shaped opening allows the occupant to stick his nose out for a better view. It's also the place Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Barbaro was born and spent many of his early days.

"We're letting it rest," Burchell said of the stall. "It'd be sacrilege to put a horse in there after Barbaro died."

The horse was euthanized Monday at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, where he was rushed after breaking down in last May's Preakness (gr. I). In Barbaro's birthplace, the horse country of central Kentucky, the death is being taken hard.

Barbaro was foaled before dawn on Apr. 29, 2003, at what is now Springmint Farm. Long-legged and somewhat oversized, it took two people to pull him out, said Sandy Sanborn, who along with her husband, Bill, raised the colt for owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson.

Greg Burchell doesn't know if it'll be days or weeks. For now, he just can't bear leading any of the 26 horses on his farm in Nicholasville, Ky., into a certain stall inside barn No. 4.
The stall is different from the others because a diamond-shaped opening allows the occupant to stick his nose out for a better view. It's also the place Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Barbaro was born and spent many of his early days.

"We're letting it rest," Burchell said of the stall. "It'd be sacrilege to put a horse in there after Barbaro died."
The horse was euthanized Monday at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, where he was rushed after breaking down in last May's Preakness (gr. I). In Barbaro's birthplace, the horse country of central Kentucky, the death is being taken hard

Barbaro was foaled before dawn on Apr. 29, 2003, at what is now Springmint Farm. Long-legged and somewhat oversized, it took two people to pull him out, said Sandy Sanborn, who along with her husband, Bill, raised the colt for owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson.
"He just needed a little help," Sanborn said. "If a lot of horses need help, they'll fight you. Barbaro, if he needed help with anything, he would pretty much look at you and say, 'OK, what do I need to do?"'
Sally Mullis, who was the farm's barn foreman while Barbaro was there, recalls how personable the colt was.
As a yearling, Barbaro pulled tendons in a leg and was fitted for a splint. Because that meant he would have to stay cooped up for several weeks, Mullis decided the place he would be most comfortable was the stall where he was born -- the one with the diamond-shaped opening.
The stall had been built for another horse that was preparing to race, but it proved the perfect recovery room for the eventually famous patient, she said.
"He could hang his head out," Mullis said. "Anything that was going on at any certain time of the day, there he was."
This week, wreaths and a bouquet of flowers were placed near a small sign outside the Springmint gate that reads "Birthplace of Barbaro." Mullis said she will soon hang a more permanent memorial plaque on barn No. 4.

Condolences for Barbaro have been expressed across central Kentucky, including the farms were his mother and sire now live.
"Everybody in the business feels the loss of Barbaro so deeply that it would be unfair to say we have any more or less tie to him because of Dynaformer (http://www.stallionregister.com/sr_sire_page.asp?refno=1049059&origin=BHonline&result=1)," said Margaret Layton, publicist for Three Chimneys Farm, the home of Barbaro's sire. "That's the impact of Barbaro. That's how strongly he impacted everyone in this business."

[holmes]

What a sweet video. Is that a magnetic therapy thing Bobby's wearing in that video? What a patient man Michael is. He is truly a magician.

It is a massager and yes Michael is amazing - he spends time with each of his horses, just getting to know them - quite amazing to think he knows all 60+ of his horses personally!

[Duffy]

OMG - vb - that video clip #2 with Michael's son made me cry yet again - so sweet!

[FourWands]

Sorry if this was posted earlier... I visited the Breyer site this morning looking for Breyerfest info and saw this:

Barbaro Will Remain An Equine Hero

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized Monday after it became clear to his owners and medical team that he would be unable to overcome the complications from injuries he sustained after breaking down at the Preakness last May.

More here:
http://www.breyerhorses.com/news/detail.php?eventid=219

[2ndyrgal]

I am about 30 mins. north of the KHP by the way. Have the Jackson's gotten any closer to deciding where his final resting place will be? I could certainly understand Churchill Downs, as the scene of his greatest triumph, but I hope the consider the Horse Park, since folks from all disciplines visit there all year long. Just my 2 cents.

[FourWands]

I like both locations as well.
Churchill Downs makes a lot of sense, understandably.
The KHP receives so many horse fans and is already the burial site of some truly legendary horses, he would be in awesome company. I am sure they would do something very nice for Barbaro and they could easily set up a way to contribute to the fund while you are visiting his grave... So could the other locations for that matter... but KHP visitor traffic wouldn't hurt.

I know they are considering the museum but I can't say I love that only because racing fans don't normally head to that neck of the woods - I realize the point was to make them come there but I don't know how much of a draw it would actually be. It definitely would bring out local people but I am not sure people would plan a trip to go to the museum.

Kentucky, on the other hand, is racing's Mecca.
(And no, just for those thinking it, it's not a selfish thing... I'm not staying here much longer!)

[Equus34]

Personally I think the KHP is the best place. More peopel go there than any of the other suggested places. And your right he would be in great company.

This of course is just my opinion. :yes:

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1426: I just spoke to Barclay Tagg to get an update on NoBiz Like ShoBiz, who is running on saturday in the Holy Bull (won last year by Barbaro in Barbaro's first win on the dirt). ShoBiz breezed a half yesterday very easily. He is doing great. He won't do much now going up into his race. He walked this morning and will be turned out to roll in the sand this afternoon. Tomorrow he will do a little jog / gallop, and saturday morning he may also do a little jog.
I asked Barclay his thoughts on Barbaro and this week. He noted that everyone did everything they could possibly do for Barbaro. Barclay said that Barbaro was surrounded by a fine group of people, the Jacksons, Michael Matz and his team, Edgar Prado, the New Bolton team, they all did everything they could possibly do for the horse. Barclay also noted the compassion the team had, indicated by the many visits they all made to Barbaro over the months.
I asked Barclay how Showing Up is doing. Barclay noted he had a tough campaign last year so they are still taking it easy with him, he is on a "semi vacation" at this point. He needs a little freshening up and will likely be back in the entries for April. Of course I had to ask about Funny Cide too. He is also on "semi vacation", but like Showing Up, going out for some exercise everyday. He may also return to the races sometime in April, Barclay noted he may try him on the turf as well as a synthetic surface!
From the Daily Racing Form: Tagg following familiar road (http://drf.com/news/article/82221.html).

[Anne FS]

I know they are considering the museum but I can't say I love that only because racing fans don't normally head to that neck of the woods - I realize the point was to make them come there but I don't know how much of a draw it would actually be. It definitely would bring out local people but I am not sure people would plan a trip to go to the museum.


But that's ok, the object of the game isn't "who gets the most visitors wins." It's to do something worthwhile. I thought the museum was a cool idea.

[FourWands]

But that's ok, the object of the game isn't "who gets the most visitors wins." It's to do something worthwhile. I thought the museum was a cool idea.

I guess here is part of my thought on it - Omaha - the 1935 Triple Crown winning son of Gallant Fox, was buried somewhere in Nebraska. With only 11, Triple Crown winners, you would think they would do something really special with his grave and at the time, burying him in Nebraska probably made sense to someone. However, now his grave is lost - paved over to make room for a parking lot. No one can really visit him now.

I doubt a similar fate will happen to Barbaro, but depending on the success of the museum, again on a not so heavily beaten path of racing fans, what becomes of the museum & grave should it not be a success?

I'm not saying it needs to be the most heavily traveled place - but I do think out of the way may be a disservice to fans.

[2ndyrgal]

Obviously he was the Jackson's horse and should they chose to keep him at home, I would certainly understand. I do think the KHP would be a good site, as Barbaro had fans not only in the US but internationally as well, and the horse park gets many, many visitors from all nations, throughout the year. Nice thing about the KHP, it's not going anywhere. Also, I believe there is some kind of "jockey school" that either has started or is starting there, so a lot of racing fans there as well.

[Skip's Rider]

VB, I have never followed the racing scene closely, but I have to say that in addition to your updates about Barbaro, I have immensely enjoyed reading your posts that gave me a little view into the racing world -- going out for your first gallop in the dark or in the fog -- what horses you galloped this morning -- what other trainers' (like Barclay Tagg) opinions are. I do hope you will continue to give us a glimpse into that world. Thank you.

[FourWands]

Also, I believe there is some kind of "jockey school" that either has started or is starting there, so a lot of racing fans there as well.

I think it's the North American Racing Academy and they are run by former jockey Chris McCarron.

[Jessi P]

I think it's the North American Racing Academy and they are run by former jockey Chris McCarron.

One of my working students from last year was attending the school, last I heard. She posts on here occasionally as Cassandra Marie.

[Peggy]

On a personal level, the fallout is that my work colleagues no longer look at me quite so strangely when I tell them I have to take a morning off "because the vet is coming to look at one of my horses."Several people at work have made a point of telling me how sorry they were about Barbaro.

Hopefully another fallout from Barbaro and Dr. Richardson will be increased interest in becoming an equine vet. My understanding is that there is a potential shortage looming.

[ivy62]

I think the KHP would be perfect. last year when I was there they dedicated a nice statue to Secretariat...Opposing the statue of Man O' War....Since they both( Secretariat and Barbaro) died of the same fate it seems fitting...The research needs to continue and is it more money they need or live patients to use..don't flame me please. I think Barbaro's ordeal was not something everyone would do but it is important to have live patients sometimes. I hope they have learned much from Barbaro....As Richardson said," If a horse came in with the same injuries he would treat them differently now" all because it didn't work...
Barbaro came to us not only as a champion on the track but to inspire us all....

RIP- Barbaro 4/29/03-1/29/07

[Dispatcher]

I think the KHP would be perfect. last year when I was there they dedicated a nice statue to Secretariat...Opposing the statue of Man O' War....Since they both died of the same fate it seems fitting...The research needs to continue and is it more money they need or live patients to use..don't flame me please. I think Barbaro's ordeal was not something everyone would do but it is important to have live patients sometimes. I hope they have learned much from Barbaro....As Richardson said," If a horse came in with the same injuries he would treat them differently now" all because it didn't work...
Barbaro came to us not only as a champion on the track but to inspire us all....

RIP- Barbaro 4/29/03-1/29/07

Secretariat died from laminitis; Man 'O War died of old age!

[jiggles]

For all he has done I think it would be nice for him to be at the KHP, for all us horse lover to be able to thank him!!
RIP BOBBY

[ivy62]

Dispatcher I was refering to Secretariat and Barbaro sorry if it came across that way......Not Man O'War....Also remembered under the Statue of Man O'War is War Admiral and War Relic too....guess I hit send too soon.....

