Barbaro ~ America's Horse [Archive] - Page 2

VirginiaBred

Jun. 15, 2006, 03:47 PM

Horse Racing
Barbaro's injury reviewed -- closely

By Sandra McKee
Sun reporter
Originally published June 15, 2006
Questions have been swirling for more than three weeks about how Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro broke his right rear leg in the May 20 Preakness Stakes.

The biggest one is: What happened?
Yesterday, Maryland Jockey Club (http://www.marylandracing.com/) president and chief operating officer Lou Raffetto showed The Sun the stewards' video of the Preakness frame by frame in his Pimlico Race Course (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/57177,0,2546568.venue?coll=bal-sports-horse) office.

The tape shows what could have happened as Brother Derek got a late start from the gate and trailed Barbaro down the track. At about the eighth pole, Barbaro appears to have an open path to the front, but for some reason swerves to his right, into an opening for which Brother Derek is aiming.

When Brother Derek's jockey, Alex Solis, sees Barbaro directly in front of him, he sits back and puts all his strength into pulling up his horse. Just as the horses enter a shadowed area, a side view shows Brother Derek's right front leg and Barbaro's right rear leg coming close. The shadow, however, obscures a clear image of whether their legs came in contact.

But in the next instant, Brother Derek's head is pulled strongly right, Barbaro's head comes up and his jockey, Edgar Prado, realizes something is wrong and makes his first effort to pull up his horse.

"It sure looks like something happened there," Raffetto said. "But as I've said, you can't be 100 percent sure. We decided, because it wasn't definitive, not to make it public. What difference would it make anyway? It doesn't change anything."
The Maryland Racing Commission decided at its regular monthly meeting Tuesday that it will look at the tape.

When Prado visited Barbaro two weeks ago at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., he was asked whether Brother Derek made contact. His answer was as shadowy as the tape.

"Maybe he did and maybe he didn't," Prado said. "It's one of those things we'll never know for sure."

But Solis told The Bloodhorse Magazine on May 30: "There's no way he could have struck Barbaro; I would have felt it. We were close behind him, but not that close. Getting that close to him and going that speed, if I had struck him, I would have gone down."

The tape offers plausible alternatives, more plausible than the idea that Barbaro hurt himself in the starting gate, because the only thing that appears certain is that when Barbaro, who had another good day of recovery yesterday, broke from the gate he was a healthy racehorse able to run.

• Note // Total wagering at Pimlico's spring meet was up nearly 5 percent over the same period a year ago, despite eight fewer live days conducted in 2006. The average daily handle was up more than 26 percent, to nearly $7 million. The money bet on Pimlico from outside Maryland increased more than 40 percent. Wagering on Preakness Day exceeded $87.5 million, the third-largest total. A pool of $56.4 million was bet on the Preakness.

Bugs-n-Frodo

Jun. 16, 2006, 07:38 AM

Barbaro is an inspiration to all of us. I am still jingling for continued healing and I think of him everyday.

War Admiral

Jun. 16, 2006, 08:55 AM

Same here, and am grateful as always for the updates, VABred!!

Betcj

Jun. 16, 2006, 10:01 AM

Echoing the thanks for the updates! Did anyone else have to watch that video more than once because tears made it impossible to see halfway through?? I'm such a sap...

<sniffle> I'm glad I'm not alone in that!! Who could see that and not be moved??

Many, many thanks to VB and contacts for keeping us updated. I too check in at least once a day and am so glad to know everything is going as well as it can.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 16, 2006, 10:13 AM

Update 105 (or whatever it is): No news yet for Barbaro this morning. Tim spoke to Michael Matz's crew and they had not heard anything yet, which seems to be coming more of the 'trend' lately (aside from yesterday morning). I will endevour to get a more concrete update later when I call Peter Brette.
Update 104: Spoke to Peter Brette late this afternoon (Thursday). Barbaro is continuing to do well and is getting more comfortable in his new cast.

2hsmommy

Jun. 16, 2006, 10:14 AM

VB, you're doing an outstanding job of keeping us all updated. Many thanks to you for this :)

VirginiaBred

Jun. 16, 2006, 10:27 AM

Barbaro Makes Another Stride in Recovery

By BLOOMBERG NEWS

The Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro had the cast changed on his broken right hind leg and the plates and screws that were inserted three weeks ago appear to be working.
The first cast, which was placed on Barbaro's leg after four hours of surgery May 21, was removed under general anesthesia, the University of Pennsylvania (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/university_of_pennsylvania/index.html?inline=nyt-org) School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center said in a news release.
"His leg looks excellent," Dr. Dean Richardson said in the release. He added that the incision had healed well and that the graft was taking.
Richardson implanted a plate and 27 screws to help the ankle fuse a day after Barbaro broke down during the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.
"All of the implants look unchanged," Richardson said.
Barbaro, a 3-year-old colt, remains in the intensive-care unit at the hospital in Kennett Square, Pa.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 16, 2006, 10:30 AM

Trainers, owners hold dream of discovering another Barbaro

ELKTON, Md. — Stall 11 in Michael Matz's barn at Fair Hill Training Center is filled again, a symbol of the need to search for another potential superstar after the loss of what was almost surely a once-in-a-lifetime horse.
The new bay-colored occupant bears a resemblance to the previous resident, Barbaro, and he should. He is a half-brother to the Kentucky Derby champion who continues to fight for his life after his racing career ended when he shattered his right hind leg in the Preakness Stakes on May 20.
Barbaro and Man In Havana are from the same dam, La Ville Rouge. But Matz and his top assistant, Peter Brette, know that may be all they have in common.
"It's very unfair for him," Brette says of the inevitable comparisons that will be made once the 2-year-old is ready to race. "If we told him who he was, he wouldn't come out of the stable in the morning."
As determined as Matz and his staff are to move on and to make the most out of the 75 horses they still have in training, they do so with the sobering belief that another Barbaro will almost surely never enter their barn again.
he colt captured the imagination of fans and non-fans alike when he dominated the Derby by 6½ lengths to extend his perfection to 6-for-6, only to suffer a catastrophic injury after a few strides in the Preakness.
"He could very well have been Seattle Slew or Secretariat," says Matz, naming two of racing's legendary Thoroughbreds. "We'll just never know and we'll never know how it happened, either."
Matz will always be convinced that nothing other than the accident could have kept Barbaro from becoming the first 3-year-old since Affirmed in 1978 to sweep the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
"I thought the horse was going to win the Triple Crown," he says without hesitation. "As easily as he won the Derby, the way he trained, I thought he was head and heels over the other horses."
Brette, who rode the son of Dynaformer every morning, is equally convinced of that. "Unfortunately, people really didn't get to see how good he was," he says. "The Kentucky Derby was just the start, not the end for him. He was just going to get better and better."
Brette says the regular visits he and Matz make to Barbaro as he recovers at New Bolton Center in nearby Kennett Square, Pa., help to ease their pain only somewhat.
"They say there's a reason for everything," he says, "but we can't come up with anything at the moment."
Matz views the enormous setback as part of their high-risk, high-reward business. "It was unfortunate that everything we worked for with Barbaro was lost in 30 seconds," he says. "But it happens."
He says the national prominence that Barbaro brought has given him the opportunity to significantly expand his operation. He is not open to that, though, because he wants to remain an everyday, hands-on presence for his horses.
Man In Havana shows potential but is not close to reaching the starting gate.
"He's a lot more backward than Barbaro was," says Brette, who has exercised the son of Quiet American. "He's very backward and weak at the moment. He's going to take a lot of time, that's for sure."
Man In Havana and Barbaro share the same owners, Gretchen and Roy Jackson. The Jacksons also own a full brother to Barbaro. He was born on March 15 this year and is growing up and stretching his legs at Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Ky.
"He has a little more white on his face than Barbaro does," says Roy, adding that La Ville Rouge is again in foal to Dynaformer. The Jacksons hope that the same bloodlines might produce another wonderful result but also realize that pedigree never guarantees anything.
"They're all individual horses," Roy says. "You just don't know."
Still, the Jacksons, Matz and Brette continue to dream.
"We're all pretty optimistic people," Roy says. "It doesn't do any good to sit around and feel sorry for yourself. You've got to get on with things."

VirginiaBred

Jun. 16, 2006, 07:16 PM

From Tim's Blog:

Update 107: Just spoke to Peter Brette who has just visited Barbaro (after morning work friday). He is doing well, and apparently listening to some country music!
Update 106: a couple of nice articles have been posted in the comments. The first: Trainers, owners hold dream of discovering another Barbaro (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2006-06-15-matz-stables_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA) (thanks Ernie) notes the enormous loss the tragedy is to the Barbaro team. The following is an excerpt:
Brette, who rode the son of Dynaformer every morning, is equally convinced of that. "Unfortunately, people really didn't get to see how good he was," he says. "The Kentucky Derby was just the start, not the end for him. He was just going to get better and better."
Brette says the regular visits he and Matz make to Barbaro as he recovers at New Bolton Center in nearby Kennett Square, Pa., help to ease their pain only somewhat.

The second article discusses the visit of two soldiers from Fort Benning: FORT BENNING: Soldiers visit Kentucky Derby winner (http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/14826378.htm) (thanks Edie) which I am assuming is the same visit we noted in update 52 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/05/barbaro_fair_hi.php#update52). It includes the following:

Why a flag?
Because both women felt that the fact Barbaro tried to continue racing despite his obvious pain reminded them of the wounded soldiers they see every day, many of them severly injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 17, 2006, 11:41 AM

Update 108: Just spoke to Peter Brette who reported that Barbaro had another good night last night (friday night). He continues to do well, of course with a long road ahead.
update saturday, 8:40 am PST

Gunnar

Jun. 17, 2006, 09:17 PM

VB, thanks for the updates.

To you Bobby I am still jingling for you!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 18, 2006, 08:56 PM

Update 109: Barbaro continues to please everyone with his progress. Just spoke to Peter Brette this afternoon (saturday afternoon). He may visit tomorrow morning, so if so will try to get an update before leaving San Fran. I asked Peter about the origin of his name (someone asked in the comments). Apparently Barbaro is named after a foxhound of Roy Jackson's family. There is a painting of the hounds that includes Barbaro, and apparently his new full brother may be named after another of the hounds.

showmom07

Jun. 19, 2006, 07:32 AM

Barbaro Looking Bright-Eyed, Happy One Month After Ordeal
NBC10 (Philly) (AP) ^ | 6/18/2006 | Staff (AP)

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- His coat gleaming and muscles rippling, Barbaro still has the look of a champion.

Exactly one month after the Kentucky Derby winner's life-threatening breakdown in the Preakness Stakes, the colt remains cooped up in the intensive care unit at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at New Bolton Center.

But he's making such steady improvement -- and looks so splendid -- even surgeon Dean Richardson can't help but smile when discussing the world's most famous equine patient.

"This horse has had a remarkably smooth progression of events; he's just done everything right so far," Richardson said. "He's a lively, bright, happy horse. If you asked me a month ago, I would have gladly accepted where we are today."

In his spacious corner stall, Barbaro walked around with head held high, sporting a new fiberglass cast that protects the catastrophic injuries to his right hind ankle at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 20.

Once a visitor stepped inside his cubicle, the bay colt approached with eyes bright, ears up and barely a hitch in his step.

He eagerly devoured a handful of sugar cubes, followed by a peppermint for dessert, then shook his head up and down and gave a little whinny as if asking for a second helping.