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex & Jeannine~

Update 1427: Jeannine Edwards, of ESPN, has followed Barbaro's story and reported on Barbaro's story extensively over the last several months. I asked Jeannine if she would write about it, here is her essay:
Covering Barbaro
Barbaro first hit my radar when he won the Laurel Futurity here in MD, late in 2005. In April, in the Florida Derby, we saw his athleticism and courage, as he proved he could run on dirt. For me it was cool because he was a Fair Hill horse. Two weeks later, I met the Jacksons for the first time at Keeneland when I interviewed them about Barbaro and their other rising 3-year-old star, Showing Up, before the Lexington Stakes. After spending some time with the Jacksons, Joan Ciampi, one of our producers, and I noted how genuine they seemed, and how utterly proud they were of their colts. They were beaming parents! Showing Up won the race and the Jacksons went to Churchill Downs with 2 undefeated Derby contenders.
I spent several mornings talking to Michael Matz at Churchill leading up to the Derby, and I was increasingly impressed with how Barbaro looked, and how quietly confident Michael was. Michael's story and background and his horse's charisma made them an appealling choice for a lengthy feature on our Derby day coverage. Joan did the taped interviews for that feature and put it together. It was really nice. Together she and I watched from the winners' circle and screamed as Barbaro flew down the stretch at Churchill. He was brilliant!
After the Derby I remember interviewing Michael and the Jacksons for our post-show and it all seemed very surreal.... Michael and the Jacksons were relatively unknown to the racing public at large, they lived not very far from me, and here their horse was still undefeated and left people agasp with his performance.
The next day Michael took Barbaro back home to Fair Hill to prepare for the Preakness. We spent several mornings there shooting (i.e. taping) Barbaro and the other Preakness runner, Diabolical. I brought my dogs in the car with me and they terrorized every passer-by. We put together a feature about Fair Hill and its unique offerings for horsemen. We were at Michael's barn several times, and because I used to gallop, he joked that he had a few horses for me to get on. I answered the one I want to ride is probably off limits!! We shot quite a bit of Barbaro.... The often-replayed footage of him rolling and bucking in his round pen and grazing in his paddock 2 days after the Derby was shot by our cameraman, Steve Martin. It was extremely exciting to watch Barbaro train each day, as a local person, you couldn't help but get caught up in Barbaro's aura. If Michael was quietly confident before the Derby, he seemed to be bursting with pride heading into the Preakness.
Derby and Preakness weeks are long and grueling for us, we do a total of about 26 hours of live programming in addition to all the research, interviews, and pre-taped stuff, so by the time we were off the air at 5pm Preakness day (to make way for NBC's coverage), I was ready to relax and enjoy a great race. I was standing in the infield, right on the finish line on the grass, near the Preakness winners' circle. When Barbaro busted through the gate early it was alarming, but he was pulled up by Edgar Prado and the outrider quickly. Then the race began and all I remember seeing was the blurred image of a horse being passed quickly by others, then gasps from the crowd.... Then silence. Barbaro was struggling to come to a halt on 3 legs not far from where we were standing, and the race continued on.... Virtually meaningless at that point. The air had literally been sucked out of Pimlico. You could hear a pin drop. It was like getting kicked in the stomach.
My producer Jody Patrovsky and I had tears in our eyes, and we were practically hyper-ventilating. We had to go do post-race interviews with the winners of the race, but we knew the real work was just beginning at that point.
I ran across the track and up into the jocks' room to attempt an interview with Edgar... he was too distraught to speak on camera. I then ran back down and interviewed Dr. Larry Bramlage, one of the foremost equine orthopedic surgeons and our "AAEP Vet On-Call" for our TV shows. He gave me an initial briefing and a very preliminary diagnosis... saying it appeared to be a catastrophic injury and the situation was critical.
Barbaro was taken away in the ambulance and we ran back to the stakes barn where his stall was. It was a mob scene.... Absolutely chaotic. They had backed the ambulance all the way up to the barn and Barbaro was in his stall.... Stall 40, where the Derby winner is housed. We waited with a sense of dread and disbelief. Other horsemen and racing employees were everywhere.... hovering, wandering around aimlessly. People were in shock. We were sure he would be put down. It was tough to get information at that point, but eventually a friend of mine, Dr. Dan Dreyfuss, a MD vet and surgeon who did his residency under Dean Richardson at New Bolton, emerged after assisting with xrays and splinting of Barbaro's leg, and agreed to give us an update. He said it looked bad...several fractures and that Barbaro's pastern was nearly "a bag of crushed ice". Even he appeared shell-shocked. Moments later the horse was loaded back into the ambulance and taken to New Bolton. We learned he would have surgery the next day.
The news desk at ESPN had called and said they wanted me to go to NB in the morning, it would be the first of many, many days I would spend at the facility. I had been there before, several times, with my own horses, so I knew my way around, but it was still an eery feeling. A producer from NY met me there, and we were there for nearly 10 hours that Sunday. Dr. Richardson arrived and addressed us in the press conference room by saying he was going to "attempt" a surgical repair on Barbaro, but that he didn't know what he was going to find once inside the leg. You could tell Dr. R. had some trepidation but was pumped up for the challenge.... He was blunt, assertive, and had that cocky Dr. R. persona that we've all come to know and love.
When Dr. R. did not return to us shortly after beginning the surgery, we took it as a good sign....If he was still gone and working, that meant Barbaro must still be alive. That offered hope. For nearly 7 hours we waited, starved for information. I did frequent updates on ABC (our parent network) and ESPN TV and radio throughout the day. Later that evening we finally got the news we had waited all day with bated breath for.... Barbaro WAS alive, his splintered leg had miraculously been reassembled, and he was back in his stall. I reported the much-anticipated news live on ESPN and finally, totally drained, I drove home around 11:00 that night. My phone never stopped ringing that day or the next with various coworkers, acquaintances, and TV and radio networks from around the country seeking updates.
I spent several days at NB after that reporting on Barbaro's progress. If it weren't for the generous staff at NB providing us with pizzas and coffee and doughnuts, many of us would most likely have wasted away! Michael came to a couple of the press conferences and looked gaunt and empty. The strain of it all became evident, he was taking it hard. Nonetheless we were all amazed at the horse's resolve, and at what a consummate patient he appeared to be. The most immediate threat from infection after surgery appeared to have been warded off, so things were looking pretty good.... The mood was cautiously more hopeful.
On May 30 I was priviledged to be part of ABC and ESPN's access to Edgar's visit with Barbaro. It was the first time Edgar had seen Barbaro since the Preakness, and we were in the ICU with our cameras, all done up in scrubs, as the reunion took place. I loved how Barbaro tried to push people around and wanted to march right out of his stall. It was heartwarming to say the least. Edgar told me it was comforting to see how bright and well his partner looked.
ABC televised the Belmont Stakes and so we did extensive coverage of Barbaro during our 2 days on the air. We had a comprehensive piece on him that featured Dr. R, Michael, Edgar, and the Jacksons. We did live hits (reports) from his ICU. He appeared to be holding his own, and though we contemplated what "might have been" as far as a Triple Crown, the fact that Barbaro was alive and demonstrating that dauntless, endearing spirit was reward enough.
We had a busy spring and summer with shows just about every week, but Barbaro was never far from our thoughts. I would see Michael, Edgar or the Jacksons at various venues and they would readily fill me in on how the horse was doing. The releases that were emailed to us periodically from Upenn kept us apprised of Barbaro's official status, but it was the daily updates from Alex that gave us our "fixes". The tidbits were invaluable.
In early July some of those "bad things" that Dr. R. kept warning us about started to happen. Barbaro wasn't comfortable, had an infection, underwent several cast changes, and I was sent to cover these developments. ESPN took a genuine interest in the horse's welfare and wanted to follow the story every step of the way. They felt because horse racing had such a large presence on the sports network, Barbaro was important to their audience. (As it turned out, Barbaro was important to every audience.) So the viewers were horrified and saddened, as we were, when Dr. R. told us Barbaro had foundered severely on his left hind, and his chances for survival were "poor". He could not have been any more direct... Barbaro had as bad a case of laminitis as you could get. I remember him looking not just troubled, but agonized. I felt sick to my stomach. But then Jennifer Rench came out to our satellite truck and showed us the video NB had just shot of Barbaro walking around the ICU, and it was relieving... he looked pretty good. I was there at NB for 3 days as we all kept vigil. On the 4th day I had to leave to go do a remote show from Delaware Park. Michael was there running a horse and was kind enough to give me an emotional interview. That's the interview from which we got the term "Michael's Miracle".
Barbaro plugged on and a month later I interviewed the Jacksons at Arlington Park in Chicago for our ABC telecast of the Million. It was then the world found out that Barbaro had been taken outside for grass. Outside!! It was uplifting, that's for sure. I remember a lot of the people on our TV crew were cheering. The Jacksons seemed so elated with how everything was going, the burden of constant worry seemed to have eased a bit. Over the summer ESPN gave Barbaro's story more air time than any other network, he became a regular. We even had weekly "Barbaro Updates" on our other remote shows. Everywhere I went, from the track to the airport to the grocery store, people would stop me and say "How's Barbaro doing?"
As far as we could tell things seemed to be improving for Barbaro. I would see Michael, Edgar, or the Jacksons at various places and the reports were always optimistic. In between horse racing assignments I was doing college football. It was getting close to Breeders' Cup time and ESPN wanted to do a major piece on Barbaro for its BC week coverage. We scheduled interviews with Michael, Dr. R., Edgar, and Barbaro fan Jean Mansavage... Alex suggested Jean as the ideal candidate for the interview, and he couldn't have been more right on. Jean was the one who put the "GROW HOOF GROW" sign at NB. We were on a deadline and I was in between football games, so my producer Amiel Weisfogel and I split up... I interviewed Michael and Dr. R, and Amiel interviewed Edgar and Jean. Michael was his usual self... heart on his sleeve, contemplative and sincere. He and I went in and fed carrots to Man In Havana and Chelokee (now residing in Barbaro's stall.) Dr. R. was great also, speaking candidly and spending quite a bit of time with us. He gave me a hard time (sarcastically) about a few things, but then again it wouldn't be a Dr. R. interview without a few chuckles. The feature ended up coming out pretty good.
BC day was long... we were on the air live for 8 hours (including SportsCenter). After the Distaff, the death of Pine Island robbed the day of its usual grandeur and electricity. What made it so ironic was that Michael won the race. He seemed a bit overwhelmed as I interviewed him in the winners' circle. He felt their pain.
Not too long after BC we were hearing talk of Barbaro possibly being well enough to move on to a new home. ESPN told me they wanted to cover it, whenever that day arrived. Little did we know, it never would.
Rather, I did a few phone reports when Barbaro's condition first started to detiorate, in December and again in January. When he lost another portion of that left hind foot it didn't look good. I spoke to Gretchen on the phone a couple of times and she was as gracious as ever, what lovely people the Jacksons are. She told me how concerned and anxious they were, how they had so been looking forward to moving Barbaro to a new home, and how they now had no way of knowing what was going to happen. But she also still sounded like they had hope. She called Barbaro "a trooper" and a "very special animal". I also spoke to Michael who said he was extremely concerned, because any setback was a real blow at that point. Dr. R. had called Barbaro's left foot a "formidable challenge" and "ongoing concern". Then on Wednesay, another complication... this time his right hind foot had an abcess. Now I had a sense of dread.
Amidst all of Barbaro's crises, not to mention juggling other surgeries, teaching classes, and accomodating the endless media requests, Dr. R. somehow found the time to operate on my dog Thurs night. Back in December he had graciously agreed to perform an ACL repair on her (through his wife's practice.) With all of this going on he could have postponed it. What an amazingly dedicated and compassionate man. On Friday I spoke to him about Jessie's leg, and then when I asked how Barbaro was, he said "He's not where I'd like him to be. It's terribly disappointing. He's up and eating his grass, but he's not where I want him to be. It's been a rough few weeks." He sounded dejected. Saturday, the external fixator was applied to Barbaro's leg and I spoke to Michael.... He was subdued and seemed ill at ease. That's when he told me "How many times can you get punched in the nose and keep getting back up?"
I got the news Monday morning that a press conference was coming, and that Barbaro had been put down. I rushed up to NB. I did several live reports and a taped piece for later. Once again, as we had done many times before, the media gathered in the amphitheatre. Back on May 21 the mood was one of foreboding, anticipation, and unknown. Over the next 8 months it would swing from cautious optimism to grim reality and back again. But always there was a glimmer of hope. On Monday, it was over.
The Jacksons were gracious, as ever, despite their grief. It was especially difficult to see the anguish in Dr. R's eyes as he choked up. He looked not just drained, but defeated. For the first time ever, Dr. R. looked like a broken man.
I'd like to thank everyone at NB for all that they did, and especially Alex for his tireless devotion to Barbaro, and his tireless, selfless work on behalf of the fans, who yearned for news that only he could provide. One thing I've come to realize through all of this is there are many, many beautiful people in the world.

[Dispatcher]

Ivy62--Aha! I thought maybe my mind was slipping!!!!

[eggbutt]

VB, I have never followed the racing scene closely, but I have to say that in addition to your updates about Barbaro, I have immensely enjoyed reading your posts that gave me a little view into the racing world -- going out for your first gallop in the dark or in the fog -- what horses you galloped this morning -- what other trainers' (like Barclay Tagg) opinions are. I do hope you will continue to give us a glimpse into that world. Thank you.

I totally agreed and mentioned something similar to this perhaps a hundred or so pages back. At one time I actually thought VB was one of the exercise riders!:yes:

[eggbutt]

OH MY...what a great article from Jeannine Edwards! Tears and more tears.

This afternoon I had to run by one of my vet's offices to pick up some meds and I ran into one of my large animal vets. We chatted a few minutes about Barbaro and how it has eased my pain a bit that although Barbaro had been given the absolute best care available and no expense was spared the outcome was the same as one of my beloved horses lost to laminitis....I had always wondered if there wasn't more I could have done if only (more money, more time, more fill-in-the-blank). My vet spoke about how much Dr. Richardson had put an incredibly good and knowledgeable face on to the general public about equine health and injuries and large animal vets in general and how he had been able to show his feelings through it all. It was a different perspective than I'd personally heard before and I really appreciated hearing my vet's thoughts too. Every one was so hoping for a miracle against all odds.

[holmes]

I was pleased to see Michael won today - nothing like 67 horses counting on you to keep you going during the tough times, and remembering how they poses that special talent on making you feel like everything is OK!

[VirginiaBred]

Edgar Prado's Comments:

www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=23152

[carlo213]

Thank you for the updates on Michael... so nice to know how he is doing.
I knew Michael & DeeDee from the horse show world years ago...they are both very special.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1428: The Hennegan Brothers (First Saturday in May (http://www.henneganbrothers.com/)) have posted their third clip of Barbaro on youtube, we will call it Brief conversation with Michael Matz about the Holy Bull Stakes, in attendance, Barbaro, Alex Matz and Eduardo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywNbqncUPDY).

Mrs. Jackson just left a nice long voice-mail. The upshot of the call was to "Keep up the fight". Doing so is a good distraction from the sad events of this week I think. She also mentioned the museum idea that was reported by Mike Jensen.

[J. Turner]

I haven't seen an on-line link. It was a video on ESPN early yesterday morning that also had snippets of the news conference as well as the Derby and Preakness. It ended with Michael's thoughts on his favorite memory. What a true gentleman Michael is.....Barbaro seemed to surround himself with classy folks didn't he?

I wish I had seen it, too. Michael is as wonderful as they come as a human and a horseman.

[867-5309]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1428: The Hennegan Brothers (First Saturday in May (http://www.henneganbrothers.com/)).

Thank you VB. I just saw the trailer on their homepage for the very first (and second and third time) I laughed out loud (the first and second and third time) . I needed that!

[VirginiaBred]

Friday ~
Thanks Alex~

Update 1429: Here are some more of the many articles that have been recently posted:
Barbaro's legacy positive (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/columns/story?columnist=finley_bill&id=2748191&campaign=rsssrch&source=horse+racing)
Kentucky horsemen recall Barbaro's early days (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/16590588.htm)
Vet: Barbaro was 'different horse' in final hours (http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/01/31/pysk.richardson/index.html)
Barbaro's birth stall stands empty (http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/16593898.htm)
Lessons Learned From Barbaro (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/30/sportsline/main2412249.shtml)
Barbaro's painter recalls horse's strength (http://www.eveningsun.com/localnews/ci_5117917)
Steve Haskin: Reflections on Barbaro and His Fight for Life (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37320)
Barbaro's Plight Shined a Light on Advances (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/sports/othersports/31barbaro.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)
Matz soldiers on with Barbaro gone (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=23124)


The Barbaro Fund hats (http://www.horsehats.com/barbaro-fund-hat.html) have raised $15,400 for the Barbaro Fund. I am not sure yet if more will be made available.

[eggbutt]

Damn, I miss the 8 month "nomalcy" of our daily updates :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: It's all still a bit too fresh for me I guess.

[monstrpony]

I'm right there with you, eggbutt. It's hard to get one's mind completely around ... :cry: :cry:

[eggbutt]

Nice article from the Boston Globe today:

It is worth pondering why there was such an outpouring of sympathy for Barbaro, last year's Kentucky Derby winner, during his long struggle to survive a fractured hind leg -- and why so many expressions of condolence were addressed to his owners after they had him euthanized Monday to spare him terminal suffering

Part of the answer has to do with a love of horses that takes root in diverse people at different stages of life. Any boy or girl who ever had the luck to ride and care for horses will be inclined to grieve for the loss of Barbaro. And even adults who missed having horses in their childhood possess the innate capacity for compassion with all sentient beings

But there is another explanation for the emotional force of Barbaro's story, something close to the spirit of literature. Conscious or not, reasoned or not, the millions who watched Barbaro striding in triumph down the homestretch at Churchill Downs in May were taking part in a ritual metaphor of cyclical renewal.

This is the essence of thoroughbred racing, at least when the best horses compete in the classic races. When all the ephemera of betting and marketing are peeled away, to see a colt like Barbaro re enact the feats of a Secretariat or a Man O' War is to share in a celebration of the striving after excellence.

So there was all the more cause for grief when, two weeks after Barbaro's awesome performance in the Kentucky Derby, the colt who seemed destined to join the select roster of Triple Crown winners fractured his right hind leg in the first furlong of the Preakness. Suddenly, the ever-present peril that racing folk understand only too well -- the doom that comes with a single bad step -- descended on Barbaro of the infinite promise.

It was an unforgettable, mournful tableau. Barbaro's accomplished jockey, Edgar Prado, (who started his ascent to stardom here at Suffolk Downs) reined in the distressed colt, dismounted and grasped the reins, trying to keep Barbaro from doing any more damage to his shattered right hind leg. In a tick of time, the allegory of excellence had become a tale of suffering and loss.
.
In the intervening eight months, while caring veterinarians and surgeons tried to save Barbaro, his fans hoped he might survive as a stallion to pass his brilliance on to future generations. When he was put down mercifully Monday, his death became an allegory of unfulfilled potential.

But the cycle of renewal goes on. This weekend in Florida, three-year-old colts will run in the Holy Bull Stakes, the first Derby prep Barbaro won last year. Each new season invites the appearance of another Barbaro.

[Anne FS]

Does anyone have a link to Monday's NBC press conference? I was able to watch it live (on computer) and wanted to pass it on to someone who missed it, but the link now simply is an NBC story and not the press conference at all. I'm looking for the press conference in its entirety. Surely it must be on the web somewhere?