"When someone walks in the door, he's ready to head out -- not because he's bored or frustrated, but because he's full of energy," says Dr. Corinne Sweeney, the hospital's executive director who sees Barbaro nearly every day. "He's been full of energy since he came in here and he remains that way."

Barbaro is working on a new life, and these days he's the master of his domain in the six-stall ICU. Mares have come and gone since his arrival, and Barbaro has flirted with many of them. In the neonatal ICU -- elsewhere in the building -- Barbaro's former mare-next-door was tending to her premature foal. Over the weekend, a stallion replaced the mare as Barbaro's new neighbor.

The day Jazil won the Belmont Stakes -- June 10 -- ABC Sports visited Barbaro and put him on television. There was even a TV set placed in the ICU. Would Barbaro watch the Belmont?

At first, he seemed interested: When the call to the post sounded, the 3-year-old colt walked to the front of his stall, ears pricked and head up, Sweeney said. By the time the field turned for home, though, Barbaro had turned away, walked to the back of his stall and relieved himself.

For the most part, Barbaro is a cooperative patient.

"He's very personable; he knows his job," Sweeney said. If someone comes in to groom him or clean his stall, "he kind of moves over as if he's saying, `OK, I don't want to fight you. You're just trying to do your job.’ “

While Barbaro appears friendly, frisky and a bit feisty -- a note on his stall door read: Caution: Bites. He's got a long road to recovery, and the staff at the New Bolton Center knows complications could develop at any time.

Months of healing remain before the cast comes off for good and decisions are made about Barbaro's future, but Richardson was feeling better after fitting the colt with a new hock-to-hoof cast last week. His left hind leg has been fitted with a special shoe and support apparatus to ensure his weight is evenly distributed.

Most encouraging was Richardson's first look at the 18-inch incision he made to piece together three broken bones with a titanium plate and 27 screws.

"I was thrilled to see the incision had healed fairly well," Richardson said. "There's not a lot to see in X-rays after just three weeks, but everything looked fine. We're very encouraged."

The only visible blemish on Barbaro is the blistered skin on his left side, caused by the sling used for his initial surgery, and then again when the cast was changed. As with humans, wearing a cast is not the most comfortable thing in the world.

"Horses aren't usually capable of taking a pen or a coat hanger and guiding it down there and scratching it," Richardson said. "All he can do is stomp his foot."

The day after the Preakness, Richardson and a team of doctors performed perhaps the most complex surgery of the surgeon's career -- a five-hour plus procedure. Afterward, Richardson told a hospital conference hall full of reporters that Barbaro's chance of survival was a "coin toss." It could have been a lot worse.

Ten days later, he revised the figure to 51 percent, calling Barbaro an elite athlete and a model patient who knows how to take care of himself.

Today, Richardson is guardedly optimistic. He says the odds are "going up," and adds: "Until he actually walks out of the hospital with no cast on, the radiographs look normal and he's bearing full weight, it won't even jump to 75 percent.

"If and when that happens, it will probably creep up ... and when I decide it's time to leave the hospital, maybe I'll finally admit that something worked," he said.

The next major concern is the healing process: Will the bones heal before the hardware begins to loosen?

"He's a large active horse and the metal really isn't meant to bear the weight for a very long period of time," Richardson said. "There's always this race between healing the fracture and continued structural support from the implant. If they start to fail, that could be a problem, so that is a continued concern."

Owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who live down the road in West Grove, Pa., are daily visitors, as is trainer Michael Matz. They remain amazed at the colt's ability to handle so much adversity.

"If that was me in that stall, I don't think I'd have as good an attitude he has," Roy Jackson said. "He just seems to know he's got to go through this. It was the same thing with his racing. He knew what he had to do and did it."

Barbaro won his first five races, then blew away his rivals in the Kentucky Derby by 6Â½ lengths. He was being hailed as the next Triple Crown winner before the Preakness, and a misstep a few strides out of the gate nearly cost him his life.

But now, hopes are high for Barbaro. He still receives e-mail at www.vet.upenn.edu/barbaro/ and cards, flowers, stuffed animals and posters keep pouring in.

"I just can't explain why everyone is so caught up in this horse," Roy Jackson said. "Everything is so negative now in the world, people love animals and I think they just happen to latch onto him. People are looking for a hero, for something positive. The fact that he's gotten through this and is a fighter, people seem to relate to that."

The Jacksons will be spending tens of thousands of dollars as Barbaro wends his way toward recovery. If he is able to breed -- male thoroughbreds must stand on their hind legs during breeding sessions -- he will be able to pass along some of his regal genes. But even with a full recovery, Richardson said Barbaro always will have a hitch in his giddyup. That is not a bad thing, though.

"Actually, he could run around, he could trot, but he wouldn't have a symmetrical gait," Richardson said. "A best scenario is he would have an asymmetrical gait but would be absolutely comfortable."

Thoughts of a Triple Crown -- Matz will always believe Barbaro could have been the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 -- have been replaced by a more pastoral vision.

"I hope he heals up so he can at least be out in a field and have some grass and be in more of a natural environment," Jackson said. "That's what we're hoping for."

The Jacksons are not alone.

"It's impossible for us to thank everybody who has supported the horse as he goes through this," Jackson said. "It's meant the world to all of us."

VirginiaBred

Jun. 19, 2006, 10:45 AM

Maryland Commission to Review Running of Preakness, Barbaro's Injury
by Sandra McKee
Date Posted: 6/19/2006 10:18:45 AM
Last Updated: 6/19/2006 10:18:45 AM

In its review of information at its regular monthly meeting concerning the injury to Barbaro, the Maryland Racing Commission has decided to review the stewards' tape of the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) to determine whether they can shed further light on exactly what happened to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner.

Barbaro, who won the Kentucky Derby by the largest margin in 60 years, broke his right, rear leg shortly after the start of the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course May 20. Barbaro continues to recover at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.

His surgeon Dean Richardson has said the injury appears to have been caused by a "catastrophic misstep."

But Maryland Jockey Club president and chief operating officer Lou Raffetto told the commission a frame-by-frame review of the stewards' tapes shows there may have been an incident between Barbaro and Brother Derek.

"We can't say 100 percent because it is in shadow," Raffetto said. "But it appears just as the horses are entering the shadow something happened."

Raffetto had the film played, frame-by-frame, for the Baltimore Sun in his Pimlico office May 14. This is what it showed:Brother Derek got a late start from the gate and was behind and to the right of Barbaro as they headed down the track. At about the eighth pole, Barbaro appears to have an open path to the front, but for some reason swerves to his right, into an opening for which Brother Derek is aiming.

When Brother Derek's jockey, Alex Solis, sees Barbaro directly in front of him, he sits back and pulls hard in an effort to slow his horse. Just as the horses enter a shadowed area, a side view shows Brother Derek's right front leg and Barbaro's right rear leg coming close. The shadow, however, obscures a clear image of whether their legs came in contact.

But in the next frame, Brother Derek's head is pulled strongly right, Barbaro's head comes up and his jockey, Edgar Prado, realizes something is wrong and makes his first effort to pull up his horse.

Because the tape is not definitive, Raffetto said he did not make it available to the public. But realizing there are many fans who would like a clear answer to what happened, he informed the commission to see if they wanted to further study it.

At the commission meeting a discussion followed Raffetto's statement.
Don Amos, chief operating officer of Magna Entertainment Corp. which owns Pimlico, said while it is often better "to let sleeping dogs lie", he felt in this case, "If there is any evidence that could help reach a clear answer to what happened to Barbaro it would be time and money well spent."

Commissioner Terry Saxon, who was completing his eight-year term on the board, recalled the commission had been asked to review tapes of Secretariat's Preakness victory a few years ago. Secretariat had set track records while winning the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, and debate had raged for years over whether the horse had also set one in the Preakness.

"We could have viewed that video tape until we were blue in the face and not had a definitive answer," Saxon said. "I think it will be impossible to duplicate what went on and that we should just leave it alone and let history decide."

After listening to the arguments, commission chairman John McDaniel, who praised Pimlico officials and workers for the way Barbaro's injury was handled on Preakness day, said the commission will take a look at the tape to see if anything could be gained from it.

Last month, Solis told [I]The Blood-Horse, "There's no way he [Brother Derek] could have struck Barbaro; I would have felt it. We were close behind him, but not that close. Getting that close to him and going that speed, if I had struck him, I would have gone down."

Asked if Brother Derek had made contact, Prado said during a May 30 visit to see Barbaro at the George D. Widener Hospital, "Maybe he did and maybe he didn't. It's one of those things we'll never know for sure."

But the Maryland Racing Commission said it will look at the tapes to determine if enhancement of the steward's film should be attempted.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 19, 2006, 10:48 AM

Barbaro Making Progress; Still Has Long Way To Go

(AP) KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. Barbaro still has the look of a champion.

One month after the Kentucky Derby winner's life-threatening breakdown in the Preakness Stakes, the colt remains cooped up in the intensive care unit at a veterinary hospital in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

But he's making steady improvement.

Barbaro is sporting a new fiberglass cast that protects the catastrophic injuries to his right hind ankle sustained at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 20th.

While Barbaro appears friendly, frisky and feisty, the staff at the New Bolton Center knows complications could develop at any time.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 19, 2006, 11:11 AM

Update 114: I asked Kathy Anderson (Barbaro's Fair Hill vet) about the 'hardware' and what happens in the long run. She said it would most likely remain with Bobby, but would essentially no longer be serving any function. It is all necessary until the bones reknit together etc. Of course I did not really know that it was the bones that were going to take back over. That is good to know, having ridden many horses with some kind of 'hardware' added.
Update 113: Another good night for Barbaro last night (sunday night). I caught up with Michael Matz and Peter Brette on the way to the track this morning. We are now four weeks post surgery!.
update 9:20 am, monday morning
Update 112: Excellent article from Sports Illustrated: 'Everything right so far'
Doctors are thrilled with Barbaro's steady progress (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/more/06/18/bc.rac.barbaro.amonthla.ap/) which notes many aspects of Barbaro's recover and prognosis (thanks Lisa). Here is an excerpt:

Today, Richardson is guardedly optimistic. He says the odds are "going up," and adds: "Until he actually walks out of the hospital with no cast on, the radiographs look normal and he's bearing full weight, it won't even jump to 75 percent.
"If and when that happens, it will probably creep up ... and when I decide it's time to leave the hospital, maybe I'll finally admit that something worked," he said.
The next major concern is the healing process: Will the bones heal before the hardware begins to loosen?
"He's a large active horse and the metal really isn't meant to bear the weight for a very long period of time," Richardson said. "There's always this race between healing the fracture and continued structural support from the implant. If they start to fail, that could be a problem, so that is a continued concern."

New York Times is carrying the same article (http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/sports/AP-RAC-Barbaro-A-Month-Later.html?ex=1151294400&en=9e3aabeef0b2831f&ei=5070&emc=eta1) (thanks Lynda) as is the Bloodhorse (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=34064).
Update 111: Peter Brette visited Barbaro this morning (Sunday morning). As previously, he's looking very good. Dr. Richardson was there. They walked him around and he continues to progress very well.
Updated Sunday 11:40am.
Update 110: A nice piece of humour as Barbaro responds to his mailbag: Barbaro Responds to Fans (http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/spoofs_satire/barbaro_responds_to_fans.php) (thanks Ernie) Here is an excerpt from one of Barbaro's letters as he discusses his retirement plans:

But don't expect Barbaro to disappear into the sunset! I can command a pretty hefty speaker's fee. I'm actually already in discussions to host a Dr. Phil-style talk show, and I've been invited to speak at the Women's Health Forum at the Chicago Convention Center later this summer. But as for everything else, your guess is as good as mine.

annikak

Jun. 19, 2006, 12:01 PM

Update 110: A nice piece of humour as Barbaro responds to his mailbag: Barbaro Responds to Fans (http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/spoofs_satire/barbaro_responds_to_fans.php) (thanks Ernie) Here is an excerpt from one of Barbaro's letters as he discusses his retirement plans:

But don't expect Barbaro to disappear into the sunset! I can command a pretty hefty speaker's fee. I'm actually already in discussions to host a Dr. Phil-style talk show, and I've been invited to speak at the Women's Health Forum at the Chicago Convention Center later this summer. But as for everything else, your guess is as good as mine.

That made me laugh! :lol:

Thanks again for all the super updates!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 20, 2006, 07:03 AM

Thank you again, Tim..................

Update 116: Looks like another good day for Barbaro (monday). His visitors today included Michael Matz (who I think visits most days, either coming to or from work, given how close to New Bolton Center Michael lives) and Kathy Anderson. Peter Brette called me to let me know everything looks good for the day (he spoke to Michael).
Update 115: We have added a new movie to the Fan multimedia page (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/05/barbaro_multime.php). Thanks Karen! Penn has added some new Barbaro pictures (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/BarbaroPhotos.htm) from June 16, thanks Superfecta (http://superfectablog.blogspot.com/).

VirginiaBred

Jun. 20, 2006, 09:08 PM

Update 119: Another good day (tuesday) for 'Bobby'. Just spoke with Peter Brette and they continue to be very happy with his progress.
Update 118: If you ever wonder the reach of concern Barbaro has generated just consider his updates are appearing in New Zealand media: Barbaro's odds improving every day (http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0606/099.shtml). This piece also includes a great picture of his new cast.
Update 117: Another good night for Barbaro last night (monday night). Spoke to Michael Matz this morning who had heard from Dr. Richardson. Peter (Brette) also mentioned that Edgar Prado and his family visited Barbaro yesterday. On another note, Miraculous Miss (Acorn filly for Steve Klesaris) is also doing well.
And finally, this article from Daily Local News (Philly): For the love of Barbaro (http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16810961&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17782&rfi=6) (thanks Lisa) demonstrates the impact Barbaro is having:

New Bolton recently was presented a check for $13.5 million from Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. The state funds are earmarked for new medical facilities at the center, including a new isolation/gastrointestinal facility and a chemical digestion building. Donations to the BarbaroFoundation now total $560,000.
The Jacksons are pleased Barbaro's story has spurred a closer look at the horse-slaughter bill in Congress and better housing for workers on the backstretch, a debate on increasing the time between Triple Crown races and installing safer, synthetic racing surfaces.

update tuesday June 20, 8:20 am

VirginiaBred

Jun. 21, 2006, 07:49 AM

Barbaro making healthy steps
Signs all positive on road to recovery

By Sandra McKee, Sun reporter

Kennett Square, Pa. // Barbaro lifts his head from the fresh green hay he is eating in the back of his stall in the intensive care unit in the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals. He has heard something, and turns to see who has come to his stall door at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

Gretchen Jackson, who owns the Kentucky Derby winner with her husband, Roy, places her hand on the bars above the door.
"Come here, baby," she says.

On the way through the hospital, Jackson has been excited. She can't wait to show Barbaro to his visitors, who include Kathee Renger, a friend who found Barbaro's mother La Ville Rouge for the Jacksons, who bought her and bred her to Dynaformer to create the Kentucky Derby winner.
As she leads her guests through the routine of entry - a foot wash outside the building that houses the ICU, and putting on blue paper shoes and a hospital cloak that covers every inch from neck to ankles - she says: "He's beginning to look like he used to. I think he's put on some weight. He looks really good."
And, in fact, as Barbaro approaches his stable door, he does look good.

"Why, he's blooming," says Renger, handing Barbaro a piece of carrot. "I didn't expect to see him looking like this."

If you didn't see the cast covering the lower half of his right rear leg or the "skin rubs" on his left side, irritation from the sling that transported him from stall to surgery to recovery, you'd think you were seeing the old Barbaro - not the one fighting to recover from the broken leg he suffered in the May 20 Preakness Stakes.

In the pictures distributed in the days after his four-plus hours of surgery, Barbaro, though looking better than expected, still showed signs of having been through a major event. He seemed a smaller version of the horse everyone admired as he danced toward the Preakness starting gate, and his ribs seemed more prominent than usual.

But in his stall, Barbaro's ears are pricked. His coat is shiny. His eyes are bright as he anticipates treats. In the course of the next 40 minutes, he will have an array of carrots, apples and peppermints. His ribs, perhaps helped by such a diet, have all but disappeared.

As he is admired, Barbaro shifts his weight to his injured leg and attempts to scratch his belly with his left hind leg.

"I think maybe the skin on his side is itching as it heals," says Gretchen Jackson, watching closely. "You know [trainer] Michael Matz and [assistant trainer] Peter Brett come over here every afternoon to take care of his side. You can see how well it is healing.

"It has just been amazing. People are so kind and care so much. Barbaro certainly isn't forgotten. And I know it takes them a good half hour to come up here to take care of him.

"Look at that," she says, interrupting herself. "Look at the way he moves around to get his food. He's so quick."

Jackson pauses.

"You know, we were planning to race him his 4-year-old year," she says. "Economically, it would have been stupid. But we were going to run him on the grass. He's such a wonderful horse. You just hate to see him in here."

Around Barbaro's stall are handmade signs from the Jacksons' grandchildren and Matz's children. And there's a get-well card from Paco, the pony that led him to the Pimlico starting gate. They are just a few of the signs, cards and gifts that have arrived for the racehorse that has captured hearts around the country and the world.

Jackson marvels at the way people beyond Barbaro's immediate connections have rallied around him and worry about his recovery. She worries, too.

"I think he's looking at three months or more before he can maybe go someplace else," Jackson says. "We're really scared to ask what can happen."

Dr. Corinne Sweeney, director of the facility, says the main concerns now are laminitis, an infection that can occur in Barbaro's left foot due to overuse, and the healing process. Though the bone is mending, it has to continue to heal before the screws and plates give out because they cannot support the horse.

"But there is no reason to think at this point it won't continue to heal well," Sweeney says.

"We just go week by week," Gretchen Jackson says. "Last week, when they took the cast off, Dr. [Dean] Richardson said the leg didn't look grotesque at all, that it had shape. That was so good to hear ... but the job isn't finished yet."

Just before Jackson left Barbaro yesterday, the exit door beside Barbaro's stall was opened for another horse, and Barbaro was obviously ready to go, too. He came to attention and moved swiftly toward the outdoor light.

When freedom didn't come, he let his irritation be known, bucking and slamming his good hooves and his bad one on his stall floor. Jackson says she was glad to be there to calm him, and talked soothingly to her horse.

"Hey," she says, leaning toward him. "Your breath smells really good, like peppermint."

Barbaro flexes his jaw in a pressure-releasing yawn.

"I take that to mean he's thinking it over," she says.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 21, 2006, 07:54 AM

:)

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0606/p/099.jpg

Dr. Liberty Getman checks out Barbaro's new cast. It was replaced last week.
Photo: Sabina Louise Pierce (http://www.sabinalouisepierce.com/)/University of Pennsylvania

The surgeon who operated on Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro says the odds of the horse surviving his catastrophic injury are rising all the time.
Dean Richardson has emphasised that Barbaro is not out of the woods yet, with serious complications still an ongoing risk, but the colt is doing everything right.
Barbaro remains in a stall at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, and is becoming accustomed to a new fibreglass cast fitted to right hind leg a few days ago.
Barbaro shattered the lower leg in the Preakness Stakes, when he was chasing the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Those caring for the horse have found him in a good frame of mind and feisty, the latter perhaps a symptom of his long incarceration.
The key now is for the bones to heal before the plates and screw start to loosen.

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/g/blackline.gif

Limerick

Jun. 21, 2006, 09:10 AM

Thanks so much for all these updates VB. Let's keep jingling that Barbaro has a complete recovery.

Miss Demeanor

Jun. 21, 2006, 10:35 AM

I check for your updates every morning :) !

VirginiaBred

Jun. 21, 2006, 03:57 PM

Barbaro continues to improve with new cast

Kennett Square, PA (Sports Network)

- Injured Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to improve at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, one month after suffering a career ending injury.
The three-year-old colt had his first cast replaced last week with a fiberglass one by surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson. Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit at the New Bolton Center.
"He's a lively, bright, happy horse," said Dr. Richardson, Chief of Surgery.
Owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson of nearby West Grove, Barbaro sustained a shattered right hind leg early in the running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 20 at Pimlico Race Course. Dr. Richardson and his team performed surgery the following day.
"He's enjoying carrots and other treats, and is friendly and frisky," noted Dr. Richardson. "I'm very pleased with the progress he's made in the last month."
The Jacksons, who run their thoroughbreds under the Lael Stable name, will see their Lexington Stakes winner Showing Up compete in Saturday's $1 million Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs in Virginia.

MHM

Jun. 21, 2006, 08:41 PM

I can't imagine how hard it's been for Barbaro to go from racing fit to complete stall rest in the last month. "Feisty" must be an understatement.

VB, thanks again for posting all the updates so diligently! It's great to hear he's doing so well.

tradewind

Jun. 21, 2006, 09:15 PM

thanks for all the continued updates...i really appreciate it

sid

Jun. 21, 2006, 09:20 PM

I've been keeping up with this thread all along...I get so darned emotional about the heart and courage Barbaro exudes.

Sounds like he's acting like a strapping, energetic young stallion who's confidently taking his challenge of recovery in the same easy fashion that he breezed through the Kentucky Derby.

VB you're great for posting all of these updates all these wonderful updates!

Carol Ames

Jun. 21, 2006, 09:51 PM

:confused: where are the articles? I don't see them?

showmom07

Jun. 22, 2006, 07:21 AM

6-21-06

Barbaro enjoys another good day

Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby winner who is recovering from a broken right rear leg, had another good day yesterday at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.

His owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, also reported they have signed with The Breyers Line and Beanie Babies to produce a plastic replica and Beanie Baby of Barbaro, respectively.