[jiggles]

WHY IS THIS SO HARD!!! IS ANYONE ELSE FEELING THIS WAY OR IS IT JUST ME I HAVE CRIED EVERYTIME I READ ABOUT THIS!!!

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
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

[Ginger]

Thank you Dr. Anderson. Our loss pales to yours, but we hold his memory no less dear. God bless.

[eggbutt]

Oh my goodness....what a lovely rememberance.

Jiggles I totally agree with you.

Thank you VB....you're wonderful and I suspect you're in the same emotional turmoil as many of us.

[msj]

WHY IS THIS SO HARD!!! IS ANYONE ELSE FEELING THIS WAY OR IS IT JUST ME I HAVE CRIED EVERYTIME I READ ABOUT THIS!!!


Jingles, I'm sure there are many of us that still cry with each article written about Barbaro. I still go and light a candle for him and I see that others are doing the same thing. I went in today and there were over 2000 candles lit for him. I know I will probably continue to light a candle and wish him well for days to come. :)

[Oakstable]

Wow, what a touching tribute from Dr. Anderson.

All the naysayers should read it.


I'm going to save a copy of it.

[Jessi P]

Throughout all that is and was Barbaro, I hadn't really sat down and cried like a baby til I read the email from Dr Anderson.

Now instead of lighting candles for Barbaro I am lighting them on the evntr board for Kim Meier (sp). (http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=evntr)

[eggbutt]

No Oakstable, nothing will change the naysayers thoughts.....and that's ok too as long as they respect the thoughts, dreams and privacy of others.

[BasqueMom]

Beautiful and heartfelt post from Dr. Edwards. Please thank her for all of us!

Cloud mates--love that term! Now when I see clouds racing by, I'll know it
is Barbaro leading the races.

[2ndyrgal]

I had managed, with a great deal of effort, not to truly cry over Barbaro, my tears of loss being spent years before when I lost the finest horse to ever look through a bridle. As I stood on the hill at our new farm watching my then 4yr old "new" horse play in his new pasture for the first time, I broke completely down sobbing. When my husband asked me why, all I could say was "Joie should have been here". For nearly a year, every time I hunted and a trusty horse carried me safely home, I cried, it wasn't him. So I put it all away. I pushed it back hard this week, busy at work, tried not to watch too many rememberances and got past it. Until I read Dr Edwards' heartfelt words. It is true that grief is the measure of how very much we love. Thank you for letting me have the feelings and the memories again and knowing with every ending, there is a begining, and the light of no living thing ever truly goes out, the candles may fade, but the light burns in our hearts and minds, all we have to do is see it there. The clouds seem a fitting place to look.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
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 (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37377)) as the highweight in the Donn Handicap. Also at Gulfstream NoBiz Like ShowBiz and Scat Daddy clash in the Holy Bull (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37378) (won last year in the slop by Barbaro) and Eclipse Award winner Miesque's Approval returns (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37380).
Finally "First Saturday in May" star Brother Derek tries again at Santa Anita (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37383).

A couple more recent Barbaro articles:
Losing Barbaro (http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2007/02/02/losing_barbaro/)
Derby Fever: 2006 Was All About Barbaro (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37371)

[VirginiaBred]

I had managed, with a great deal of effort, not to truly cry over Barbaro, my tears of loss being spent years before when I lost the finest horse to ever look through a bridle. As I stood on the hill at our new farm watching my then 4yr old "new" horse play in his new pasture for the first time, I broke completely down sobbing. When my husband asked me why, all I could say was "Joie should have been here". For nearly a year, every time I hunted and a trusty horse carried me safely home, I cried, it wasn't him. So I put it all away. I pushed it back hard this week, busy at work, tried not to watch too many rememberances and got past it. Until I read Dr Edwards' heartfelt words. It is true that grief is the measure of how very much we love. Thank you for letting me have the feelings and the memories again and knowing with every ending, there is a begining, and the light of no living thing ever truly goes out, the candles may fade, but the light burns in our hearts and minds, all we have to do is see it there. The clouds seem a fitting place to look.


:( :cry: Your words made me sob my eyes out..................:( :cry:

[VirginiaBred]

http://www.garystevens.com/keep-informed.shtml

Gary Stevens: Jockey

2/2/07 - After LA Times sports columnist T.J. Simers wrote two very disrespectful articles about Barbaro and the industry, Gary Stevens fired off a letter to the Editor in Chief. His letter is pasted below.

Mr. James O'Shea
Editor In Chief
Los Angeles Times
Dear Mr. O'Shea
It is one thing to be labeled a provocative journalist and quite another to act as a rude, callous, insulting and uneducated sports columnist. Unfortunately, T.J. Simers seems to reside under the latter category.
I found it extremely appalling to read the article Mr. Simers penned in the LA Times titled "Grieving for Barbaro makes no horse sense", regarding the untimely death of Kentucky Derby Champion Barbaro. Even further disturbing to me is the fact that the LA Times would allow such an extremely unprofessionally researched piece to be published.
Simers compares Barbaro to a squirrel, asking "Tell me the difference right now between the furry bump in the road that was once a squirrel, and Barbaro today." He goes on to say, "I don't get this blubbering fascination with Barbaro." And you, Mr. Simers call yourself a sports journalist? Shame on you!
Let me teach you a thing or two about Barbaro, the oldest sport in the America, and the determination, heart and will that it takes to make a champion.
Barbaro won the 2006 Kentucky Derby which is one of the most prestigious sporting events in all of sports. He won it by an astonishing 6 1/2 lengths which was the largest margin in 60 years. He was one of only 18 horses in history to come into the Derby undefeated.
Barbaro's trainer, Michael Matz was an Olympic silver medalist who survived a plane crash in Iowa that took the lives of 111 people. His heroic measures led him to rescue three kids out of the burning crash and then return to a smoke filled cabin to save an 11 month old baby. Maybe this gives you an inkling of why America and the world has embraced this horse and his connections so fondly.
Simers refers to looking up the definitions of courageous and courage on dictionary.com. He should have looked up the words ignorance (the state or fact of being ignorant; lack of knowledge"), and arrogance ("offensive display of superiority or self-importance") while looking up the words, determination ("the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose"), will ("purpose or determination") and heart (the center of the total personality, the center of emotion, spirit, courage, or enthusiasm), all of which a champion is made of and which Barbaro and his connections have displayed to the utmost! He might want to make note for future reference that squirrel is defined on dictionary.com as a "bushy-tailed rodent". Please tell me and your readers where he was ever able to find a connection between the two!
As a three time Kentucky Derby winning jockey I find it more than insulting that he would write an article about our sport, the oldest in America with such total disregard to the facts and the loss of a champion.
Like Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the owners of Barbaro and the majority of the horse owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms, journalists and all involved in bringing the sport of horse racing to the public, most are in it because of the joy they derive from the sport and the passion, and love they have for the horse, not the money Mr. Simers thinks they receive from it. Only a small fraction of owners in the sport actually receive a return on their investments. Although I made a good living in the sport I risked my life every time I came out of the gate. I rode for the passion of the sport and as any athlete or champion will tell you the thrill of victory is what drives a champion to be his best.
If Simers had done his homework or paid attention to the champion athletes whose careers he has covered as a "journalist" over the years he would have never questioned the fascination in Barbaro or been able to write an article with such total disregard for the facts and what Barbaro meant to all of those who mourned for him at the time of his death.
I would like to think that a major market newspaper such as the LA Times would be concerned about the integrity or lack thereof of their "journalists." It is clear to me that by the firing of Simers by ESPN and all of the negative things I have read about him, I am just one of many who feel this way.
Gary Stevens
Sierra Madre, CA

Mr. James O'Shea
Editor In Chief
Los Angeles Times

[eggbutt]

Hear, hear! Very well stated. Off to pen my letter to the LA Times.

Here is the link to the LA Times piece referenced by Gary Stevens:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers30jan30,1,4398954.column

[Glimmerglass]

Regarding LA Times sports writer T.J. Simers - California Sports Writer of the Year 2000 - there has been a serious fued with horse racing and Simers.

He got into a war of words in 2005 with Jeff Mullins regarding a suspension Jeff received over giving his horses milkshakes and even worse comments he [Mullins] supposedly said about racing and racing fans. Simers took a lot of heavy criticism in the whole matter as Mullins denied it and a lot of people went after the writer.

Afterwards T.J. Simers said he'd never write about horse racing again. Clearly he has (albeit rarely) but almost all of it negative. Accordingly I wouldn't expect anything on Barbaro to be positive from him. Folks, it sells newspapers to have someone write "shock" columns.

[flyingchange]

Thank you for posting Gary Stevens' letter to the LA Times. I read Mr. Simers' disgraceful piece on Tuesday and was shocked by both his callousness and by the fact the LAT published it. As Stevens so eloquently and concisely states in his letter, the piece served to highlight both Simers' and his paper's lack of understanding and appreciation of what it takes to make a champion. Pathetic.

Thank you Gary.

[JustJump]

The LA Times piece is unbelievably awful. Wonder if Mr. Stevens will get an aknowledgement?


Who is Dr. Edwards? Don't they mean Kathy Anderson?

[Frog]

I'm not personally that upset about Barbaro's death. But some people are, and it makes perfect sense to me. I've seen all kinds of comments regarding why people are upset that a horse died. "People are murdered every day and no one seems to care" and "it's not any different from a cow that was slaughtered yesterday" and now a dead squirrel. I think it's pretty simple why it's different-

Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby.

[Jessi P]

WTG Gary Stevens. :winkgrin: What he said.

[BasqueMom]

JustJump,

My mistake--meant Dr. Anderson.

[tradewind]

That piece was really disgusting. I am thrilled to death that Gary Stevens wrote that letter. Shame on the LA Times for printing it. I hope they get deluged with letters.

[farmgirl88]

first i'd like to thank everyone for such a lovely thread to come home and read through at the end of this long, and tiring week. Its truly beautiful. I've been troubled on this topic all week. Im trying to get used to not being asked to update people on Barbaro's condition at work, and I dont think i can bear to discuss his death to one more person, its heartbreaking. What a truly gifted horse he was. Id like to thank him for truly opening up this nation's eyes, this world's eyes to this sport, and the compassion we have for our horses all throughout the equestrian community. People within this world doubted the equestrian sports, and i think they believe now more than ever the ammount of money, time, love, compassion, trust, etc. that we put into our everyday chorse just so we can enjoy their company and the joy these great animals bring into our lives on a daily basis.

I think he's opened up the eyes of just about every doubted person that second-guessed the love we share for our horses, through his story, and thats one heck of a lifetime he gave us if you ask me. i want to thank him for opening up the issue of horse-slaughter to this nation, and truly leading on the debate over it. Once again, very little people know or realize that racehorses and horses alone are slaughtered by the thousands every year in this country, and i'd truly like to hug him for opening up the issue and leading onto the education about horse slaughter, even if its a slow, small start... without his story, the issue would've never been raised on a national scale the way it was, and frankly, if it ever was raised, i highly doubt people would've listened if it wasnt for this horse. I'd like to thank him for the incredible journey he has led us on over the past months.

I have never seen a nation come together like this, pulling for such a gallant horse. I'd like to thank him for winning the kentucky derby on my 18th birthday. Ill never forget sitting on the couch watching him in the post-parade with all my family and friends standing around, as i was pointing at the TV as he jogged by, ready to run, as i was pointing at him saying thats the horse that is going to win it, thats michael Matz's horse! Sure enough, i was jumping all around our living room screaming as he was comming down the final sretch of dirt, pulling away from the rest of field, with tears streaming down my eyes. Ill never forget his breakdown at the preakness, such a terrible and tragic incident. But out of such a terrible thing, i have never seen a joecky, and trainers, and owners come together and try to save a horse, that gave this nation more than i ever will in my entire lifetime...

I'd finally like to thank Michael Matz, the Jacksons, Edgar prado, and all of the Staff at New Bolton. Thanks yo for all you did for barbaro, for all you did for us, "the barbaro fan club". It's truly been a blessing to be able to live through and experience this horse's story. Ive learned so much from him and his partners, i cant even begin to list what this horse has given to me to bring with me through my lifetime. Honestly. Thanks for such an incredible ride guys.

[Oakstable]

The LA Times' circulation area is thick with horse people.

I don't mind someone having their say but was it balanced with another view?

Have they printed Gary Steven's response?

[knub]

SHAME ON YOU LA TIMES!!! YOU DISGUST ME!!!!!:mad:

[farmgirl88]

but the LA times is looking for this type of response form people. Its what gets everyones attention and gets them to read their paper and articles...publicity stunt

[ivy62]

I am having a tough time saying good bye to this thread....It has been the main stay of my mornings and evenings for some time now...Barbaro brought me back to racing....I had turned my back on it for many years( about 30) after Ruffian only watching the big races when televised...Even my own horse a racetrack reject had me look at bloodlines and learn about them but still not watch racing....Watching Barbaro in the Derby made me want to watch this magnificent horse with an enitire career in front of him only to end on that fateful day in May...Then trip to recovery. I had always hoped he would survive if not to be a stallion with little Barbaros running around or just to live grazing in a field..
People I work with understand my passion for horses but do not understand my love for Barbaro....He was a champion and gallant fighter until the end...He captured my heart with his intelligence and his demeanor...Head held high until he could do no more....it is sad...I too have still been lighting candles now in his memory that we can learn from him not just about medicine and racehorse owners but about love and caring...
I still expect to come home from work and check my e-mail for the line Barbaro updates.. I will get used to it I guess but I hope we can continue the track up dates and any stories about our boy...
Gary Stevens is a class act, always has been and I am glad he let them have it....Shame on the L.A. Times...
VB, Alex, Dr. R, the Richardsons, Michael Matz and everyone else that brought him to our life THANK YOU...

[knub]

Ii is love, love of the horse, there your friend, you just can't understand if you don't get it!! For me I am greiving for bobby, for all the horse I have lost and everyone that new him, it is a gift for us to love something so deeply!
PURE AND SIMPLE LOVE!!!!

[plaingrey]

Has anyone been viewed the video of Michael Matz introducing his son to Barbaro? Just a heartfelt clip. I thought it would be great if one of the advertising companies would pick it for one of their products. Of course, could't tell you which one would be good for. I thought there was such a connection of this horse, the trainer and his son.

Thank you to all who have kep us up to date over the last 8 months. This time is very sad for so many but the spirit of Barbaro lives on. The advancement in equine medicine is incredible all because of this horse and the staff at NB.

[Laurel&HollyFarm]

Gary Stevens is incredible. What a great letter. Even though he is a sportscaster, movie star and jockey I would not have expected his job discription to include eloquent writer. For me he put into words why we all have been enambered by this horse. Well done Gary!

[Peggy]

SHAME ON YOU LA TIMES!!! YOU DISGUST ME!!!!!:mad:The article that he wrote the following day was even worse, IMHO.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers31jan31,1,4857708.column

[Linny]

LA Times should be called LameTimes.

Gary is the bomb. I know him and he's truly a decent human being. He has a heart of gold. His letter, as a Derby winner himself is a great representation of the view of racing fans and Barbaro fans across the globe.

[JD]

I've been reading this forum since the Preakness and never posted, but I just have to say this. The LA Times is certainly not what it used to be when my father worked there in the 60's. I am ashamed they've sunk so low, I really expected more class from what used to be a wonderful paper.

As for Gary Stevens, he exudes class. I am grateful for his fiery letter in defense of Barbaro and his connections against this pathetic journalistic wannabe.

However. On another note, I thought I 'd share this video which I just view tonight of a happier ending which occured for some stranded horses in the Netherlands. Some of you may have already seen it. I would like to think Barbaro has been freed in a similar way, to run free and safe as he was intended to do.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9n9wd7P5Apw

[Fancy]

The article that he wrote the following day was even worse, IMHO.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers31jan31,1,4857708.column

Guess they got a lot of flack over the first column--this one is for subscribers only. Can you copy and paste?

[VirginiaBred]

Saturday~
Thanks, Alex~
Update 1434: A Tribute to Barbaro from a Fan of Barbaro: Barbaro Tribute (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqdo3CmgeNU).
A couple of Fans of Barbaro are planning to visit Fair Hill this morning, wrap up! It looks like it will be a busy morning.

Update 1433: Here is the fourth clip of Barbaro from "The First Saturday in May (http://www.henneganbrothers.com/)": Peter on Barbaro galloping at Fair Hill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSaG2-BkQXM). Very cool.

Gary Stevens speaks out (http://www.garystevens.com/keep-informed.shtml) in response to a very poorly written article in LA Times. I have met Gary a few times and he has supported this site with his comments.

[Anne FS]

Guess they got a lot of flack over the first column--this one is for subscribers only. Can you copy and paste?

It's a free sign up, like the NY Times site. Just enter your email and create a password and you're in.

Any word on does anyone have a link to Monday's NBC press conference with Dr. Richardson and the Jacksons? I thought for sure I could find it on youtube but I can't. Help!

[Anne FS]

The article that he wrote the following day was even worse, IMHO.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers31jan31,1,4857708.column

You know, I don't think it was. It makes the point all those people bashing Larry King on another thread don't realize: there are basically three groups reacting to the Barbaro story: horsemen, like those who have been following VB's wonderful thread here (and of course many other horse people, too), who are touched and saddened; then there are those, c'mon, we gotta admit it, NUTS, writing, "Dear Barbaro, I got into so much trouble today..." letters and writing to him like it was to Dear Diary. I find that stuff creepy; and then there are, probably the vast majority of folks, who agree with the newspaper column and just think the whole thing is ridiculous and really don't care about it at all and don't understand the hoopla.

It takes all kinds to make the world go round, as grandma said, and if we want them to tolerate US, then we need to tolerate THEM.

[tradewind]

I believe if you go to NTRA website they have a link to the press conference at NBC.

[Spoilsport]

Any word on does anyone have a link to Monday's NBC press conference with Dr. Richardson and the Jacksons? I thought for sure I could find it on youtube but I can't. Help!

Go here to the Penn website, scroll down and you will find a link with excerpts of the conference -

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro.htm


I have no interest in the LA Times article. In Barbaro's last days, it really hurt to read some of the cruel comments on the internet.

Dr. Anderson's words made me cry for the first time since Monday, but these tears were a little different. On Monday (even though I was almost certain since Sunday that it was going to happen) I felt just shock and pain. Now there is still sadness but tempered with happiness that we got to "know" this incredible horse and his people. Barbaro couldn't speak for himself, so we heard about his courage and intelligence from Dr. R., the Jacksons, MM, and all of Barbaro's "people" (including Alex and VB who shared with us). I am grateful for these good and honest people. You have to wonder. Was Barbaro just a very lucky horse that he was surrounded by such special people, or did Barbaro have the gift of bringing out the best in his people?

[Anne FS]

Was Barbaro just a very lucky horse that he was surrounded by such special people, or did Barbaro have the gift of bringing out the best in his people?

Both! :D And what a happy thought that is.

Michael Matz and Dr. Richardson have both been class acts since their Pony Club days (Yay for Pony Club!), and it seems the Jacksons have been the same long before Barbaro came along to grace their lives even more.

And one of the reasons we're all so sad and took this so hard is that I think everyone here would raise their hand to the question, "Who has ever lost the best horse to ever look through a bridle?"

All here can relate to the pain, and I think that, unlike the folks loving that LA Times article, all here are blessed to know the truth of how noble a horse can be. Lucky us. Even though we're crying and they're laughing right now, lucky, lucky us.

[msj]

Here is a link to press conference:
http://cbs3.com/topstories/local_story_028115637.html

It was first given on page 204 of this thread, item no. 4080.

[Anne FS]

Thank you so much for the links, everyone!

[ivy62]

Does anyone know the name of the foundation that was set up for research after Secretariat's death...I know it is here in the posts somewhere but I do not want to wade through them all.....anyone?
Thanks

[J. Turner]

The article that he wrote the following day was even worse, IMHO.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers31jan31,1,4857708.column

I really can't believe the LA Times allowed that to be published. Fine if people agree with him, but the snippy, snappy, insensitive comments were even worse. He is truly what is diseased in humans.

I think Ghandi said something like A culture can be judged by how it treats those who cannot take care of themselves: children, the eldery, sick, and animals.

If he is representative of our society, we are in trouble.

[Sunsets]

Scott Simon, host of "Weekend Edition" on NPR, read a lovely tribute to Barbaro this morning.

I heard it while I was driving to the barn, but you can listen to it here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7146854

It's the "Simon Says" segment.

[eggbutt]

And one of the reasons we're all so sad and took this so hard is that I think everyone here would raise their hand to the question, "Who has ever lost the best horse to ever look through a bridle?"

All here can relate to the pain, and I think that, unlike the folks loving that LA Times article, all here are blessed to know the truth of how noble a horse can be. Lucky us. Even though we're crying and they're laughing right now, lucky, lucky us.

So, so true.....perfect observation....we UNDERSTAND the pain of losing the a great horse.

[FourWands]

Does anyone know the name of the foundation that was set up for research after Secretariat's death...I know it is here in the posts somewhere but I do not want to wade through them all.....anyone?
Thanks

http://www.secretariat.com/Foundation/index.htm

[VirginiaBred]

Here are a couple of must reads:
Horse racing community won't forget Barbaro (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16951081/) ...lets hope not, there is much work to do!

Cohen: A champion dies (http://www.ntraracing.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=23136&style=purple), reflects on how Barbaro has effected us.

[Auventera Two]

You know, I don't think it was. It makes the point all those people bashing Larry King on another thread don't realize: there are basically three groups reacting to the Barbaro story: horsemen, like those who have been following VB's wonderful thread here (and of course many other horse people, too), who are touched and saddened; then there are those, c'mon, we gotta admit it, NUTS, writing, "Dear Barbaro, I got into so much trouble today..." letters and writing to him like it was to Dear Diary. I find that stuff creepy; and then there are, probably the vast majority of folks, who agree with the newspaper column and just think the whole thing is ridiculous and really don't care about it at all and don't understand the hoopla.

It takes all kinds to make the world go round, as grandma said, and if we want them to tolerate US, then we need to tolerate THEM.

Good post. Yeah, he was a great horse. Big heart, tremendous talent. Yeah, it was a shame he broke his leg. Yeah, it was a shame he didn't make it. But as they say - crap happens. You feel bad about it, you shake your head, and you move on. Why wasn't anyone mourning and lighting candles and writing letters to the Iditarod athlete who fought a long battle with cancer and lost? You know she had a young son she left behind. It was horribly tragic and sad.

I think the hype about Barbaro was that he was kept alive for many months longer than many people thought he should have been. He had no voice and no choice. And THAT is what pisses a lot of people off. But you know what - that's life. You deal - you get over it. Life is too short. Enjoy it. I lost my horses tragically in a barn fire 3 years ago. I was devestated, but I realize it's life. It happens. You play the deck you're dealt. You move on. I didn't bury my heart and soul and passion with those horses. I mourned, but ultimately I celebrate their lives. I celebrate every day that they had here, and I do NOT get bogged down in the sadness or heartache. You just can't. So I do dearly hope that some of these Barbaro people can move on and not let it destroy them. To do so is craziness.

[Anne FS]

I think the hype about Barbaro was that he was kept alive for many months longer than many people thought he should have been.

They thought wrong, though.


He had no voice and no choice.

Here's where you're REALLY wrong. Read this carefully and comprehend: every day for the past eight months Barbaro made the decision to keep on. Every day his team watched to see what HE wanted to do.

I've said this a hundred times and I'll say it two hundred more: his people told the truth. As long as BARBARO was comfortable and happy and wanted to keep trying, they WENT ALONG WITH HIS DECISION and continued to treat. THE VERY DAY Barbaro said, I don't like this, I'm done, his team sadly said, we promised it would be your decision and we will honor it, and they put him down.

They certainly could have continued to treat his laminitis. There were certainly other things they could've tried, both for Barbaro and for the sake of research for the future, but the horse didn't want to go on, and when Barbaro came to that place, his team made the decision HE wanted.

Two Simple, I am very, very sorry for your tragic loss of your horses. What a terrible thing.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1437: NoBiz Like ShoBiz won the Holy Bull by two lengths. He ran green, switched leads late and looked like he was lugging a little. If this horse learns to run straight and focused then we will see something very different perhaps. He is at the top of his division. Scat Daddy was off the bridle early. The field was strung out in the end.

Update 1436: NPRs Scott Simon: Barbaro Death Touches Admirers (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7146854).
I am fascinated at how those who have reported on the Barbaro story have been directly effected by the story.
Jeannine Edwards provided us her perspective.
Jack Ireland, who has followed the story for the Wilmington News Journal provides his: 'Big Fella' showed class from start to finish (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007702030348). I had a nice phone coversation the other day with Jack, much of which is reflected in this article.

[ivy62]

Thanks for the link to the fund also isn't there another one...hmmm Graystone something? I may be mistaken but if anyone remembers.....Thanks again.....

[Peggy]

Guess they got a lot of flack over the first column--this one is for subscribers only. Can you copy and paste?That's probably a copyright infringement. But, you can sign up (it's free). Or, there's always www.bugmenot.com for logins.

There were a number of letters today in the Sports section, including the Gary Stevens one.

Link (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-letterslede3feb03,1,6739977.story?coll=la-headlines-sports) to LA Times Letters to the Sports Editor.

[Anne FS]

Boy, some of those letters are pretty good.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex: Update 1439: The fifth clip from the Hennegan Brothers (First Saturday in May (http://www.henneganbrothers.com/)): Barbaro grazing at Fair Hill after the Derby (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj3Tz6RQhbA).

[hitchinmygetalong]

I lost my horses tragically in a barn fire 3 years ago. I was devestated, but I realize it's life. It happens. You play the deck you're dealt. You move on. I didn't bury my heart and soul and passion with those horses. I mourned, but ultimately I celebrate their lives. I celebrate every day that they had here, and I do NOT get bogged down in the sadness or heartache. You just can't. So I do dearly hope that some of these Barbaro people can move on and not let it destroy them. To do so is craziness.

:yes: Two Simple, you and I butt heads every now and again, but I have to say I agree with you 100% here. Thank you.

[NancyM]

[ Why wasn't anyone mourning and lighting candles and writing letters to the Iditarod athlete who fought a long battle with cancer and lost? You know she had a young son she left behind. It was horribly tragic and sad.
.[/QUOTE]

The name is Susan Butcher. Don't forget it. And yes, many people were affected by her death, and there was a huge outpouring of heartfelt sorrow from those who touched by a quality human being, even if ever so slightly. Much like a certain quality horse mentioned in this thread, she fought hard until the end and died with the dignity of her character intact. She did not give up early and easily. And she is sorely missed by the sled dog racing community.

Two Simple, if you feel that the horse should have been put down earlier than he was, the next time you have an injured horse, you can put him down right away if you wish, whether or not the horse is still trying to deal with and heal from the injury. That is the time you get to make the decision, when it is your horse. Then everybody spectating can second guess and criticise your decision, and remark that they would have decided differently, and better.

[VirginiaBred]

Sunday, Thanks Alex~
Update 1440: Sue McMullen wrote a nice piece on Barbaro (and mentioned this site) for today's Scottish Herald: A fight too far for champion (http://www.sundayherald.com/sport/nationalsport/display.var.1168436.0.a_fight_too_far_for_champion .php).

Mike Jensen writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer about "First Saturday in May (http://www.henneganbrothers.com/)" from which we have benefited already with the barbaro clips (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj3Tz6RQhbA) the Hennegan Brothers have been posting on youtube: Barbaro makes it into the movies (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/16619652.htm). The article notes they plan to do a separate documentary on Barbaro:

"We are going to pursue our own Barbaro documentary," John Hennegan said. "He's an important historical figure in the sport."

[VirginiaBred]

www.nytimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/weekinreview/04rarick.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

[VirginiaBred]

Barbaro Struck a Common Chord

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070204/2057778.asp



"No wonder we fell in love with a horse.
A country driven mad by partisanship found common cause in Barbaro - an utterly neutral reservoir of hope, beauty and determination. For a while, we were all in the race with a champion, and, for a while, we were champions, too."

[VirginiaBred]

Update 1441: The sixth clip of Barbaro is now available from the Hennegan Brothers: Barbaro and Peter, Messaging and Michael, walking back to the barn after exercise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4u7hsEPxA8).
Thanks Alex~

[fish]

www.nytimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/weekinreview/04rarick.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

I think this is a really good article. I had no idea that TB racing breakdowns were so much less frequent elsewhere in the world and only an inkling of how much differently the horses are managed and trained.

[VirginiaBred]

Cafe Press has added to their Barbaro merchandise.
"Heart of A Champion"

Check it out:
http://www.cafepress.com/barbaro

[VirginiaBred]

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070204/SPORTS/702040337/1002
Barbaro's legacy: saving other horses

Unprecedented medical effort for Kentucky Derby winner gives vets hope
By MARTIN FRANK, The News Journal

"The amazing thing is that the fracture healed, and that's what everyone needs to remember," said Dr. Rick Arthur, equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board, who has done thousands of surgical procedures on thoroughbreds over the past three decades.
"But it's kind of like the first heart transplant recipient. That person lived for three or five days after the surgery. From that, doctors could see how they could make things better so other patients could live longer. That will happen from what took place with Barbaro."

For the whole article, use the link above~

[La Gringa]

I think this is the best thing I have read in a long long time:

"So, to those who think this whole thing was a waste of time, I would say that if you're afraid of failure, you're never going to accomplish anything."

I think it was very worthwhile, and it gave everyone the chance to know this magnificent horse 8 months longer than we would have if he had been put down right away.

[Sannois]

[ Why wasn't anyone mourning and lighting candles and writing letters to the Iditarod athlete who fought a long battle with cancer and lost? You know she had a young son she left behind. It was horribly tragic and sad.
.