"Any and all the money that is earned from these items is going to the New Bolton Barbaro Fund or other horse-related charity," Gretchen Jackson said.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 22, 2006, 08:16 AM

Update 124: Barbaro had another good night last night (wednesday night). Just spoke to Michael Matz who had the phone call from Dean Richardson.
I am sitting here with Fair Hill regular Kathee Rengert, who was cited in the article from the Baltimore Sun yesterday which we included in update 120 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/06/barbaro_updates.php#update120). Kathee (in conjunction with Walnut Green) was the bloodstock agent for the purchase of La Ville Rouge (Barbaro's mum).
I asked Kathee to tell me a little bit about the Jackson's, friends of hers.
Kathy: "They are very compassionate people, and Gretchen noted the fact the situation with Barbaro has elevated her awareness of the unique nature of each individual horse. She herself said that her awareness of the horses other than Barbaro has been elevated, as to their unique personalities and varying needs. She is heavily involved in the care and awareness of retired racehorses."
"Gretchen was asked by the reporter of the Baltmore Sun what the plans were three months out for Barbaro, but she defered and considered this a day to day situation."
Kathy also went on to note: "The horse looks fabulous, I was amazed at how well he looked when I visited."
update 7:45 am, Clockers Stand, Fair Hill
Update 123: Just spoke to Peter Brette who visited Barbaro today (Wednesday afternoon)...he remains in great condition. So it looks like another good day for Bobby.
Update 122: For a little light relief I wanted to do some exploring on google to see how popular Barbaro has been in the last month or so. I compared Barbaro with "Paris Hilton" (http://www.google.com/trends?q=Barbaro%2CParis+Hilton&ctab=0&geo=US&date=2006-5) and it is good to see that for six days at least, Barbaro was a more popular search query! Unfortunately for June this is not the case (http://www.google.com/trends?q=Barbaro%2CParis+Hilton&ctab=0&geo=US&date=2006-6) (despite the continued press references). There does not seem to be a scale that lets you know the volume of queries. We did run a google adwords campaign to alert people of this site beginning the sunday after the Preakness. We received 3k visits in one hour, much of the traffic coming from google (when Bobby came out of surgery). The site crashed and Eliza has been adding bandwidth ever since.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 22, 2006, 08:42 PM

My continued thanks to Tim Woolley's Racing Blog:

Update 127: Another good day for Barbaro (thursday). Just spoke to Peter Brette who provided the news. Keep the good thoughts coming, its a long road ahead.
Update 126: As we noted in update in update 117 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/06/barbaro_updates.php#update117), the Jackson's are pleased that Barbaro has highlighted issues close to horsemen's needs. One such issue cited is the horse-slaughter bill. According to recent comments this bill is coming up for vote sometime in the next several days. You can access: Home Stretch for Horses (https://community.hsus.org/campaign/FED_2006_horses_cosponsorhouse) to learn more about what you can do.
Update 125: A very nice article on our Fair Hill vet (and sometimes contributor to this site) Kathy Anderson:
Barbaro her best bet: U of S grad shares close relationship with Derby winner (http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=482195ba-3c6f-420d-835a-bae004fcce89) (thanks Lynette). I mentioned to Kathy this morning this article had been published, it was from a phone interview yesterday (it is amazing how news and the internet work). The article includes the following excerpt:

Anderson will never forget watching Barbaro's life change on that Saturday afternoon which, she says, "vacillated between blustery threats of rain and tranquil sunshine." Anderson and a crowd of more than 200 settled in to watch the Preakness on television from Barbaro's home base at Fair Hill.
Their hero was hobbling less than one-eighth of a mile into the race.
"Shock became horror as we realized the seriousness of Barbaro's gait," Anderson wrote in her journal. "The race was run but we did not see it, for our hearts were crying out for Barbaro to stay upright and be able to leave the race course in one piece." Soon after, Anderson's cellphone began ringing . . . Dr. Dean Richardson called from Florida . . . Dr. Scott Palmer phoned from the Preakness track in Baltimore . . . and trainer Michael Matz called for Palmer's number.

Much of the above is from an e-mail Kathy sent to her friends sunday night, which she kindly let us reproduce as update 14 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/05/barbaro_fair_hi.php#update14). It remains my favourite article on this horrific incident, although I am not yet prepared to reread it! As one of the 200 or so present at the party I can recall vividly the moment of the tragedy, Kathy was positioned just to the right of the TV, her head dropped to her hands. I left the room (I don't think or certainly recall watching the finish of the race) and remained outside for the next hour or so, talking to others who were in shock. Kathy walked by, I asked her if she knew the current status of Barbaro (I think she knew that we were covering Barbaro's Preakness preparations on this site). I was amazed at her openness to share exactly what she knew at the time, based on the phone calls she had received / made.
We still have a long way to go, lets hope the news continues to remain very positive!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 23, 2006, 12:34 PM

Update 128: Another good night for Barbaro last night (thursday night). I spoke to Peter Brette this morning who let me know. I also asked Peter whether there was padding in his stall (this question has come up in the comments) to protect Barbaro from doing further damage from kicking the stall walls etc. The answer is no. Peter had previously asked Dr. Richardson about this (clearly it would seem to make sense to have padding) but apparently the padding is much harder to keep clean and thus could raise the likelihood of infection etc (its nice to know the reason). Peter said it can be frightening to watch Barbaro get up and down!
update friday, June 23, 7:50 AM

VirginiaBred

Jun. 23, 2006, 08:11 PM

Update 129: A few nice articles have been posted in the comments. Broken-down and busted but with something left in the tank (http://www.smh.com.au/news/horseracing/brokendown-and-busted-but-with-something-left-in-the-tank/2006/06/22/1150845312345.html) is further illustration of the 'reach' of Barbaro, this article coming from Australia. The following excerpt signals this:

Prof gives Barbaro a "good chance" of recovery. "It's always hard," he went on, "because it was a monumental traumatic injury. They have put a bucketload of hardware in. That's not always the complete answer, but I'm sure it's been done by capable people. The longer he goes the better chance he has."

Not sure how many vets in the states would use the term 'bucketload' to describe the amount of hardware involved.
As many already know, Barbaro is joining the Breyer line of model horses: Barbaro becomes a model (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16827472&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17779&rfi=6). What is perhaps less known is this is not the first of Michael Matz's horses to join the Breyer family:

Barbaro's trainer, Michael Matz, also has a prior connection to Breyer, which made a model of his Olympic show jumper Jet Run in the 1980s.

Ten dollars from each sale will be donated to the Barbaro Fund (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/giving/giving_ways.html).
Finally, a nice article on the New Bolton Center itself: Now known for Barbaro, Pa. vet hospital has other patients, tasks (http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/14878972.htm) which describes the work NBC does for many types of patients:

Some are more cooperative than others. On one recent day, it took at least three veterinarians to coax a bull back into the barn after it had undergone a castration operation.
And then there was the curtain-chewing colt, a patient in Widener's neonatal intensive care unit. The horse's feistiness seemed to please veterinarian Jon Palmer, who had recently performed surgery to correct an intestinal problem.
Earlier that day, Palmer finished treating an alpaca with a newborn that did not know how to nurse. He also was monitoring one mare's high-risk pregnancy while keeping an eye on another who had just given birth.
Palmer sees about 180 animals a year in the neonatal ICU, including goats, pigs, sheep and cattle, with the occasional deer, camel, zebra and antelope.

Bugs-n-Frodo

Jun. 23, 2006, 08:34 PM

I am so glad to hear that he is still doing well. I think I will have to get one of the Breyer models. I collect them, though I usually only get one or two in a year. He has to be one of them!

lizathenag

Jun. 24, 2006, 02:59 AM

coax a bull back into the barn after it had undergone a castration operation.

I wish they would make the Barbaro Beyer in the Xmas ornament size!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 24, 2006, 03:38 PM

Update 131: A couple of nice articles from the comments. We should start by wishing the Jackson's good luck: Showing Up Center Stage at Colonial (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/23/AR2006062301773.html) (thanks Lisa). The article further highlights the Jackson's, Babaro's prognosis and a quote from Barclay Tagg. The following are excerpts:

The feeling is mutual. Tagg trains about 20 horses for the Jacksons and was impressed with the way they coped with Barbaro's breakdown.
"I was there when he got hurt, and I was there when they loaded him on the ambulance," said Tagg, who also trained 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide. "I talked to the Jacksons, and they were very upset and very nice. They're understanding people, and they know what kind of game they're in. We all fall in love with the horses, I don't care what anybody says. If you didn't, you'd be crazy to be in the game seven days a week."

and

At the New Bolton Center intensive care unit, reports on Barbaro's progress are uniformly positive, but no one should assume he is out of danger, said Corinne Sweeney, the hospital's executive director.
"I think it continues to concern us that the public might not be aware that he still has a way to go," she said. "Dr. [Dean] Richardson and the whole team are extremely pleased with his progress, but they are also realists and he has weeks ahead that contain potential complications. It's a fine line. It's realism, not pessimism. If you're in the field of medicine or veterinary medicine, it's the animal body and there are many elements to healing. It's not like changing a spark plug."

Lets hope Showing Up can prevail at Colonial Downs for the Jacksons, it would be a nice distraction. Showing Up was actually trained at fair Hill last summer / fall before Barclay's horses left for the winter.
The second article: Barbaro wearing new cast well; remains 'grand patient' (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todaysnews/newsview.asp?recno=64617&subsec=1) (thanks Daphne) highlights some of Barbaro's new skills:

"To amuse him, besides feeding him some snacks, some of the nurses on the ward line peppermints up on the edge [of his stall], and he's gotten very clever at being able to get to each one between the bars before they fall off the edge," Sweeney said. "Any patient that is there for an extended period of time, all of the staff here forms a good relationship with. He's now been a resident of the hospital for almost five weeks, and he certainly has endeared himself."

Update 130: Barbaro continues to do well. Just spoke to Peter Brette this morning (saturday morning). He may visit later today, in his words: "If I can get finished here in time" (I spoke to him as he was working in the barn). Peter was actually holding court to some visitors visiting Fair Hill and Michael Matz's barn this morning, answering many questions (well I just arrived as it was finishing). It is nice to see people visiting Fair Hill during training hours, even on a gloomy morning as we experienced today. I would have got this update completed earlier but it was a busy morning's work (rode nine horses).
update: saturday, June 24, 10:50 AM

Laurel&HollyFarm

Jun. 25, 2006, 02:12 PM

Congrats to the Jacksons! Could not have happened to nicer folks. One good deed does desire another :D .

VirginiaBred

Jun. 25, 2006, 08:16 PM

Update 133: Michael Matz showed up at the local bar halfway through the England game to buy his lunch to go. (I am not sure he was expecting half of Fair Hill to be at the bar watching the world cup.) Anyway, he said things remain the same for Barbaro as of this morning, so that is good news! Of course England winning is good news too, although Michael did leave before Beckham scored the only goal (and what a goal it was)!
Update 132: I spoke to Michael Matz this morning, and no updates yet from New Bolton (sometimes the call comes in later than other times). He did mention he visited yesterday afternoon and all was well, so saturday afternoon is our latest update. I will try to get more information later, but it may be a tough day for updates (England are playing etc!)
A nice win for Showing Up, the Jackson's and Barclay Tagg (http://drf.com/news/article/75824.html). Although I missed the race, I am told he was impressive. Also noteworthy is Film Maker's nice return to the races, winning a grade 3. When the time was right I did want to mention how well Better Talk Now ran in the race before the Preakness, I guess now is as good a time as any!. Both these horses (Better Talk Now and Film Maker) are trained by Graham Motion, who is another fantastic trainer at Fair Hill. I don't know how old each horse is but they seem to have been running at a very high level for a long time!
On a more sombre note, when I was in San Francisco last weekend, Fair Hill was reminded what a dangerous sport we participate. All things can be going so well one minute, and then distaster strikes (well Barbaro does remind us of that everyday for sure). Anyway, trainer Mike Rea was involved in a horrific accident, and is currently in the ICU in Baltimore. His family have created a blog: Mike Rea's Recovery Info & Updates (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/). Mike was actually the "exercise rider" (he is actually a trainer) cited in the article we posted a while back: Matz: 'I'm just sad for racing' (http://drf.com/news/article/74978.html):

Matz said that an exercise rider who works for another trainer at Fair Hill rode past Matz on the track the other morning and offered encouragement.
"I think he's a born-again Christian," Matz said. "He was shook up. He said, 'The Lord doesn't give you anything you can't handle.' Then he rode away a couple of strides, stopped, looked back and said, 'He must think you're an awfully tough guy.' "
Matz chuckled, probably for the first time in a week.