The name is Susan Butcher. Don't forget it. And yes, many people were affected by her death, and there was a huge outpouring of heartfelt sorrow from those who touched by a quality human being, even if ever so slightly. Much like a certain quality horse mentioned in this thread, she fought hard until the end and died with the dignity of her character intact. She did not give up early and easily. And she is sorely missed by the sled dog racing community.

Two Simple, if you feel that the horse should have been put down earlier than he was, the next time you have an injured horse, you can put him down right away if you wish, whether or not the horse is still trying to deal with and heal from the injury. That is the time you get to make the decision, when it is your horse. Then everybody spectating can second guess and criticise your decision, and remark that they would have decided differently, and better.[/QUOTE]
I have often wondered that myself in the past several months. How so much attention and grief can go twords a horse. Now I know it will be taken wrong and I LOVe horses, And lost 2 that were very very special many years ago, but You go on. Humans deserve the attention and prayers and candle lighting.
:no:

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1442: Another Barbaro tribute: A Tribute to Barbaro (http://youtube.com/watch?v=-lGmjg4SLGE).

Mrs. Jackson sent me an e-mail this morning. In the e-mail she wanted me to thank everyone for their kind love and support. They have received many messages of support and are overwhelmed with how much Barbaro was loved by so many.

Another article:
Barbaro touched a common chord (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070204/2057778.asp), excerpt:

A country driven mad by partisanship found common cause in Barbaro - an utterly neutral reservoir of hope, beauty and determination. For a while, we were all in the race with a champion, and, for a while, we were champions, too.

[Fancy]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1442: Another Barbaro tribute: A Tribute to Barbaro (http://youtube.com/watch?v=-lGmjg4SLGE).

That one got me. I've watched the others, but this one brought on a major melt down.

Go, Bobby Go!

[ivy62]

okay I thought I was done crying but that one just brought the house down.....I hope he will not be forgotten by all....Anyone who has different opinions about what should or should not have been done have the right to it but it doesn't belong here.....JMHO

[Levi's owner]

To all those who claim he suffered for 8 months. That it was cruel. Ummm....have you looked at pictures of him while he was at NBC? The horse's eyes do not lie....he was happy....Barbaro just had such an exquisite soft eye. Maybe you missed the pictures of his gleaming coat.....He was a happy horse....If you look at pictures from Preakness Day when he was in the ambulance....now that was a horse IN PAIN AND WORRIED. He was the Jacksons' horse...Please respect their decisions as horse owners.

He was a stunning example of a horse.....


There is a new star up in the night sky, that's Bobby shining down on us....

[SAS]

Boy, that Tribute to Barbaro just did me in. I have cried for him and all those who love him many times over the past week. But watching that - yeesh, I am now sobbing like crazy. What I great job they did capturing the true spirit and strength of a very special horse.

VB - thanks so much for keeping us all connected all these months - even now.

[msj]

I've watched all the videos on this thread but this video was from another thread and I have to say it was my very favorite. This past Tuesday, I called our local country/western radio station and asked them to play the song dedicated to Barbaro's memory.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz5xzK4q6Xw

I know I've gone thru a box of Puffs by my 'puter just this past week alone. :cry:

[Jingo-ace]

Here is another tribute to Barbaro - not created by
a horseman, but really good all the same.
(Kleneex warning - hav'm handy for this video clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xnk8TdAMdY&eurl=

[Fancy]

Has anybody but me noticed how much older Dean Richardson looks in the later photos than the earlier ones? Goodness! He must have spent a lot of sleepless nights worrying about his boy.

[Oakstable]

The jazzman's tribute was really nice but he got a photo of a horse without a star mixed in there.

[M. O'Connor]

I'd never paid attention to that song before--had no idea, had never listened to the words....:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Mariequi]

Nancy M: Why wasn't anyone mourning and lighting candles and writing letters to the Iditarod athlete who fought a long battle with cancer and lost? You know she had a young son she left behind. It was horribly tragic and sad.

That's quite unfair, Nancy M. What's the name of this thread?

[VirginiaBred]

Monday~
Thanks, Alex.
Update 1443: A nice commentary in the Baltimore Examiner: Brooke Gunning: Barbaro: Lessons from a horse's life (http://www.examiner.com/a-547512~Brooke_Gunning__Barbaro__Lessons_from_a_hor se_s_life.html), it ends:

Barbaro had a different destiny. Some winners have gone on to further fame and success in their racing careers or at stud. A select few have won the Triple Crown. All were victors in their day. A rarefied few achieve greatness. Through thousand of races over ever-increasing generations, the names of the truly great still resound. Secretariat, Seabiscuit, Man o' War and Native Dancer hear the hoofbeats of the newest legend to join their august racing ranks. Barbaro has earned his place.

Many will participate in a moment of silence at 10:30 am to pay their respects to Barbaro and his connections. Many will then continue to fight for all those things that are now important to sustain Barbaro's legacy (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37404).

[AnotherRound]

Nancy M: Why wasn't anyone mourning and lighting candles and writing letters to the Iditarod athlete who fought a long battle with cancer and lost? You know she had a young son she left behind. It was horribly tragic and sad.

Gee, Nancy, how do you know no one was? Are you upset because no one started an online thread about the iditarod cancer victim? Why didn't you? Of course, not on this bullitin board. Of Course. I am certain that is not what you were suggesting.

You sound like the kind of person who, when someone gets comforted or praised or soothed looks around to see who deserved it more. Kinda cold. That was a nasty, sour post.

[VirginiaBred]

It’s been a week today.

To say it’s been a difficult adjustment would be downplaying it quite a bit.
I’ve had an unhappy feeling about Barbaro all year, looking back. The comments I had made to friends and the worry I had read between the lines. Now I know why.
Barbaro was so game about keeping things positive; he took all of us along with him. I know without a shadow of a doubt he received the best of decision-making every step of the way.
Dr. Richardson so obviously loved this courageous horse; somehow that made everything easier. His owners trust in him was based on his vast knowledge and his love for their animal. How much better can it get?

I have received so many e-mails and phone calls at home, and messages here on COTH that I wanted to publicly thank so many fellow posters I now call friend. We have shared a journey of sorts together, and became unified with our focus and love.
I developed a wonderful friendship with Alex Brown at Tim Woolley Racing, and various friends at New Bolton. I want to thank them all here, in addition to the private correspondence I’ve had with them.

As I look at the clock, and realize it’s almost 10:30am, I find myself choking up, again.
I gladly dedicated myself to the “task” of creating and daily updating the Barbaro thread. It became a labor of love. It is so important that those of us who came together for the love of this horse to continue the work started through his plight.
As I see its minutes before 10:30, I just want to say how much I miss him.

[eggbutt]

Thank you VB for everything.

[captain]

yes, everything, VB, sincerely thank you.

[Davignport]

VB you really speak for all of us. It will be a hard day today and I guess we all need to take comfort in the fact that Bobby is up there watching over us.

The job that you have done on this bulletin board and the efforts to keep us updated to the very minute are nothing short of exceptional. I guess that is why we all feel like a family and that Bobby belonged to all of us - we knew every detail of his care and we were always there rooting for him. It seems like we have all lost something very precious - even though most of us never even met Bobby. I had always hoped and prayed that the day would come when I could go and see him on a farm in Kentucky somewhere just being a horse. How nice it would been to actually see him in person. It does seem that God had another plan for Bobby and winning races was just a side note - all of the horses that come after him and benefit from what the vets have learned from him will be his true legacy. How fortunate we were to have him - if only for a short time.

[BasqueMom]

Again, thank you VB and Alex. It was remarkable journey and if only the ending had been what we all wished for. May his memory stay bright--he become so special to so many of us.

[Oakstable]

I agree on appreciating the amazing work of love contributed in great detail by Alex and VB for Barbaro and his extended family.

[msj]

The jazzman's tribute was really nice but he got a photo of a horse without a star mixed in there.

Actually, I believe I saw 2 that weren't Bobby. One head shot and a side profile of what appeared to be a bay with either a hay belly or pregnant. I kinda figured the side profile might have been his dame and the head shot (a much darker bay than Bobby) might have been his sire. :)

[msj]

VB you really speak for all of us. It will be a hard day today and I guess we all need to take comfort in the fact that Bobby is up there watching over us.

The job that you have done on this bulletin board and the efforts to keep us updated to the very minute are nothing short of exceptional. I guess that is why we all feel like a family and that Bobby belonged to all of us - we knew every detail of his care and we were always there rooting for him. It seems like we have all lost something very precious - even though most of us never even met Bobby. I had always hoped and prayed that the day would come when I could go and see him on a farm in Kentucky somewhere just being a horse. How nice it would been to actually see him in person. It does seem that God had another plan for Bobby and winning races was just a side note - all of the horses that come after him and benefit from what the vets have learned from him will be his true legacy. How fortunate we were to have him - if only for a short time.

Wow! I couldn't have said it better! VB, you and Alex really went above and beyond and I echo the words of others in thanks. :) :) :)

[VirginiaBred]

Another article that defends the outpouring of support for Barbaro and the good that Barbaro can and has brought upon us: Going the Distance --- Barbaro reminded us that life is worth fighting for (http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/reporters_notebooks_display.htm?StoryID=56478).

[monstrpony]

How often, in real life, does it happen that the Good Guys get an opportunity to take on the impossible, to try everything in the arsenal, with no holds barred, in one glorious attempt to do something genuinely and simply good--the kind of ultimate, fantastical thing that everyone dreams of doing, the kind of thing that childhood dreams are built upon?

And how often do we get to say about such an event, "Those are my people, I have a connection with them, however small, and I'm proud of them and of that glorious effort"?

And when the Good Guys got so close, so very, very close to that glorious thing, but saw at the final moment that it was not to be, and then accepted that crushing loss with such grace, with such dignity.

My god in heaven, how could we NOT feel strongly about Barbaro, about his people, about his story? How could we not wail and gnash and cry and stomp our feet in frustration with this unsatisfactory end to our fairy tale story?

How could we not be affected by such an experience??

[sid]

VB - I loved that article. She really hit the nail on the head.

[Levi's owner]

What I think has been so powerful about Barbaro is the love that he felt....from MM, M/M Jackson, Edgar, Peter, all before he was even hurt. He trusted and loved his people. With that trust came the trust he had in Dr. Richardson and the NBC. He knew he was loved and respected. I think that's what made him such a great....he did everything in life be/c he knew he was loved...We should all be so happy in life.....

That Run for the Roses video really got to me...especially be/c I saw VB's words peaking out from behind the open window...about how it's been a week and she misses him so much. If we feel empty, imagine how all his people feel...

[Fancy]

Thank you, monstrpony. Beautiful words.

[ivy62]

There is no proper way to say thank you...VB your tireless efforts for all of us is unprecidented(sp) I feel like you brought not only Barbaro into my home but everyone attached to him. I miss the daily up dates and the ACN every day. Having a horse who has had laminitis and survive I thought with the kind of care he got he would surely beat it, I hoped....My tears are less then they were a week ago...Except last night I was watching Seabiscuit, had to watch something that had a happy ending, and in one of the racing scenes my 4 year old daughter asked where Barbaro was! I told her he was racing in the clouds, she asked if his hospital was there too....I said he is not in pain any more but running free...she asked how they fixed him? I did not know how to answer her but she loved him too!
Let this show horse owners all over the world that catastrophic injuries can be fixed. Now we just have to learn how to manage everything else....

Always a Barbaro believer Thanks TEAM BARBARO!!!!!

[Oakstable]

I cannot imagine what his immediate family is going through.

He so wanted to win up until the very end.

I love the Run for the Roses video too.

Some of the photos are meant to represent scenes, but are not documentary photography, BTW.

[VirginiaBred]

Tuesday~
Thanks Alex:
Update 1446: The seventh clip of Barbaro from the Hennegan Brothers (http://www.henneganbrothers.com/): Derby morning, coming onto the track at Churchill (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzQoeojShs).
Sunday's Daily News had an article on the film they are making, its the second story: Barbaro legacy lives on in film (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/494467p-416527c.html).

[jennifersw]

Anyone who has not viewed these videos on YouTube...you must. So few words....yet they say so much. This is the Barbaro I will remember and I' ll probably get a real tongue- lashing for saying this...I hope not...I have been a fan and a supporter of his fight all along... but after seeing these tapes I am almost relieved that he did not live on just to "do time on Planet Earth", living most of his day in a stall, being only hand- walked for fresh air and exercise. When I close my eyes now I' ll see him galloping along on a misty morning, ears pricked, having the time of his life...and not limping across the grass ourside of New Bolton Center. And I will go on worshipping Michael Matz same as I have since about age 10 when he won the AGA Rider of the Year...on AGA Horse of the Year Jet Run (the first handsome bay superstar in Michale' s career!!). A Horseman and a Gentleman.

[TweedADeedle]

I have not been following this thread in great depth, checking it periodically. I haven't been on in days and just wondering if they have chosen a burial site? thanks

[knowonder]

Just to clarify--NancyM did not write that--she was quoting Two Simple from a page before--NancyM simply told us who Susan was and then added her own reply to Two Simple's comment. I don't know either of these people, but don't attribute that quote to NancyM--it was Two Simple's.

Just to clarify :)

[Gunnar]

I cannot watch the videos now! Perhaps when more time has passed I can take a peak. For now I can gaze at his pictures that I have sprinkled around my desk.

Like VB I miss him terribly.:sadsmile:

Go Bobby Go!

[VirginiaBred]

I have not been following this thread in great depth, checking it periodically. I haven't been on in days and just wondering if they have chosen a burial site? thanks


No, not yet. I will post it here when I hear.

[Spoilsport]

I'm with Gunnar. I can't watch the videos now. I'm going to try to save them.

After my mare died, it was over a year before I could get myself to watch old videos. One day I locked myself in a room with a bottle of wine, and watched them all and cried for hours. Now I can watch them and smile.

I think there will be a time when I can watch the Barbaro videos and see just the joy and not the tragedy. Right now, it's just too fresh :cry: :cry: .

[witherbee]

I'm not usually that way, but I have to say that I can't look at any of the pictures or videos yet either - maybe in another week or two. People that I work with who are non-horsey, but know that I am into horses and racing, keep mentioning it and I just say "yes, it's very sad" and then change the subject ASAP... So sad, and he is missed so much. Thank you VB and the others for all of theupdates etc...

[TQ]

Thank you VB for keeping us all so closely connected to Barbaro and his family. All valiant and all heroes.

[Wind]

I have been reading all of the posts since the beginning and have not made any comments.

I think the efforts of all involved trying to save the horse were truly incredible and want to thank VB and Alex for keeping us updated. I believe as the Jackson's believe, you owe the animal loyalty, and they were to the end. To those who criticized the people who tried to help Barbaro, guess that is their opinions. Barbaro looked very healthy and pain-free to me before he developed problems in all legs; and his people knew when to let him go. If the medical profession never tried new techniques on humans as well as animals, there would not be the increase in longeavity we are having now. And from Barbaro, Dr. Richardson and other doctors may be able to save some other horse from a shattered limb or save a horse from laminitis. And the same goes for humans, Chris Reeves is a good example of that. Physicians have learned more from his situation.