I asked Mike Rea about the quote shortly after the article appeared, and while he confessed to the quote, he hoped it was the journalist, and not Michael (Matz), who confused him for an exercise rider and not a trainer!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 26, 2006, 10:44 AM

Update 134: I have not yet had a chance to catch up with Michael Matz's barn yet this morning (but will return to Fair Hill once 'training' is over to get an update). The weather this morning was very wet, thus many barns stayed dry by not going out to the racetracks. I did get a chance to talk to 'Chuck', a Fair Hill vet and associate of Kathy Anderson's. (Chuck actually was the vet kind enough to call me as soon as Barbaro was out of surgery (Update 5 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/05/barbaro_fair_hi.php#update5)) so I could post that update ASAP.) He confirmed the two key things at this stage are the need for the bones to heal and take over the work currently being done by the 'hardware'; and the potential for Laminitis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminitis). I imagine the former is the bigger concern (the cast replacement process indicated this was progressing in the right direction); the potential for the latter would increase if Barbaro is not comfortable putting weight on his injured leg (so far this does not seem to be the case); and if Barbaro was not comfortable getting up and down. Chuck mentioned the best thing for Barbaro is the ability to lie down and sleep for a couple of hours. The process of getting up, however, puts the most pressure (torque was mentioned) on the injured leg. Chuck explained to me the cause of Laminitis, but it was a little technical for me, so I have linked to the wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminitis).

VirginiaBred

Jun. 26, 2006, 10:46 AM

Maybe Barbaro won't be missed after all

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - After the less than exciting Belmont Stakes this year many horse racing fans began to ring their hands over the lack of a standout three-year-old. It appeared that the now retired Barbaro might capture the division title by default.
But now who should pop up to make a possible run for the Eclipse Award as champion three-year-old of 2006, Barbaro's stablemate Showing Up. Both colts are owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson of Lael Stable.
Showing Up captured this past weekend's $1 million Colonial Turf Cup in his first venture on grass. His first four career starts were all on dirt and the biggest win was in the Lexington Stakes. Showing Up finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby after running near the lead.
In the Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs, Showing Up was running comfortably with several horses as many as 20 lengths behind the leader, Kip Deville. Jockey Cornelio Velasquez did not panic by Kip Deville's massive lead. The rider sat chilly on Showing Up until the turn for home.
Showing Up caught Kip Deville at the top of the stretch, passed him in mid- stretch and posted a 3 1/4 length victory. In winning the 1 3/16 turf race, Showing Up rewrote the track record by more than one-second to 1:52.98.
The Jacksons' colt now has the opportunity to lay claim to the $5 million Grand Slam of Grass. The three-year-old will have to win the $1 million Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs on July 15, the $400,000 Secretariat Stakes on August 12 at Arlington Park and the $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf at Churchill Downs on November 4.
If Showing Up sweeps the four races his owners receive a total of $5 million. Of course, the Breeders' Cup Turf will be the most difficult to win since older horses will be involved.
It probably is no fluke that Barclay Tagg is the trainer of Showing Up. Tagg was and is the trainer of Funny Cide.
When voting begins on the Eclipse Awards, such an accomplishment should not be overlooked. It's unusual that a thoroughbred who does not win at least one of the Triple Crown races is named Champion Three-year-old.
This victory by Showing Up has the potential to reinvigorate interest among even the casual racing fan. Showing Up may not run in the traditional summer events for three-year-olds, but it will be interesting to follow him in his future endeavors.
Let's hope that thoroughbred racing does not drop the ball in promoting this potentially new star. It will be great to write about an active horse and his accomplishments, instead of medical updates on a retired thoroughbred.

06/26 10:21:39 ET

VirginiaBred

Jun. 26, 2006, 10:51 AM

New Bolton director cautions against Barbaro complacency

While Dr. Corinne Sweeney, the director of the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, said Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro had another good day yesterday, she also cautioned about complacency.

Barbaro is at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals in Kennett Square, Pa., recovering from a broken rear right leg he suffered in the Preakness. Sweeney said that while every good day puts the horse further from infection and the possibility of laminitis, "it is a misconception to think the potential for complications has been eliminated."
Sweeney said that while the prospect of infection drops dramatically the further down the road Barbaro gets, laminitis, an infection that can occur in Barbaro's left foot due to overuse, "is always a concern."

Though it, too, lessens every day, it doesn't totally go away until Barbaro is back, solidly on all fours.

"His whole good health and the way he's bearing his weight is encouraging," she said. "But hearing good news about him every day can give the impression that nothing more can go wrong, and that's not the case."

ponymom64

Jun. 26, 2006, 10:59 AM

VB - thanks for your continued updates.

BBowen

Jun. 26, 2006, 11:10 AM

VirginiaBred:

You don't know how much I appreciate being able to come to this board and get an update on Barbaro. He has captured the hearts of so many. Thank you so much for keeping the updates coming.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 26, 2006, 11:58 AM

BBowen, I'm happy to do this, really. Love M. Matz, and Barbaro.

Countryhawk

Jun. 26, 2006, 12:41 PM

thanks VB!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 26, 2006, 06:56 PM

Update 136: A nice article from the Baltimore Sun: New Bolton director cautions against Barbaro complacency (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-sp.digesttop26jun26,0,6781685.story?coll=bal-sports-horse) (thanks Lynnette) reiterates some of the issues we noted in update 134 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/06/barbaro_updates.php#update134), and makes it clear that we do still have a long way to go. The following is an excerpt:

Sweeney said that while the prospect of infection drops dramatically the further down the road Barbaro gets, laminitis, an infection that can occur in Barbaro's left foot due to overuse, "is always a concern."
Though it, too, lessens every day, it doesn't totally go away until Barbaro is back, solidly on all fours.
"His whole good health and the way he's bearing his weight is encouraging," she said. "But hearing good news about him every day can give the impression that nothing more can go wrong, and that's not the case."

Update 135: Just spoke to Michael Matz. I asked him "Everything good [with Barbaro] Michael", his reply: "So far". Thus our update for this morning, Barbaro continues to do well. It has been five weeks since the surgery, very cool, but clearly we have a long way to go yet. The key issues are described below (update 134 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/06/barbaro_updates.php#update134)).
updated 10:50 am, monday

2hsmommy

Jun. 26, 2006, 07:39 PM

VB, your a great person to keep this up :) Thank you!

MHM

Jun. 27, 2006, 06:18 AM

I have questions after reading the articles about Showing Up. How many horses do the Jacksons have in training? And how many trainers do they have? Is it just MM and Barclay Tagg? Are the horses divided equally between the different trainers? Is this a typical arrangement for race horse owners?

Just curious- TIA! :)

Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division

Jun. 27, 2006, 06:32 AM

Some owners have several trainers and some stay with just one. It depends were their horses are located, some on the east coast, west coast, midwest ect. I think every owner is different, there is nothing typical.

VB thanks for the updates.

eggbutt

Jun. 27, 2006, 07:56 AM

VB, my thanks too for your daily posts.....I don't want you to think we've become complacent with your efforts to keep us informed on his progress!

Boston Chicken

Jun. 27, 2006, 09:06 AM

This is the first place I check-in in the morning. Thank you, VB!!!!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 27, 2006, 02:54 PM

Update 139: A couple of articles recently have questioned the public's ongoing concern for Barbaro and whether he is really missed and the merits of following a horse who no longer races. The first: Maybe Barbaro won't be missed after all (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=horse/news/BJN4027097.htm) seems to have incensed many with the following ending quote:

This victory by Showing Up has the potential to reinvigorate interest among even the casual racing fan. Showing Up may not run in the traditional summer events for three-year-olds, but it will be interesting to follow him in his future endeavors.
Let's hope that thoroughbred racing does not drop the ball in promoting this potentially new star. It will be great to write about an active horse and his accomplishments, instead of medical updates on a retired thoroughbred.

I guess insensitive would be an understatement here. All that aside, while Barbaro has clearly run the most impressive performance so far this year (I think even Don Agriss would agree to that); and Showing Up has the same owners as "Bobby" (so we were rooting for him); one cannot forget Bernadini when considering other performances by top three year olds. I also think main stream media (like Agriss) has dropped the ball by not realizing that Barbaro has the potential to engage even the most casual racing fan as he progresses through his recovery.
The second article Barbaro Trots Back Into Obscurity (http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/06/27/031942.php) appears similarly insensitive and clueless.
These are countered by this piece from the Daily Racing Form: If Eclipse Awards came out now . . . (http://www.drf.com/news/article/75858.html) which includes the following excerpt:

And who is my 2006 Horse of the First Half of the Year? Barbaro, purely because of the way he captured the public's imagination in the days between the Derby and his ill-fated Preakness.

On another note, Tim received an e-mail from Mike Rea's sister when she saw our initial link to Mike's site here. It included the following:

I love what you had to share about him and his conversation with Matz. It sounds just like my little brother! I recall his reaction to Barbaro's injury clearly - he cried as if he had just lost his best friend. His family and friends were all very aware of his pride in a horse from Fair Hill with Barbaro's accomplishments. In fact, one of the happiest days of his career was when he began training there.

Good luck Mike (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/) in your long road to recovery. We are all rooting for you.
Update 138: Another good night for Barbaro. Just spoke to Michael Matz who had heard from Dean Richardson. Dr. Richardson also noted that they have a patient with more 'hardware' than "Bobby", a Thompson's Gazelle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson%27s_gazelle).
update tuesday, 9:30 AM
Update 137: Barbaro continues to do well. I just spoke to Peter Brette. He mentioned they may change his cast again later this week. Peter is planning to visit tomorrow, and I think Kim (his wife) may also join him. Kim also posted a comment, which includes the following excerpt:

Just to let you know Barbaro is doing well, a little bored as to be expected, Peter hasn't been able to see him as much as he would like but we are going to try go see him tomorrow.
There is something I have been thinking of ever since this whole thing happened and was wondering what everyone else thought.
This is of course my "Kim Brette ",s personal thoughts which have not been discussed with the Jacksons, New Bolten etc etc but I have a very strong belief that Barbaro should have a fund of his own to help retired, injured, maybe even re schooled racehorses for the rest of the time they are here.

I think this sentiment is shared by many who frequent this site. (Her comment is posted under the "Your overwhelming Response" post).
I also wanted to update you briefly on Mike Rea (freak training accident June 16). His latest blog entry shows that Sunday was a good day for Mike (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/2006/06/what-busy-day.html). I spoke to one of his sister's today who noted that today was also a good day. I volunteered to help a little with their web site (I was sooooo impressed they started a blog I could not help but 'get in the way'). Anyway, I am glad Mike seems to be progressing in the right direction!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 28, 2006, 06:14 AM

Update 142: I thought I would copy Kim's comment verbatim re: their visit this afternoon to Barbaro:

As Alex mentioned Peter and I visited Bobby today, Peter gave him a good currying which he loved his eyes had a sleepy look in them and he was curling his lip so I think all in all he enjoyed a little pampering, I was the hair lady and got to detangle his tail..
Of course he had loads of carrots, mints, pats and kisses.
He really did seem happy and comfortable, I hope he knows how much we all love him, I'm sure he does.
Thanks again for all your prayers and good wishes, with re to the retirement fund thing I was thinking more along the lines of supporting an existing organisation, will try to get a list of reputable ones and go from there.