It could be your horse or your loved one that could be saved one day.

[carlo213]

Thank you for expressing my exact thoughts.
As for MM , he is the absolute best, he treated his jumpers like no other.
The horse ALWAYS came first.

[I'm EBO]

VB--I want to thank you very much for the tremendous job you've done (and continue to do) in keeping us in the loop about dear Barbaro.

When we lost him, I couldn't have been more upset than if it had been one of my own. I think your work played a large part in the sense of ownership we all felt. I wonder if he somehow knew that all his surrogate mommies (and daddies) were waiting in support of his recovery; he certainly tried his heart out.

We won't ever forget him. Thanks for giving us a place to gather.

Please pass our appreciation along to Alex.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1449: Michael Blowen, who runs Old Friends (http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/) writes an open letter: OLD FRIENDS' MICHAEL BLOWEN ON THE DEATH OF BARBARO (http://www.bridleandbit.com/artman/publish/article_16426.shtml) and makes some valid points. It would be nice to see, with the influx of slot money, monies set aside for horses that no longer can compete for their retirement.


Remembering Barbaro: 'America's Horse' Who Touched the World (http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v53/n21/barbaro.html), from UPenn, includes the following:

After Barbaro was euthanized Monday morning, January 29, President Amy Gutmann issued the following statement: "We are truly heartbroken to learn of the death of Barbaro. He was a magnificent animal, who fought towards recovery throughout these past months with a grace and spirit that was an inspiration to us all. Our hearts go out to his devoted owners, Gretchen and Roy Jackson, to his brilliant and caring surgeon Dean Richardson, and to all the devoted staff at Penn's New Bolton Center who took such magnificent care of Barbaro all these months.
"Barbaro was a true athlete, whose unwavering spirit and will to live touched the hearts of thousands of people throughout the country and the world. He became 'America's horse,' and despite his injuries and illness brought joy to the hearts of so many. We will miss him."

[merry98]

I have been reading all of the posts since the beginning and have not made any comments.

I think the efforts of all involved trying to save the horse were truly incredible and want to thank VB and Alex for keeping us updated. I believe as the Jackson's believe, you owe the animal loyalty, and they were to the end. To those who criticized the people who tried to help Barbaro, guess that is their opinions. Barbaro looked very healthy and pain-free to me before he developed problems in all legs; and his people knew when to let him go. If the medical profession never tried new techniques on humans as well as animals, there would not be the increase in longeavity we are having now. And from Barbaro, Dr. Richardson and other doctors may be able to save some other horse from a shattered limb or save a horse from laminitis. And the same goes for humans, Chris Reeves is a good example of that. Physicians have learned more from his situation.

It could be your horse or your loved one that could be saved one day.

Here, here. Well said.

And VB thank you for all you've done.

[VirginiaBred]

Wednesday~
Thanks Alex~
Update 1452: Barbaro has clearly touched many of us, which in many cases has manifested into giving: Barbaro's Memory Spurs Retirement Program Donations (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37448), 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.

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.

[msj]

Another excerpt from the above mentioned article, Barbaro's Memory Spurs Retirement Program Donations:


Barbara Luna, executive director of ReRun, said the New Jersey-based Thoroughbred adoption group has also been the beneficiary of the generous spirit demonstrated by so many ordinary people who followed Barbaro’s valiant eight-month fight for life after breaking down during last year’s Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course.

“We’ve gotten in a few donations,” Luna said. “We’re not going to solicit. And while ReRun won’t turn down donations, I really feel as though the money should go to the New Bolton Center for research on laminitis. They do such good work there.”

How incredibly kind and generous Luna was to feel that the donations should go to NBC when all adoption groups can desperately use any $ they can get. It caused me to shed a tear for sure. :)

[VirginiaBred]

Michael Matz has been named Overall Horseman of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse (http://www.chronofhorse.com/index.php)

[ivy62]

I was at my barn today and some one made mention of Barbaro and how sad it was for him to be put down after such a valiant effort.....then the next comment was I wonder how much semen they got. I told her none and she didn't believe me! Also she said that his ashes are to be buried at CD is this true?

[VirginiaBred]

No mention of where he is to be laid to rest. I will post it here when I know.

Thanks Alex~
Update 1455: A nice essay that helps explain what Barbaro means to his broad fan base: America's Pony (http://www.popmatters.com/pm/features/article/10806/americas-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.

[VirginiaBred]

Thursday~
Thanks Alex~
Update 1457: Sports Illustrated has a nice Barbaro story: A champion until the end, Barbaro touched us with his grace and fighting spirit (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/tim_layden/01/29/barbaro.obit/index.html). The following is an excerpt:

Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby in the manner of an athlete who is evolved beyond his peers. He cut a massive, striking pose in the Derby paddock before the race, taller and more muscled than the others in the race. The breeding industry buzz had been that Barbaro would one day do his best running on the grass. As Barbaro circled the Churchill paddock, Jill Baffert, the wife of three-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert, turned to her husband and said, "You better hope he's a grass horse."

I remember that quote from Mrs. Baffert, in response to her husband's comment that Barbaro was supposed to be a grass horse.

[VirginiaBred]

Another tribute: Barbaro The Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovv6ovghi4w).

[msj]

I loved this excerpt from the America's Pony. It made me chuckle for the first time since the Preakness:


Barbaro was the perfect icon for us. He didn’t put his hoof in his mouth every time he opened it. Not only was he was good-looking and highly photogenic from start to finish, but he was well behaved: he didn’t make headlines for outrageous behavior or breaking the law. He wasn’t a public embarrassment or a laughingstock or the lurid subject of scandal sheets. He embodied the characteristics so often lacking in our human icons: nobility, courage, dignity, grace, good manners and greatness of spirit. Until the final moments of his life, when a series of setbacks made his pain level unmanageable, he was an outstandingly cooperative patient with a strong will to beat the medical odds. What more can we ask from our heroes?

I just lit another candle for him and the candles were over 3400! He's still very much loved and in peoples hearts and minds. :)

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1459: Mrs. Jackson just called and we had a nice long conversation about Barbaro and all the good things that seem to be happening. I alerted Mrs. Jackson to this rescue effort (http://forums.delphiforums.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=5090), she was thrilled! Mrs. Jackson obviously misses Barbaro a lot, he was so much a part of her life for sure, but she did emphasize she would not change a thing (other than the accident itself of course). She is very grateful of all the support and is very busy working on Barbaro's legacy.

[Appassionato]

Sorry if it's been mentioned, but does anyone know where he was buried? I would assume it would have been done by now...

[VirginiaBred]

Appassionato, I will post it here, so just stay updated on these posts for his burial site/place.

[eggbutt]

Thank you VB - (aka Randee! :D )

Over the past couple of days I've been able to wean myself away from the outrageous and spectacular articles and bb posts that have been tirades on the insanity of why the public was so fascinated with Barbaro. I'm now back to visiting my old haunts for news in general on B. Thank you for continuing to keep us informed. There is so much wrong in the world.....it is nice to find good thoughts here on this thread.

Sandie - aka eggbutt

[Appassionato]

Appassionato, I will post it here, so just stay updated on these posts for his burial site/place.

Thanks! I wonder what the hold up is?

[Auventera Two]

Thanks! I wonder what the hold up is?

No comment. lol.

Actually, I was wondering the same thing.

[Buffyblue]

I guess because he was cremated there's no hurry, and they want to think about where the best place would be. Just my thought on it...

[VirginiaBred]

There are many options.
The Kentucky Derby site.
The Kentucky Horse Park site.
A new Barbaro museum they are considering.
Their own farm.

Stay tuned........

[eggbutt]

In previous posts Mrs. Jackson has said she is considering many options, including a yet to be built racing musuem in PA honoring PA Bred race horses. I certainly will honor any decision the Jacksons make regarding his burial site.

I wonder if Barbaro's stride was ever measured and if so, what the measurement was? I recall my first visit to the Kentucky Horse Park my total amazement at the length of Secretariat's full gait stride. I'm not suggesting Barbaro was a big gaited as Secretariat, just general curiousity.

[shojumper]

I loved the barbaro the legend video!!! Does anyone know who took the first three pictures? I have seen them before, and love them... I would like to be able to buy one or two if it was possible.... Thanks all!!!!

[Levi's owner]

Another tribute: Barbaro The Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovv6ovghi4w).

That was AWESOME!
I love the picture of him as a colt.

[VirginiaBred]

Friday~
Thanks Alex~
Update 1462: A couple more tributes to Barbaro:
Barbaro: His Greatest Legacy, Grieving "Barbaro Nation" Poised to Move Forward (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/137708/barbaro_his_greatest_legacy.html), excerpt:

But during his stay at NBC, they did a lot more. They mobilized hundreds if not thousands of ordinary folks to introduce anti-horse slaughter legislation. They brought the plight of abandoned and neglected horses to the web site to be read by people across the globe. By keeping Barbaro in the news, one way or another, they forced the issue of thoroughbred racing injuries into public view and saw tracks moving to safer polytrack surfaces as a result.

Requiem for a hero, In a vain fight against death, Barbaro became more than a stricken Kentucky Derby winner. Bred to win on a track, this horse - and its handlers - won over a nation's heart. (http://www.cleveland.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/sports/1170150282119120.xml?sxoth&coll=2), excerpt:

There are those who will say that Barbaro was just a horse, but the truth is that to so many he was also a symbol of hope ... of courage ... and the selflessness of the man who trained him and rode him and the people who stood beside him in the winner's circle on Derby Day.
But maybe the shared joy of his survival that later turned to shared suffering when he couldn't make it is not really that hard to understand. He was an athlete with an athlete's heart. His courage was self-explanatory in an age when America grows weary of big-money athletes who have exhausted their intelligence with their whining.
Any way you look at it, an American hero died Monday.

[Spoilsport]

Thanks, VB, for keeping this going :)

I think it's great that, while certain people predicted that Barbaro fans would fall apart if he died, they (we) have actually mobilized into a powerful force of loving positive people who want to make a difference to horses :) :) :)

It was almost exactly a month ago that I was at UPenn small animal hospital buying meds for my cat and saw the Barbaro bracelets on sale. I was back there yesterday, and they're still selling them :yes:

I wonder if the bracelets could be modified so that they honor Barbaro while also promoting Mrs. Jackson's cause(s). I'm thinking of something like Alex's Lemonade Stand. She was the little girl who died of leukemia and her yellow stands (and bracelets) now raise awareness and raise money for other children with cancer. I don't know Mrs. Jackson or anyone in the "know" enough to suggest this myself, but just throwing out the idea in case someone else wants to go with it.

[Fancy]

SS, that's a wonderful idea. I think that what will make Bobbie's last 8+ months worth while is if good things happen because of it. We've seen the beginnings--artificial turf, anti-slaughter support, support for OOTB retirement homes--but there's SO much more that could be done.

[VirginiaBred]

THIS JUST IN FROM HSUS in regard to the "Barbaro Effect" and the AHSPA


We've been in touch with Kelley Dupps Gov't Affairs HSUS in regard to a statement with the recent passing of Barbaro and the impact Barbaro has on getting the AHSPA passed.
Many thanks to Kelley Dupps in her efforts to get this statement to us. Here it is...
-------------------------------------------------
Friends,
Many of us felt a loss we couldn’t articulate and beyond our reason when we heard the news about Barbaro. Some of it was due to the expectations we had for him. He’d overcome so much. He was on the mend, so we thought. The shock made it all the harder to bear.
Our nation’s collective reaction to this colt was truly stunning. He won our hearts and made us dare to hope. When he lost his battle, we lost that optimism and hope we’d harbored. In a larger sense, he taught us what it meant to simply not give up. He never, ever did.
His owners were committed to protecting him from suffering, so they had to be the ones to give up. They made the hard choice that their horse would never make for them. It must have been a wrenching time for the Jacksons to feel such a responsibility and to make this very tough call, however clear the need was.
Their brave and broken descriptions of the experience and especially of his last hours along with the many columns written by Barbaro’s admirers touched me and saddened me. Not only for Barbaro’s sake, but because they recalled for me the truly dark time in my life almost a decade ago when I had to let my own big bay horse go and watch him slip away. Uttering the words to our vet “yes, it’s time…let’s do it…” may have been the hardest words I’ve ever spoken. The sheer weight of such a choice and the inability to do more for him, my dear horse who fought many brave fights like Barbaro only to lose his life when he fell down one day, inexplicably, and never could get up again. But, when I became certain it was the right thing to do and turned the corner from the agony of indecision to an urgent need for finality and peace, I just wanted it to happen quickly and to be easy for him. I looked into his eyes and then watched the needle plunge into his neck. I held his head when he jerked for a moment at the pinch, and then stroked his forelock until his labored breathing slowed and then, with a long wheeze, stopped altogether. I looked up at our vet to hear her say that he was gone. I stared at his body, a gorgeous thoroughbred’s frame that was just moments before animated by his endless and futile attempts to get to his feet, his withers raw from rubbing the fence he fell against. It was finally over.
The reality of calling businesses who could help me dispose of his body…and then cutting a swath of his mane to hold onto forever…and ultimately planting a tree in his honor…it was all horrible, real, gritty, and sad. And yet, I wouldn’t trade that experience for any in the world because I was able to ensure that his life ended peacefully and with dignity. Most importantly, I prevented any further suffering for my horse, even if it was the hardest gift to give him. And, it was the best thing that could’ve happened to my former racehorse who had lived a full life. My horse was spared any greater suffering because I made my impossibly hard choice.
These memories all came back with a rush as I read about Barbaro. And felt for his family and all the millions who loved him.
But there is one thing that cannot be ignored. Barbaro fought like there was no end in sight. He didn’t know how to stop fighting. He faced each new obstacle with pluck, determination, and heart. And we must be so grateful that his death came with the quiet hush of unconsciousness and with no additional pain and no prolonged indignities.
Some horses are not spared pain and suffering. Instead, some are sent to auction and then sold, often unwittingly, to killer buyers who then haul them for days to a slaughter plant where they are captive bolted in the head, just once if they are lucky, and dismembered. If they go to Mexico, they are stabbed in the neck with a boning knife and paralyzed, but they bleed and suffer until they suffocate from the knife wound’s nerve damage.
We cannot allow anyone to claim that sending horses to slaughter may ever be described as a merciful act. The slaughterhouses are arguing that they “euthananize” horses and that they provide a service to horses that would otherwise be neglected, set loose, or starved to death. Nonsense! The United States Department of Agriculture states that more than 92% of horses sent to slaughter are, in fact, in good condition. They are not beyond productivity and they are not without other options. Some heartless owners dump horses they no longer want because they are too cheap or lazy to offer them a faster, painless death. Such abuse should not be tolerated. Having a horse means taking on the responsibility to make the tough call and being willing to do what every horse owner should – take care of your horse to the very end. If you can’t do that, you should not have ever gotten that horse.
Allowing horse slaughter so that foreign diners can enjoy American horseflesh is not merciful; it is merely profitable for the foreign corporations that own these equine slaughterhouses. I believe that horse owners are responsible people. And they will follow the law. More than 99% of them are already demonstrating their responsibility by currently providing a humane end for their horses. It’s the final 1% that may not even realize that the horses they send to auction will be put through a miserable journey and a horrible death. If slaughter were not a legal option, this last 1% would simply sell their horses to other owners. Horses that are too old or ill for new homes will be euthanized by a vet for the price of a single month’s care.
As we mourn Barbaro’s loss, let us turn our attention to other horses who need us – whose lives are ending, one by one, far less ceremoniously. We must take on the Barbaro spirit and fight on. And never, never, never say die. For those who have already perished in this awful manner, we are sad. For those we can still save with diligent efforts, let us not let them down. Let us cherish every opportunity to move the H.R. 503/S. 311, a federal ban on horse slaughter, forward. This is the year we can stop the slaughter of American horses. We must imagine Barbaro running down the homestretch and then fighting his way forward when he could run no more and know that we must do his unfinished work. We must inspire our nation to take action to save American horses from a fate far, far worse than Barbaro’s.
Let our work honor his fighting spirit and end the slaughter.

Nancy Perry, VP of HSUS Gvt Affairs

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1465: Kennett Square mourns the loss of Barbaro: Why I love Kennett Square (http://forums.delphiforums.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=5230.1).

Update 1464: The Risen Star is the key three year old race this weekend: Tough test for Circular Quay (http://drf.com/news/article/82445.html). Hard Spun was planning to run in this race, I forget now why he is not but don't think it was anything serious.

Another interesting three year old in the entries this weekend is Michael Matz trainee Chelokee, sunday at Gulfstream (http://drf.com/entries/11/eGP11.html?rn=173657).

A recent resolution adopted by the Pennsylvania state Senate honours Barbaro and his connections. (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37488)

[Kenike]

wow....what an editorial from HSUS. Made me cry all over again!

VB, the fact you are still hard ay work for us just speaks volumes. Thank you so much :)

[captain]

i still check in here everyday, twice a day.

[VirginiaBred]

Saturday~
Thanks, Alex~
Edgar Prado is at Aqueduct today ... this might mean something: 'ROMAN' TRUE TRIPLE THREAT (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2007/02/barbaro_updates_196.php) ?

[msj]

i still check in here everyday, twice a day.

Yep, so do I and I go light a candle or two still for Bobby! :) I'm sure he's galloping his heart out! :)

VB, many thanks again for keeping this thread going with all the tributes and praises etc. for Barbaro, the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson, Michael Matz, Edgar and Peter. :) :)

[Levi's owner]

My Barbaro beanie baby just came in the mail today.....

VB, I still check twice a day.

[VirginiaBred]

Another lovely Barbaro tribute from a Fan of Barbaro: And it is All Barbaro (http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=21bf132c0b2c113dfc5d91&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=email).





It is really hard to adjust to, not seeing the updates I had become so used to reading about how he was doing.

Boy is it hard. :cry:

[monstrpony]

It is really hard to adjust to, not seeing the updates I had become so used to reading about how he was doing.

Boy is it hard. :cry:

You can say that again! Maybe, oh, about a dozen times...

[ivy62]

yesterday I turned on my computer and no one wrote anything and I felt very empty and lonely....The Barabro group is a great group of people and compassionate too....Hope everyone is doing okay...

Thanks VB (aka Randee) nice to know your name....for keeping us together

[Gunnar]

Over time Bobby will fade from my daily, in fact hourly thoughts! But his spirit will live in us all forever. I love knowing I am not alone in my grief! I have trouble with missing his story and his fight!:sadsmile:

For now I still cry but I hope in the future to look at his picture and smile. :sadsmile: Even now Bobby's perky little face can make me smile, right before the tears well up!:sadsmile:

Thanks keeping us posted on all things Barbaro!:cool:

[VirginiaBred]

Update 1472: Another amazing rescue effort by the Fans of Barbaro: URGENT! LCC Foal Rescue!!! (http://forums.delphiforums.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=5245.111).
Thanks Alex.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Michael Matz's Chelokee was third in an allowance race at Gulfstream. He was well placed throughout the race, but it was a wicked fast race for a mile allowance race. I am guessing he will come on well for this test.

[Kenike]

Another lovely Barbaro tribute from a Fan of Barbaro: And it is All Barbaro (http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=21bf132c0b2c113dfc5d91&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=email).





It is really hard to adjust to, not seeing the updates I had become so used to reading about how he was doing.

Boy is it hard. :cry:

VB, I can only imagine what it's like for you...it's hard enough for the rest of us!!
Sadly, I've tried to view the tribute, but apparently "
The shared project you are trying to view has been deleted by the author and is no longer available. "
Too bad! I wanted to see it!!

And we'll just have to see what Lawerance The Roman can & does do! :)

[VirginiaBred]

Monday~
Thanks Alex~
Update 1474: There appear to be four books available on Amazon about Barbaro (and a Beanie Baby) (http://amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/105-1293095-9412429?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Barbaro&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go).

My second book recommendation is for Barbaro: America's Horse (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416948651?ie=UTF8&tag=marketiandeco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416948651)http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=marketiandeco-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1416948651 by Shelley Mickle.

This book first came to my attention via Mrs. Jackson (it is authorized by the Jacksons). Mrs. Jackson had read the book and was very enthusiastic about it. I called up the author and asked if I could get a pre-print copy. Shelley obliged. It is a book for children, third grade I think. That being said I think anyone who wants to get a little more insight into the life of Barbaro will enjoy it, and of course it is a nice quick read. The most striking thing about the book is I think you get to really feel the personality of Barbaro, or at least a personality comes through that seems to be a good match for Barbaro. The book takes you through the life of Barbaro, beginning from where he was born (it includes a baby Barbaro picture). Anyway, all in all I really enjoyed it despite one or two facts not being absolutely on target (perhaps that should be a challenge, note two factual errors when reading the book). Again, these errors take nothing away from this book. It is cool and I think kids will love it too.

Also, some of the proceeds from the book will go to the Belmont Child Care Association (http://www.belmontchildcare.com/) and the riding camp at the Kennett Square YMCA.

[VirginiaBred]

Kenike, I am sorry the tribute is no longer available (for me either).

[eggbutt]

VB, you are still incredible! Thank you.

I am dreading one of the most wonderful and anticipated events every year for me and that's the Kentucky Derby. I know I'll force myself to watch it and perhaps that will be a good thing all in all as part of the "getting on with it" phase of everything.

I continue to light candles in memory of B every day as I pray and think about others who need a boost. His courage and heart were amazing as was everyone involved with his life and care.

It was interesting to read in the newspaper "Parade" supplement yesterday that Barbaro was "doing well".....guess they are waaaaay behind in their updates on their publications! It was almost a cruel joke. You'd think they review their publication before going to press and that there had been plenty of time to revise the Q&A page.

[Auventera Two]

Some publications go to press an entire month (or more) before their release date.

[eggbutt]

Are Two Simple and Auventera Two one and the same person???

[caffeinated]

yes.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1476: Turfway continues to investigate its Polytrack issues: Temperature Believed to Have Impact on Polytrack (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37529). Various reasons are being put forward as to why the track is not performing as well as it had previously in terms of breakdowns (which still appear to be much reduced from the previous dirt surface). Temperature is one of the main issues put forward, but it seems the critical issue might stem from the change in the surface:

During the winter of 2006, when there were no catastrophic injuries, there were rampant complaints about "kickback" of the material during races. That in part led management to change the surface in August by adding Spandex and cabling material. The surface got much quicker--perhaps too much so--and apparently didn't play well when unusually cold temperatures set in over Kentucky.

The Tapeta track at Fair Hill seems to be handling the wicked temperatures we have had in the morning training hours. The only thing that seems to happen in extreme cold is the track gets tighter, and thus a little faster. I know horses have been breezing on the track this winter that would not have done so on the regular dirt track or the old wood chip track.

On weather and track conditions, Gulfstream cancelled today after one race: Gulfstream Cancels Monday Racing After First Race (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37531). I guess winter in Florida is not always the answer!

If you buy a horse with expectations of a big performance, its nice to see the seller offer to buy back when the horse does not perform up to expectations: Roman, IEAH Stables canceling Lawrence the Roman deal (http://thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/February/12/Roman-IEAH-Stable-canceling-Lawrence-the-Roman-deal.aspx).

[Kenike]

Wow, so much for seeing what Roman can do!!

Interesting about the books, I do believe I will have to order!

[Auventera Two]

Are Two Simple and Auventera Two one and the same person???

Yes. As per my signature line.

[I'm EBO]

That explains it!! When I couldn't stand to read Too, Too Simple's posts any longer, I put her on Ignore. I couldn't remember doing that to Auventera Two.

I'm very glad I'm not completely senile.

I still think about B every day. Still have my bumper stickers in place. Keep my signature. Check in here.

To me, Barbaro was/is the Essence of Horse--all the qualities that earn our devotion in one great package. It's easy to keep that in mind.

[eggbutt]

That explains it!! When I couldn't stand to read Too, Too Simple's posts any longer, I put her on Ignore. I couldn't remember doing that to Auventera Two.

I'm very glad I'm not completely senile.




Me too! I appreciate the sophistication of COTH's software to follow the "ignore" requests from one alter/name change to another.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~

Update 1477: Ed Fountaine writes a nice piece about NoBiz: 'BIZ' IS THE BUZZ (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02122007/sports/biz_is_the_buzz_sports_ed_fountaine.htm). 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 (http://drf.com/news/article/82533.html).

[VirginiaBred]

An FOB created scrap book for NBC is under development, if you want your name listed please add here: Names for NBC Scrapbook (http://forums.delphiforums.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=5292.1).

[ivy62]

Since the beginning of this thread it has always been and about hope and fears. We have celebrated small conquests and now have each other dealing with our greatest fears coming to reality...if someone wants to rain on the parade do it somewhere else.....I still think about this thread and what it shows and miss the up beat up dates but in Barbaro's name he may be more in death then he ever would have been in life, although way to short.
He has pulled people together of all different walks of life and unitied us for a common cause, not easy to do, but it was his honesty and strive for life that drives us all to carry on his work.. Personally, it means a lot to me that his break healed...now just to learn how to deal with the rest of it....
Sorry so long...

RIP Barbaro we miss you......

[msj]

An FOB created scrap book for NBC is under development, if you want your name listed please add here: Names for NBC Scrapbook (http://forums.delphiforums.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=5292.1).


Thanks for posting this!

[VirginiaBred]

Excellent Article: Prado honors Barbaro for his 'courage, will to live' (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/30/Prado-honors-Barbaro-for-his-courage-will-to-live.aspx), 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."
Thanks Alex~

[VirginiaBred]

Wow. Check this out!

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.

[eggbutt]

Amazing!

OK.....how long will it take for someone to post about starving children or aids research or whatever?!

I am thrilled at this news. Perhaps there will be a cure for laminitis someday.

[monstrpony]

Amazing!

OK.....how long will it take for someone to post about starving children or aids research or whatever?!

I am thrilled at this news. Perhaps there will be a cure for laminitis someday.

Check out the way HLAS put it on the other thread for this announcement ;)

That, and--dang, they ended up giving even more that the horse earned... :rolleyes:



Anyhow ... Happy dance, happy dance, happy dance!

Maybe the fairytale doesn't end so badly, after all :sadsmile:

[Buffyblue]

Wow, that is wonderful! What truly incredible people the Jacksons are!

[Peggy]

Once a class act, always a class act. Yet another example of the way that Barbaro and his connections benefit and will continue to benefit all horses.

[VirginiaBred]

Wednesday~
Thanks Alex~

Update 1481: Bernardini has now begun his new career: Bernardini's First Breeding Is a Success (http://breeding.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37539). After reading Home Run Horse (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0972640126?ie=UTF8&tag=marketiandeco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0972640126) I recognize this is a big first step.
Hard Spun is now getting ready for the Southwest: Hard Spun in role of latest local hero (http://drf.com/news/article/82554.html). His recent work looks very strong, and of course we consider him local!
On Dubai World Cup news we have news on Discreet Cat: Discreet Cat may skip World Cup prep (http://drf.com/news/article/82555.html). Of course we are expecting a clash between Discreet Cat and Invasor in the World Cup.
The weather looks miserable outside, no doubt training will be impacted at Fair Hill.

[Spoilsport]

I got all watery eyed when I heard about the Jacksons' gift to New Bolton. I know the loss is still painful but (just as I predicted - yes I did :yes: ) I've noticed the sad tears are turning more and more into happy tears b/c of what Barbaro's people are accomplishing.

I live near Fair Hills, and the weather is GHASTLY :mad: :mad: . Winds, rain, sleet, and ice that's several inches thick. I can't imagine Alex doing any training today.

[eggbutt]

Coming to work this morning I heard on NPR a segment on Barbaro and how he was named.. The announcer (Frank Deford) said many are named by combining the sire and dam names or various meanings of the sire/dam name and he gave examples of famous horses and how they were named....the Native Dancer story was interesting....but I digress----

NPR is having a "Name Barbaro's little brother" "contest"! LOL! Suggested names can be entered at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7381274 and the names will be forwarded to the Jackson's for consideration. Deford gave his own suggestions as examples and several were pretty good!

Frank began his segment of the power of the Barbaro phenomonenon and all the psychological studies about why so many grasp his story and are still yearning to hear more. It was a very nice piece to hear on a cold, rainy drive to work.

[holmes]

Umm they have already announced how they are naming the colt -

[eggbutt]

Yeah, that was mentioned....Frank's commentary was suggesting something more majestic. I suspect they are also helping to keep the Barbaro story alive and thriving for the public.

[rebeginner]

The best part of the commentary for me was that Mr. DeFord sent his Valentine's Day wishes out to the happy couple, Dynaformer and La Ville Rouge!

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1482: A treacherous morning this morning. Not particularly cold, but ice everywhere. The track may well have been fine, but getting to the track was out of the question from Parlo 1. I ended up shedrowing eight this morning, starting with Hawty Creek, three for Tim (Nonpariel, Grandma and of course Slew) and four more (including Flash). The shedrow was pretty well organized so quite an easy morning really over all. A couple of the trainers in the barn did not made it in (one had no electric in their house etc.) but others there covered for them.
Frank DeFord of NPR discusses naming a race horse and the love of Barbaro: Barbaro's Baby Brothers: What's in a Name? (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7381274&sc=emaf)

[msj]

Wow. Check this out!

Update 1480: From Upenn:
Roy and Gretchen Jackson Endow Chair for Equine Disease Research at Penn Veterinary Medicine School

Feb. 13, 2007



What terrific people the Jackson are to do this for NBC! :)

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1483: Today's weather continued to have an impact on racing cancellations: Winter Storm Leads to Cancellations (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37544) (my students thought it unfortunate it did not lead to cancellation of my class this afternoon).

It looks like Hard Spun will be taking on another Fair Hill horse (I say another as Hard Spun spent two weeks at fair Hill before his last start) in the Southwest: Xchanger ships in for Southwest (http://drf.com/news/article/82559.html).