Update 141: Just spoke to Peter Brette and he and Kim visited Bobby today. Peter said he was in great form, they groomed him etc. Hopefully Kim will be able to provide a first hand report in the comments later (when I called I could hear their young son in the background, so I assume it was busy family time!) I asked Peter if he knew the day for the cast change, and he was not sure yet.
Update 140: New Bolton Center's press release today (tuesday) confirms Barbaro is doing well. It includes:

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is pleasing his veterinarians with his progress, as he recovers from a shattered hind leg sustained at the Preakness on May 20. "Barbaro continues to improve; he is maintaining his weight and his coat looks good," said Dr. Corinne Sweeney, associate dean of Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine and executive hospital director of the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals. "I would say he is a happy, healthy horse."

Equine Connection

Jun. 28, 2006, 08:05 AM

Thanks very much for the detailed and very informative updates. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks again! :)

eggbutt

Jun. 28, 2006, 08:11 AM

Again, VB, thank you for these daily updates. You've become like family member giving us information about another family member in a distant hospital! You are very much appreciated.

One question though.....does Barbaro get to leave his stall occasionally? I am wondering if they are trying to take him out for any period of time at all yet so he might not become so bored. I know I wouldn't want to be the one leading him out with all the pent up energy he must have at this point since he's feeling better!:eek: I can just imagine trying to control that power with a simple chain and lead rope!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 28, 2006, 08:15 AM

Not yet, as they will wait until the bone has mended more and the hardware isn't totally in charge.
Seems as if he is is being very, very good, considering his position!

msj

Jun. 28, 2006, 09:59 AM

Another question about Barbaro - are they tranquilizing him or giving him anything to help keep him somewhat quiet while he's stall bound? I know I had a QH that was on stall rest for a month and he was going ballistic after just a couple of days because he was used to 24/7 turnout so I ended up using Reserpine tablets.

maple_brook

Jun. 28, 2006, 11:06 AM

Just wanted to add my thanks for keeping us all updated!!! I really appreciate that you are continueing to provide information about how he is doing. Thank you!!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 28, 2006, 10:38 PM

My unyielding thanks to Tim, again:

Update 145: Just got a voice-mail from Peter Brette. While he was unable to visit today he has heard Barbaro had another good day (wednesday).
Update 144: I have created a separate section for those interested in brainstorming fundraising ideas: Barbaro: Fund Raising Ideas (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/06/barbaro_fund_ra.php). I thought this might help focus some of the great fund raising discussions (I am all for discussion, but too often I have seen great internet discussion disipate into the ether before action takes place, I hope this helps maintain the focus / enthusiam).
I did catch up with Barclay again this morning and told him that I was now a member of the media, and asked him for a quote re: Showing Up. Barclay's response: "Its a pleasure leading him over each time". (Note: Barclay is notorious for not being overly comfortable with the media, I hope he can make an exception for me in the future!) Given I am media, I felt I should ask him more questions, so I asked him what it was like to gallop Ruffian. He responded that he really only rode her when her main rider was not available. He reminded me she was never headed in a horse race. I also asked him about the comment he made about Barbaro after seeing him win in Laurel last year (Barbaro's second race). He had mentioned to a friend of mine at the time it was the most impressive thing he had seen since Secretariat. Today he confirmed it was truly impressive. Interview over! (Note, it is pretty cool that at Fair Hill this morning, there were two Kentucky Derby winning trainers at the track training their respective strings, Michael on Messaging, Barclay observing things from the 'gap'. In previous years Barclay would also be on a pony, I presume they do not have one yet for his Fair Hill string.)
I am hoping later today to get some new pictures up on the site. They are not Bobby, but I think they will be popular (how's that for some 'buzz'.) I don't have any more information on the cast situation at this point (I know people have been asking, I have not been able to catch up with Kathy Anderson etc.)
Update 143: Another good night for Barbaro last night (tuesday night). Caught up with Michael Matz on the wood chip track this morning. The dirt track is closed due to the excessive weather we have had. Barclay Tagg is also here today (he has a string at Fair Hill, Showing Up was here last year). Barclay is in great form after his big win the other day. He asked me what I was up to work-wise. I used to freelance (exercise rider) for him a couple of years ago. I should have told him I had joined the media and asked for a Showing Up quote from him!
update 7:50, wednesday morning, Fair Hill clockers stand.

VirginiaBred

Jun. 29, 2006, 09:27 AM

Update 147: Another good night for Barbaro (wednesday night). I walked back from the wood chip track with Michael Matz and he had heard from Dr. Dean Richardson. It also appears they are no longer planning to change the cast this week. Michael mentioned when he went to see Barbaro yesterday, and was grooming him, he was standing on his injured leg while using the other hind leg to scratch his ear (I know we have heard this before, but it is a good example of his current comfort on the injured leg). Michael gave me some more information, which I will update later (have four or five more horses to ride.) I did also see Miraculous Miss out training this morning, she is looking good.
update: 7:40 am, thursday, Fair Hill clocker's stand.
Update 146: The new pictures are uploaded to the gallery (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/gallery/). They are of Bobby's baby full brother and his mother, La Ville Rouge. Thanks Kim (Brette) for acquiring the pictures, and Eliza for getting them on the site. His baby brother is pretty cute! The following comment was left by a vet, S. McC. which sounds just like a conversation I have had with vets at Fair Hill, it appears to summarize well the role of the hardware, and the 'race against time' Barbaro faces:

I do have a comment regarding the internal hardware. (I am an equine vet, though not an orthopedic surgeon.) Under ideal circumstances, it will all remain in place. If some portion of it were to become problematic, it would not be difficult to remove individual screws, etc. This is done with some horses after condylar fracture repair. Most horses who undergo fetlock arthodesis (fusion) which was the primary part of Bobby's more complicated surgery, have the plates and screws left in place. Once fusion takes place the plate could in theory be removed but ordinaarily would be left alone.
Right now Bobby is in a race between the ability of the bones to fuse, and the ability of the hardware to withstand the stresses of use. As healing makes the bones more stable, there is progressively less stress on the plates and screws. Until then, metal fatigue is still a worry.

tradewind

Jun. 29, 2006, 10:35 AM

thanks for all the updates..by the way..the foal is just stunning..if he flunks out racing he would look beautiful in my barn:D

VirginiaBred

Jun. 29, 2006, 04:54 PM

Update 150: A lighthearted interview with Barbaro: In recovery, Barbaro still has plenty of horse sense (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2502120). I of course loved this bit:

Well, the governor of Pennsylvania stopped by. And the Jacksons are here a lot. Sometimes they bring friends. And the media doesn't know this, but Edgar and his family sneaked in last week to see me.

Given we noted this visit in update 117 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/06/barbaro_updates.php#update117) Barbaro, at least, does not consider us media, we are just friends!
Update 149: The article Trainers, owners hold dream of discovering another Barbaro (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2006-06-15-matz-stables_x.htm?POE=SPOISVA) (thanks Barbara) includes some information on Barbaro's new little brother, the co-star of our new pictures:

The Jacksons also own a full brother to Barbaro. He was born on March 15 this year and is growing up and stretching his legs at Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Ky.
"He has a little more white on his face than Barbaro does," says Roy, adding that La Ville Rouge is again in foal to Dynaformer. The Jacksons hope that the same bloodlines might produce another wonderful result but also realize that pedigree never guarantees anything.

Update 148: The following are other insights I gleaned from my conversation with Michael (Matz) this morning. Gretchen Jackson is heavily involved in getting support for the (anti-) horse slaughter legislation that has been heavily discussed here. I believe time to call your representitives is very soon. He mentioned he believes the Barbaro Fund is now over $600k. He also talked about a school teacher, who used to work for Michael back in his show jumping days, had her students follow Barbaro's career as a class project. She used elements of Barbaro's story as teaching aids etc. Anyway, apparently the kids really got into the project, and once it was complete sent it to Michael. Michael past it on to the Jackson's who were very impressed (as was Michael). They are now looking to turn it all into a Children's Book! Pretty Cool. Lastly, Michael noted that when Dean Richardson visited Barbaro this morning he was lieing down, he saw the doc and got up without trouble at all. It seems he is pretty comfortable getting up and down, and that is a great thing.
In all this let us not forget fellow Fair Hill horse trainer Mike Rea who has been moved to 'step down', apparently a step up! (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/2006/06/gray-skies-are-slowly-clearing-up.html)

Levi's owner

Jun. 29, 2006, 05:22 PM

Loved the interview!

VirginiaBred

Jun. 30, 2006, 07:13 AM

Thanks to Tim Woolley's Racing Blog ~

Update 152: Another good night for Barbaro last night (Thursday night). I was passing Michael Matz on the way to the track for my third set this morning (6:35am) and before I could ask my inevitable question...he said with a broad grin "he's doing excellent."
Updated Friday morning 7:10am
Update 151: No official update tonight. Had a quick chat with Kim (Brette), and there did not seem to be any new news. We discussed that if there was news to report they would know, so I think no news is good news.

War Admiral

Jun. 30, 2006, 07:50 AM

That interview was uproarious!!! :lol: I took the time to write to the author & say "well done". He obviously demonstrates a thorough understanding of "TB-tude"! :yes:

Thanks so much yet again for the links and updates, VABred!!

Duffy

Jun. 30, 2006, 09:26 AM

I just forwarded the link to the "interview" to a few non BB friends - too funny! Thanks for ALL of the updates, VB! :yes:

MHM

Jun. 30, 2006, 10:04 AM

VirginiaBred

Jun. 30, 2006, 07:52 PM

Update 153: I just had a quick chat with Kathy Anderson (Barbaro's Fair Hill vet). She did not have an update, she asked me if I had heard today. (Kathy, like some others directly connected to Barbaro, is operating under the assumption that no news is good news. Obviously if there was a problem, Kathy would be one of the first to be contacted.) We did discuss the current state and it seems his status has now shifted from a day-to-day situation to a week-to-week situation.
He will likely have better days (which it seems he is currently experiencing) and perhaps not as good days, in terms of his overall comfort on his injured leg, but until the cast is changed they are not really able to determine the status of the healing process (this is what I understand, not directly from Kathy). Obviously the longer they can leave the cast on (and Bobby remains comfortable) the more likely the healing process will continue unabated. We will continue to provide updates as we have them (i.e. we have no intention of shifting to week-to-week!)
On other news, I saw Man from Havana (is that his name ?) on the track this morning (he is pretty cute!) as I was coming onto the track to breeze a horse. As I was leaving after the breeze Better Talk Now had arrived on the track. Better Talk Now is (I believe) Fair Hill's biggest earner and of course a Breeders Cup winner. I think he is being pointed for the United Nations a week tomorrow. It also appears Mike Rea continues his long recover process: After Evening Visit (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/2006/06/after-evening-visit.html).

Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division

Jul. 1, 2006, 11:32 AM

I am glad Bobby is continuing his recovery and hurray for Mike going to rehab. Make a speedy recoveries guys. :)

Tackpud

Jul. 1, 2006, 11:49 AM

Thank you for these wonderful updates. I have a great story about the incredible people the Jacksons are:

One of my students was found to have Hodgkin's Disease last fall and has spent most of the last year at John Hopkin's having cancer treatments. She was cleared to go home to Bermuda in April, but has to come back for check ups every few months. She came in the middle of June and had a couple of extra days. She, and her family, went up to Pennsylvania to visit her old pony who is now owned by the Jacksons. Mrs. Jackson was extremely generous in allowing her to come visit the pony and then took the group to New Bolton to meet Barbaro! :D (I can't even begin to say how jealous I am!!!) Not only did they meet Barbaro, the next morning Mrs. Jackson took them to Fair Hill to watch the morning works and introduced them to Micheal Matz. Needlesstosay, my student was completely overwhelmed by the whole experience and in total awe of everyone. What a wonderful thing for Mrs. Jackson to do!!:D

VirginiaBred

Jul. 1, 2006, 03:31 PM

Update 155: Seems like the Baltimore Sun is getting some good updates recently. Today's (July 1) is from Barbaro's skin rubs 'all quite healed' (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.digest01jul01,0,5797070.column) (thanks Gloria). It is below:

The skin rubs that occurred on Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro's left side during transportation in a sling to and from the intensive care unit have "all quite healed" now. Dr. Corinne Sweeney, director of the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, said yesterday that Barbaro's side "is looking good." She also responded to a question from a concerned fan concerning alternative treatments for laminitis, should that become a problem in his rear left foot from overuse. The fan said she hoped doctors at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals were aware of "herbology" and homeopathic remedies. Sweeney said: "Alternative methods of treatment are not pooh-poohed here. ... Should treatment become necessary, the veterinary team is fully aware of traditional and alternative remedies."

Update 154: Barbaro continues to do well. I spoke to Peter Brette this morning (saturday morning). The Jackson's were actually at Fair Hill watching their horses train. They were in the clocker's stand just after the (renovation) break. As I was jogging back past the clocker's stand I thought I would put my interview 'cap / helmet' on and ask them a couple of questions. Well the Waquoit two year old I was on thought very differently, as we darted to the inside rail! The weather has been great here the last couple of mornings riding out. Now the focus is back on the world cup, England are playing today at 11 am, half of Fair Hill will be in the Hill Top (they do a fantastic english breakfast). I asked Peter if he was stopping by. He may, but it is also Kim's birthday, so perhaps he may have other things to do (sorry, I cannot imagine doing other things when the world cup is on!)
update, 10:00 AM, saturday morning

VirginiaBred

Jul. 2, 2006, 10:17 AM

Update 156: We are experimenting with online polls to get some answers in terms of how everyone is thinking with respect to Barbaro, horse racing, and other horse related concerns (funding ideas etc). You can see the current poll question on the left hand column. I hope this first question is not difficult to answer, but it serves as a test to see that the polls work. (Edit: forgot Jazil, just added, and also, thanks Eliza for creating the polls)
England lost (end of world cup coverage here).
Letter from the Editor: Magnificent Barbaro is no one-trick pony (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16737968&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18168&rfi=6) is an older article but for some reason I did not link to it. Its a cool article, including the following excerpt:

Barbaro had blown away the field at the Kentucky Derby. It was the largest winning margin in years. For a newspaper editor, Barbaro made a great story. Just like Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex, he was dripping with local connections. The owner grew up in Delco. His wife worked here. Their farm was in West Grove. Barbaro raced at Delaware Park early in his career. And he was based, along with his trainer, at Fair Hill, Md.

AppleBird

Jul. 2, 2006, 11:29 AM

Just a bump for those of you who might have missed the very funny, right-on-the-money interview with our beloved Barbaro:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2502120

Take the time to write Gene a thank you note. I did, and he replied!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 2, 2006, 07:36 PM

Update 158: Peter Brette was unable to visit today, but assumes Barbaro continues to do well. He did see an update on HRTV at 3 pm which said the same. The update also reminded us that while everything has gone very well thus far, Barbaro is a long way from being 'out of the woods', so we must remain cautious, there are complications that can still occur. (I knew HRTV had planned to do updates each day, as reported by the Bloodhorse (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=33721), but I have not seen any for myself, I will try to tune in tomorrow.)
The Baltimore Sun's Digest today (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.digest02jul02,0,6255824.column) included the following:

Barbaro is having a lazy weekend, enjoying his air conditioning at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, where he is recovering from a broken right rear leg. Yesterday, Dr. Corinne Sweeney, director of the facility, said Barbaro is fine and was chowing down on horse treats that arrived in Friday's mail. ... Dance in the Mood won the $750,000 CashCall Mile by 1 3/4 lengths at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif. Victor Espinoza guided Dance in the Mood, a daughter of 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence, over one mile on the turf in a stakes-record 1:33.33.

I was surprised, when I tuned into ESPN yesterday to see Graham Motion (Fair Hill Trainer) being interviewed by Jeannine Edwards (who also lives locally), at Hollywood Park. Graham's horse, Sweet Talker, actually finished second to Dance in the Mood (http://drf.com/news/article/76048.html).
Six weeks have now passed since Barbaro's horrific accident, so while we understand things can still go wrong, we should be grateful Barbaro has done so well in the six weeks. I assume the next 'event' will be the second changing of the cast. I have no current insight into when this might happen (we had heard it might have been last week, that changed). Lets hope the cast change occurs uneventfully, and the pictures they can take during the cast switch show continued healing!
Mike Rea's updates continue to show good progress (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/2006/07/first-full-day-in-kernan.html).

Riggs

Jul. 2, 2006, 08:10 PM

Thanks so much for all the updates.
Loved the article!
Sending Jingles Barbaro's way - we havent forgotten aboutcha buddy!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 3, 2006, 08:06 AM

Regarding the Polls:

Update 159: Barbaro wins! That was the poll result: Barbaro: 272; Jazil 1; Other 1 (for 3yo of the year). I have taken the poll down as it was delaying the 'performance' of the site. I will need to relook at how to use polls without compromising overall site performance.

Xctrygirl

Jul. 3, 2006, 03:43 PM

Barbaro had another succesful cast change and minor surgical additions:

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-3.htm

Barbaro's cast changed for second time; new screws added
July 3, 2006

KENNETT SQUARE, PA – Doctors at New Bolton Center’s George D. Widener Hospital have changed the cast of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro for the second time since his hind leg was shattered at the Preakness on May 20. “Barbaro is back in his stall and is doing well,” said Chief of Surgery Dean W. Richardson, who replaced the cast he had put on Barbaro on June 13. “Also, we replaced two bent screws and added three new ones across the pastern joint. His radiographs look great, and he had another successful pool recovery.”

Barbaro remains in intensive care at the hospital at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

New photos from today http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/BarbaroPhotos.htm
~Emily

War Admiral

Jul. 3, 2006, 07:13 PM

What a relief. Be good boy, Barbaro!!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 3, 2006, 08:50 PM

Many continued thanks to Tim:

Update 167: Four new pictures (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/BarbaroPhotos.htm) from New Bolton from today. The first of Barbaro, you have to admit, he does look sharp! And Mike Rea is doing well, thanks to a bit of sisterly intervention (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/2006/07/filling-in-for-my-sister-tonight-my.html).
Update 166: Peter Brette just called, and confirmed what we had heard from Kathy Anderson. You can imagine there is a sense of relief surrounding those who are close to Bobby (or at least I got that impression from each of the conversations I had with Peter and Kathy). Michael (Matz) is visiting Barbaro. The Bloodhorse is running a copy of the New Bolton Press Release: Barbaro Gets New Bandages, Screws; Radiographs 'Look Great' (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=34258)
Update 165: New Bolton's press release today: Barbaro's cast changed for second time; new screws added (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-3.htm) includes:

Doctors at New Bolton Center's George D. Widener Hospital have changed the cast of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro for the second time since his hind leg was shattered at the Preakness on May 20. "Barbaro is back in his stall and is doing well," said Chief of Surgery Dean W. Richardson, who replaced the cast he had put on Barbaro on June 13. "Also, we replaced two bent screws and added three new ones across the pastern joint. His radiographs look great, and he had another successful pool recovery."

Update 164: Phew! OK, Kathy Anderson just called and she had just heard from Dean Richardson. Barbaro has recovered and is now back in his stall. The injured leg looks good, the radiographs were very good. They did replace a couple of screws (please don't ask me any details, it is beyond my domain).
There was an absess in his left hind foot, in the heal. This had been a recent cause of discomfort (and hence the cast change I guess). It is great they could identify this, as apparently that's not an issue for them to work on. Basically, as far as I can tell with my brief conversation, the cast change was as good as they could have hoped for.
Update 163: Just spoke to Kathy Anderson (Barbaro's Fair Hill vet) at 12:50 pm and Barbaro is currently having his cast changed.
Update 162: Confirmation from the Baltimore Sun that Dr. Richardson noted yesterday Barbaro may have his cast changed this week (we now know it is today). Barbaro could have cast changed (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.digesttop03jul03,0,5083144.story) (thanks Sarah).

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro had a visit with his surgeon yesterday.
Dr. Dean Richardson said the horse, who is attempting to recover from a broken rear, right leg suffered in the Preakness, could have another cast change this week.
Barbaro has been doing fine since his first cast change June 13, a little over three weeks after the original surgery. At that time, Barbaro was X-rayed and found to be healing properly.
Now nearly three weeks after that first change, Richardson said this cast "is beginning to show signs of wear." On the day the cast is changed, Richardson is expected to X-ray Barbaro's leg.

Update 161: It seems the cast change is planned for today, and this morning. I will try to get any updates through the day. Via the process of the cast change they will be able to take more pictures to see how the healing process is coming along (note, they can take pictures with the cast on, but apparently, and as one may suspect, the cast does muddy the quality of the images).
I think this is an important day for Barbaro in the entire recovery process. While I am not privy to the reasons for the cast change, one can speculate it is simply due (one day shy of three weeks), or he is less comfortable with the current cast at this point (we noted in update 153 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/06/barbaro_updates_1.php#update153) he is likely to have better days and not as good days). If the latter, it may simply be due to the fit of the cast. Anyway, no good speculating, lets just hope today is a good day, and I am sure we will know more later.
Update 160: Just saw Michael Matz out on the track...he says there's a possibility today is the day for Barbaro's second cast change. It's not a definite yet so will try to confirm when able to later. If it does happen today, let's hope all goes well and xrays show continued healing for Bobby!

War Admiral

Jul. 3, 2006, 08:55 PM

Abscess in that left heel doesn't sound good. Jingles!!!

summerhorse

Jul. 3, 2006, 09:44 PM

Hopefully they mean a sore versus an abcess.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 4, 2006, 07:47 AM

Update 168: Just passed Michael Matz on the track (Tuesday morning) and he tells me Barbaro is doing well. He had a good night after his busy day yesterday. Everything is looking good. Relieving news!
Updated 7:50am

Xctrygirl

Jul. 4, 2006, 01:32 PM

Its an abscess. And believe me it was a relief around all to hear that it was something very simple to mend.

Its a regular foot abscess. I do not know what kind of treatment they did but everyone at NB and at our barns were relieved to hear it.

~Emily

More I just found:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/76109.html

Vet pleased with Barbaro's progress
By GLENYE CAIN
Dr. Dean Richardson, who performed surgery Monday on Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro to replace a pair of bent screws and implant three new ones in the colt's injured right hind leg, said that the new repairs were the result of force and motion in the affected area and do not signal a problem in the healing process. Barbaro's X-rays continue to show bone healing about six weeks after his breakdown in the Preakness Stakes, a positive sign. "This is about the time we expect to see good evidence on radiographs of a degree of healing, and the X-rays that were taken yesterday, they look very, very good," Richardson said Tuesday in a phone interview. "As far as the major fracture, basically, it could not look better. He's really progressing well as far as the fracture goes. All in all, it was a reasonably satisfactory day." On May 21, one day after Barbaro shattered his lower right hind leg early in the Preakness, Richardson implanted 27 screws and a compression plate in the leg in an attempt to stabilize the fractures and allow the bone to heal. Since then, Barbaro, a 3-year-old Dynaformer colt, has been in intensive care at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., where Richardson is chief of surgery. Richardson said Tuesday that for several days Barbaro has showed a slight elevation in body temperature, "up about a half a degree to a little bit more," and was walking differently on both hind limbs. Those changes prompted Richardson to examine the leg and change the cast. "The reason we changed the screws is that he had two broken screws that crossed the pastern joint," he said. Richardson said that the screws he replaced were in "the least important part of the fixation" and that veterinarians knew bent screws in that area would be fairly likely. "That is an area that we knew was going to be vulnerable to have the implants break, because there's a lot of force and motion that's occurring at the pastern joint, because everything is locked down above it. The end of the plate is there, and it's tending to move, and he's been very, very active on his cast. "This doesn't affect his fracture per se, but it does affect how quickly I would be able to get him out of the cast if his fracture continues to heal, because we need to have the pastern stable as well as the fracture. Because of that, we put these additional screws across the pastern joint to try and help stabilize it more." Richardson said that, as the bone heals around the implants and begins to bear more of the horse's weight, the screws will no longer be under load stress. "Once the bone unites, the screws aren't vulnerable to fracture," he said. "All this surgery was done under fluoroscopic control, using little, small incisions, so it wasn't like you were opening the leg back up or anything," Richardson said. "These were done through one-centimeter incisions, so tiny incisions." Fluoroscopy gives surgeons a live X-ray view of a patient. Richardson also found that Barbaro has "a small infection" on the sole of his uninjured left hind hoof near the frog, a V-shaped cushiony growth that serves as something of a shock absorber. He said that the infection "appears not to be a big deal" and it is being treated topically. Barbaro is on systemic antibiotics, a common occurrence in post-surgical horses. But Richardson cautioned that Barbaro is still not out of danger. "He's six weeks out, and if you'd asked me six weeks ago would I be happy where we are right this moment, the answer would be yes," he said. "However, even though it's that long and we haven't had any major complications, the fact remains I know that there are bad things that could happen. Even though things are progressing well, he's certainly not healed yet. He's not out of the woods."

VirginiaBred

Jul. 4, 2006, 03:20 PM

Update 169: The Baltimore Sun has a nice article: Barbaro gets cast change (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-sp.barbaro04jul04,0,1798558.story?coll=bal-sports-horse) (thanks Barbara) that has a good explanation for the additional screws:

"Dr. Richardson was pleased with what he saw," Sweeney said. "He's continuing to heal, and the bent screws are not a setback. It's why you don't put one or two screws in to hold the stresses. It's no different from you or I healing from a broken leg, walking around, getting up and down. It's normal. And Dr. Richardson simply thought three [additional] screws would work better as a proactive measure."

So now Bobby has 30 screws, lets hope he does not plan to travel, how will he explain that to the security people!

YoungFilly

Jul. 4, 2006, 05:32 PM

I'm so glad to hear he is doing well. He has been in my thoughts since the Preakness. I also take no news as good news.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 5, 2006, 06:41 AM

Update 170: A must read article from the Daily Racing Form: Vet pleased with Barbaro's progress (http://drf.com/news/article/76109.html) (thanks Kim) that is essentially an interview with Dr. Richardson conducted today. He details yesterday's events, the current prognosis, and notes the 'problem' with the foot of the good hind leg. The following are a couple of excerpts, but it is good to read the entire article:

"This is about the time we expect to see good evidence on radiographs of a degree of healing, and the X-rays that were taken yesterday, they look very, very good," Richardson said Tuesday in a phone interview. "As far as the major fracture, basically, it could not look better. He's really progressing well as far as the fracture goes. All in all, it was a reasonably satisfactory day."

and

"The reason we changed the screws is that he had two broken screws that crossed the pastern joint," he said. Richardson said that the screws he replaced were in "the least important part of the fixation" and that veterinarians knew bent screws in that area would be fairly likely.
"That is an area that we knew was going to be vulnerable to have the implants break, because there's a lot of force and motion that's occurring at the pastern joint, because everything is locked down above it. The end of the plate is there, and it's tending to move, and he's been very, very active on his cast.
"This doesn't affect his fracture per se, but it does affect how quickly I would be able to get him out of the cast if his fracture continues to heal, because we need to have the pastern stable as well as the fracture. Because of that, we put these additional screws across the pastern joint to try and help stabilize it more."

The following article: Cast change for Barbaro, and new screws (http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/0607/012.shtml) (thanks Lynette) is the first article to cite this site as a source :) In fact, I e-mailed them last night to let them know of the cast change (I saw their site referenced in the wikipedia (http://www.wikipedia.org/) entry of Barbaro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbaro)). I was pretty excited to see this site's reference, all the way from New Zealand!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 5, 2006, 04:28 PM

Update 171: No update yet today. This morning was crazy busy and I was not able to catch up with the right people. I will endevour to get some news later today. I did discover I used to ride point-to-points with the father of one of the exercise riders at Fair Hill (which I guess ages me a little).
Also, from the Baltimore Sun: Barbaro's owners happy to hear their horse's breaks are healing (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.digesttop05jul05,0,6000652.story) (thanks Sarah):

Roy Jackson, who with his wife Gretchen owns Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, said yesterday he was relieved to hear Monday -- after Barbaro's cast change and the implanting of three additional screws -- that Barbaro's joints are fusing and the breaks healing.
"But it all takes time," Jackson said. "I'm hopeful that he will come through everything all right, but we've been through this before [with other horses] and we know things can go wrong in 24 hours. All we can really do is wait and see."
Yesterday, Barbaro was feeling good, said Dr. Corinne Sweeney, executive director of the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., where Barbaro is recovering in the intensive care unit from the multiple fractures in his right, rear leg during the Preakness.

wednesday, 11:50 AM

Kenike

Jul. 5, 2006, 05:34 PM

I love that you keep us so well updated, VB!! Thanks, and keep it coming!

LOVEtheHUNTERS

Jul. 5, 2006, 07:58 PM

So glad to hear things are going so well. I couldn't be happier!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 6, 2006, 07:32 AM

Update 172: Thanks for your patience today. Barbaro did show some level of discomfort with his new cast. They decided to replace the cast, change the angle slightly and see if that helps his comfort level. During the change they were able to confirm things happening beneath the cast were fine (there was no obvious reason for the discomfort). Dr Kathy Anderson, who had not seen the most recent radiographs until later this afternoon, said she was "thrilled" with the actual bone-healing process. More updates will likely be forthcoming, but please, keep good thoughts for Barbaro, today was a tough day for all involved.
Dr. Thomas Brokken (http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/feb06/060201k.asp), President of the American Association of Equine Practictioners, is planning to visit Barbaro and Dr. Richardson tomorrow.
Mike Rea does seem to be progressing well: Steps Forward (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/2006/07/steps-forward.html).
On other news, it was great to see Makybe Diva (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makybe_Diva) inducted into the Australia Racing Hall of Fame (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=34278). I was fortunate to be there to see her win her first Melbourne Cup!

Miss Demeanor

Jul. 6, 2006, 08:02 AM

VB - Thanks for the continued updates. They're the reason I log on to COTH every day. I'm not really a racing fan, but this horse has stolen my heart! The last couple of updates have been a bit more negative :( , but I guess no one expected this to be totally painless. Sending mega jingles to Barbaro from me and my horses :) !

Susan P

Jul. 6, 2006, 03:42 PM

Barbaro is a very lucky horse to have such wonderful owners as the Jacksons. Right down the line he has been surrounded by heroes. His jockey, his trainer and his owner have been the best, and the money was there to support their efforts, oh yeah, that's important too. So Barbaro, you are more than lucky buddy, you are truly blessed among horses.

Now how about the rest of the racehorses?

I am so happy to see the progress Barbaro is making, I am thrilled, he deserves it, a remarkable horse like Funny Cide and Smarty Jones. Only this time I thought for sure this community would have seen Barbaro be the horse to win all 3. I was so sad when not only was this the end for his career but that the world almost lost him altogether. I'm hoping to see Barbaro, jrs. in the future. :winkgrin:

Gunnar

Jul. 6, 2006, 04:54 PM

VB, thanks so much for your updates. I continue to be amazed at Bobby's recovery and I will keep jingling!:sadsmile:

VirginiaBred

Jul. 6, 2006, 08:52 PM

Update 173: Again, no real update this morning. Given the current situation where Barbaro appears to have been more uncomfortable lately (yesterday anyway) it is harder to get updates. This is not because people are not willing to provide them, but because I don't have the 'energy' to ask them. You can tell just passing Michael Matz's crew this morning that the same spirit of optimism is being tested. I assume there will be something coming from New Bolton concerning yesterday's events at some point, but I am sure they are overwhelmed too. We were warned that Barbaro would have good days, and not so good days. Lets hope we are just experiencing a little of the latter and things improve quickly.
I do plan to update Tim's horses on the site later today, we have let that lapse a little lately.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 6, 2006, 08:55 PM

Update 175: New Bolton's press release confirms much of what we know: Barbaro receives third cast (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-6.htm) (thanks Lisa, I had been checking ALL day) and its copied below:

On Wednesday, July 5, Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, replaced the cast on Barbaro that he had received on Monday, July 3. "Barbaro was not comfortable with the second cast, so we decided it would be best to replace it sooner rather than later," said Dr. Richardson. "His appetite is healthy, and we are continuing to monitor him closely for an elevated temperature or other signs of discomfort."
New Bolton Center continues to receive requests for additional information on Barbaro's condition. Below are some of the most recent questions asked with responses from his medical team.
Q. Why was Barbaro's cast changed again?
A. For several days before the second cast change, Barbaro showed a slight elevation in body temperature and his hind legs appeared uncomfortable, which led to Dr. Dean Richardson's decision to reassess the leg and then change the cast. He was still not as comfortable as he had been so a new cast was applied on Wednesday.
Q. Why were two screws replaced and three new ones added?
A. Two previously implanted screws that cross the pastern joint were bent, so Dr. Richardson, who had predicted that bent screws in that area were likely, replaced them and added three new screws for additional support. Barbaro has been very active on his cast, and the repairs were needed as a result of force and motion in the affected area. The screws are bridging the pastern joint. They are not part of the repair of the primary fractures. The pastern joint needed to be fused because the proximal phalanx (long pastern bone) was so badly broken that the middle phalanx (short pastern bone) was needed to anchor the distal (lowest) part of the plate.
Q. What do the radiographs show about how well Barbaro is healing?
A. Barbaro's new radiographs show excellent progressive bone healing, a very positive sign.
Q. Were the repairs considered major surgery?
A. Barbaro was put under general anesthesia for the procedure. The repairs themselves were made under fluoroscopic control, which gives surgeons a live-X