[I'm EBO]

Today I had to haul a couple of my horses to the vet clinic--one for dental work and one to make sure an abscess was really "just" an abscess. (It was, whew.)

After my dear, sweet vet was finished, we talked a little about Barbaro. He, like me, really thought he'd make it. We both shared we were very upset when he was euthanised. He was amazed that they were able to control his pain for so long. This vet came to my vet clinic from a tb breeding farm here in CA. He can recite race statistics like most people can rattle off the times tables.

I'll bet we don't realize even a tenth of support B really had. Lots of broken hearts now, but lots of admiration too.

Also, just wanted to mention, about a third of the price of the Willem models that are now for sale will go to UC Davis (California's vet school is there) for laminitis research. There will be a run of 100 copies If the organizers can sell that many. If you want one, the details are in the Off Course segment.

[VirginiaBred]

Thursday~
Thanks Alex~
Update 1484: The Thoroughbred Times writes Barbaro's final resting place is still undetermined (http://thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/February/14/Barbaro-final-resting-place-still-undetermined.aspx), it includes the following excerpts:

"We haven't decided anything," Roy Jackson said. "It will probably be a little while; we're still trying to weigh our options. We're just going to take our time and try to do what is best."

and

"We got thirty letters [on February 7]," Roy Jackson said. "It's amazing, they are from all over the place, and many of them were very well thought out. People took the time to sit down and write something, there are generally very uplifting. They just address them to West Grove, and somehow it gets to us.
"It's time to get on with our lives. It's sad, but we did the best we could and wouldn't change anything. It just wasn't meant to be. It was a great experience, really. I'm just sorry he didn't make it."

Another amazing horse rescue effort from Fans of Barbaro: URGENT: Valentine Feedlot Rescue (http://forums.prospero.com/timwoolley/messages?msg=5377.1).

[VirginiaBred]

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/February/02/memories-of-barbaro.aspx

Remembering Barbaro, letters from Barbaro fans..........

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Polytrack will make its debut on a racecourse in Ireland later this year: Coming Soon - Ireland's First All-Weather Horse Track (http://www.irish-racing.com/v4news1.htm). It is worth noting that there are major differences in the types of racing between the US and Europe. While US is principally dirt racing, with one or two turf races carded in the program, european racing is all turf racing with one or two tracks now synthetic (Polytrack). European racing typically only meets at a certain racetrack for 1 - 4 days at a time, hence their ability to rely solely on turf (which can detereorate quickly with adverse weather and excessive racing), whereas US racing meets for months at a time at each of its tracks (Philadelphia Park never closes) hence their need for a surface other than only turf. I don't think anyone would argue the best racing surface is good old turf.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Update 1487: Update 1486 noted some of the differences with respect to US and European racing, this article takes it much further: I'm not Barbaro, for lots of reasons (http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/04/sports/web.0204barbaro.php?page=1).
The tongue-wagging Premium Tap, who finished a creditable third in the Breeders' Cup Classic, and followed that effort with a nice end of year win in the Clark Handicap, will make his 2007 debut on friday in Dubai: Premium Tap in desert debut (http://drf.com/news/article/82573.html).

[msj]

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/February/02/memories-of-barbaro.aspx

Remembering Barbaro, letters from Barbaro fans..........

Talk about tear jerkers. I only read about 3 or 4 and couldn't see to read anymore thru the tears in my eyes! :cry:

[VirginiaBred]

Friday~
Thanks Alex~
Update 1488: 2002 Horse of the Year, Azeri, had her first foal: Azeri's First Foal Is a Colt (http://breeding.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=37577).
Hosting the Breeders' Cup outside of North America I cannot imagine happening: Dubai the only runner in the race (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/02/12/shbroo12.xml). That being said, we know how much more popular horse racing is virtually everywhere else in the world (certainly in Europe and Asia).
Sean Clancy, who wrote: Barbaro: Horse Who Captured Amerca's Heart appeared on Talkin' Horses yesterday: Transcript (http://www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses/SC021507.asp).

[merry98]

If anyone hasn't seen it yet, head over to Tim Woolley's site and read a note Peter sent to thank all of Barbaro's supporters. I'm sure VB will post it eventually. All I can say is get the tissues out. :cry:

And again, thanks to all connected to Barbaro for sharing such a fabulous individual with the public.

[VirginiaBred]

Saturday~
Thanks Alex~

The interview Jeannine Edwards did with Dr. Richardson will air mid March during ESPNs early coverage of horse racing. When I know the specific date I will alert everyone here. Last week I had dinner with a few "Barbaro people" including Dr. Richardson and his wife. I spent most of the evening talking with Dr. Richardson's wife which was a lot of fun. She noted that Dr. Richardson has really taken solace in all the wonderful messages of sympathy and support they have received over the past couple of weeks. They have really helped him through.

Update 1491: Peter Brette called earlier this evening. He wanted to write something to acknowledge all the wonderful support and wishes he and Michael had received over the past couple of weeks. This is what Peter wrote and sent:

Barbaro: What a beautiful difference, one single horse made.
Michael and I would just like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all your good wishes, and kind words at what has been an extremely emotional time.
The fact that Barbaro has touched so many hearts all over the world is overwhelming.
Michael and I were extremely privileged to have been around such a special horse for the majority of his short life, he was everything you could ask for, kind, clever, talented and an absolute pleasure to train. Most of his battles on the racecourse lasted only two minutes; he won all of them, except the last one, lasting eight months. We will always dream and wonder what could have been but just have to accept it was not meant to be. God had other plans for him.
As proud of him as we were on the racecourse what he achieved after his accident is so much more and just emphasized what an amazing horse he was and he will always have a very special place in our hearts.
Although we have lots of wonderful memories of him on the racetrack, we were so happy to be able to spend some more time with him at New Bolton, to groom him, take him out for grass so he could feel the sun on his back and just to let him know how special he was and how much he meant to us.
We will never forget him, and will carry him in our hearts forever,
Thank you once again,
Michael & Peter

[VirginiaBred]

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070217/SPORTS09/702170348/1002/SPORTS

The man behind Barbaro's updates

Brown works as exercise rider, teaches at UD in addition to popular Web site

By JACK IRELAND, The News Journal
Posted Saturday, February 17, 2007

Alex Brown is a man of many talents, especially when it comes to horses.

Brown, a native of Yorkshire, England, can be found early each morning working as an exercise rider for Tim Woolley and other trainers at the Fair Hill (Md.) Training Center.

Since May 2006, Brown also has overseen the popular Tim Woolley Web site, www.Timwoolleyracing.com (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/). It was started to keep fans updated on the progress of Kentucky Derby champion Barbaro after he shattered his leg in the Preakness. Barbaro's fight for life ended last month when he was euthanized at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.

Brown said the Web site continues to go strong.

Since Barbaro was stabled at Fair Hill before his injury, Brown would talk daily to the horse's trainer, Michael Matz, and his assistant, Peter Brette. He also knows Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who owned Barbaro.

"After Barbaro was hurt, I was on the Web site five hours a day," Brown said. "We created the Web site for you, the public. We did updates, even blogged about things that might be happening.

"When Barbaro first passed, the traffic went up considerably. It's gone down a good bit, but we still average about 8,000 to 9,000 hits a day."

Three days a week, Brown teaches two sections of an Internet marketing class at the University of Delaware. He has been teaching in the United States for 15 years.

"I just teach in the second semester," said Brown, who has a master's degree in business administration. "I started out in introductory marketing, but it's more Internet now. I began teaching the class at Delaware in 1997. I enjoy my time with the students."

Brown said he also enjoyed being around Barbaro, who captured the hearts of people throughout the country.

"I volunteered to help out and groom him at New Bolton," Brown said. "I was also able to take him outside to graze three times. The first two times, someone was with me. On Christmas Day, I was able to take him out on my own.

"I think I visited him nine times. The first time, I went in with Mrs. Jackson. He had a great disposition and charmed you out the wazoo."

But that didn't mean Barbaro didn't get upset at times, Brown said.

"In his stall, you had to pay attention," Brown said. "If you were goofing off, he would let you know. That was his domain, and he just wanted that respect.

"When he was outside, you could do anything. A bomb could go off, and he wouldn't even flick an ear. One day, we were outside and it was cold. I was ready to go in, and I couldn't get him to move. He was so happy to be out there."

Brown said the Web site remains popular because of a recently formed group of people around the country known as "Fans of Barbaro." They continue to spread the word about the slaughter of horses in the United States and the anti-slaughter bill currently before Congress. Human consumption of horsemeat is rare among U.S. residents, but is an accepted practice in some countries.

"The fans of Barbaro are growing and growing," Brown said. "We are hosting this group on our Web site. These people have become active on a variety of horse issues. They encourage each other to lobby their representatives and senators on the anti-horse slaughter bill. Just this week, they raised $3,500 in 24 hours on the Web site to save six horses and a mule."

Brown said he believes comments by Gretchen Jackson have helped to galvanize horse fans everywhere.

"At the press conference after Barbaro died and the next night on 'Larry King Live,' Mrs. Jackson made it pretty clear how she felt on the issues she raised," Brown said. "She spoke of the anti-horse slaughter bill, continued efforts to find a cure for laminitis and efforts to rescue horses.

"It's important to her and the legacy of Barbaro. The anti- slaughter bill passed the U.S. House last year, but got stuck in [Senate] committee. There is more momentum this year because of Barbaro."

I am SO proud to post this here for all to see; my friend, Alex!!!!! :) Thank you for everything, but the friendship most of all.

[annikak]

And VB, Once again, Thank YOU for bringing this to all of us. My check-ins are possible because you took the time to forward information on.

I thank you. Again.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Alex~
Jay Hovdey wrote a great article on the efforts of Fans of Barbaro: Chalk one up for online mission of mercy (http://drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=82629). Unfortunately you need to be a subscriber to read the article. I bought sunday's form to read it. Jay documents the story of this week's valentine's rescue with Grace Foundation.
Brilliant.

[eggbutt]

VB....again, you are wonderful. Thank you so much for keeping the information coming to us! Fans of Barbaro....FOB....hmmmm I was a proud FOB several years ago....and I'm certainly proud to be a current FOB although with a different meaning!
:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:

[I'm EBO]

How nice of Peter to thank US. How nice of VB to continue on in her efforts to keep us informed and united. Barbaro brings/brought out the best in everyone.

I love the FOB ladies. They're definitely a force (steam roller) to be reckoned with. When you're new to rescue and are successfully saving horses' lives, it's quite a high. (If you're not new, it's still thrilling to be able to save a horse from the slaughter house and find it a loving home. Eventually, though, you realize you really can't save them all.)

I wish I could figure out a way to throw Goodlatte and some of his cohorts into their midst.:yes:

[Kenike]

I like that: FOB :)
What a touching note from MM and PB! I still check in daily, just don't post as often....

[ivy62]

I still look for info here but it is sad....any talk of where he will be laid to rest yet?
Thanks VB you are wonderful! Tim, Alex and Michael too!

[Spoilsport]

I also check in here daily. Thank you, VB :) .

As far as were he is going to be buried, they have his ashes, and Mrs. Jackson recently said (I can't remember where) that they are going to take their time finding a place for them. When you chose cremation, it's not unusual to take your time, even with humans. One of my college classmates died (of cancer) the year after graduation and was cremated. Her boyfriend kept the ashes a year, and on the anniversary of her death organized a hike to a wilderness area that she particularly loved. A group of friends hiked together and scattered the ashes. It was very beautiful. I'm sure the Jacksons too will find the perfect place and time.

[VirginiaBred]

Sunday~

Thanks to a amazing Barbaro fan, this was forwarded to me to share and post. I have sent it to Alex as well. Simply beautiful.

I was sent this by a Barbaro fan. Here is the story that goes along with it:

I started writing a song about Barbaro during the recent Oklahoma ice storm when my power was out for 11 days. At that time, Barbaro was still alive, and like a lot of other people, was now sure he was going to make it. Unfortunately, that all changed a week later. Sadly, I had to start reworking the lyrics to reflect that. It is now complete, and I hope this meets with approval from his many fans.
From, oktahahorses

(a little about the song writer: He spends quite a bit of time researching the subject before writing the song and laying the track down. He has also done one on Lost in the Fog, Billy Silver and Ruffian. He has done some historical ones too such as Last Call (about the last day firehorses were used and replaced with trucks), Dan Patch and Poco Lena (legendary cutting horse).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC7fejz3H7M

[captain]

very true, SpoilSport, and well said.

i, too, have family that was cremated and it was not a rushed affair to place them. the nice thing about cremation (if there even IS a nice thing about it) is that more than one special place can be addressed. in the event of my own demise, i wish to be released in several places if possible. also, a little space between the placeing and death itself allows for a more profound celebration of that being's life. things like this are so personal, and taken to heart on so many levels, there is no right or wrong really, just hope. hope is a good thing : )

i can easily respect the Jacksons' time. it is theirs. they will do the right thing when they are ready and confident in their decision. seems like they have right along.

[merry98]

I also check in here daily. Thank you, VB :) .

As far as were he is going to be buried, they have his ashes, and Mrs. Jackson recently said (I can't remember where) that they are going to take their time finding a place for them. When you chose cremation, it's not unusual to take your time, even with humans. One of my college classmates died (of cancer) the year after graduation and was cremated. Her boyfriend kept the ashes a year, and on the anniversary of her death organized a hike to a wilderness area that she particularly loved. A group of friends hiked together and scattered the ashes. It was very beautiful. I'm sure the Jacksons too will find the perfect place and time.

Me too. I have my dear equine partner's ashes in our house. I haven't quite decided what to do with them. We've talked about an apple tree near his field, but haven't done that yet. It can take time. For me 3 plus years.

[Gunnar]

Sunday~

Thanks to a amazing Barbaro fan, this was forwarded to me to share and post. I have sent it to Alex as well. Simply beautiful.

I was sent this by a Barbaro fan. Here is the story that goes along with it:

I started writing a song about Barbaro during the recent Oklahoma ice storm when my power was out for 11 days. At that time, Barbaro was still alive, and like a lot of other people, was now sure he was going to make it. Unfortunately, that all changed a week later. Sadly, I had to start reworking the lyrics to reflect that. It is now complete, and I hope this meets with approval from his many fans.
From, oktahahorses

(a little about the song writer: He spends quite a bit of time researching the subject before writing the song and laying the track down. He has also done one on Lost in the Fog, Billy Silver and Ruffian. He has done some historical ones too such as Last Call (about the last day firehorses were used and replaced with trucks), Dan Patch and Poco Lena (legendary cutting horse).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC7fejz3H7M

This is wonderful! I have trouble watching Video so today I made myself watch this. I did not shut my eyes when he faltered. It is breaking my heart but I somehow feel better today! My hope is someday to be able to think of our dear Bobby without such sadness. For today this is not happening but soon I will smile instead of cry!

Thanks to VB for all you bring us!

Barbaro you are still my hero!:sadsmile: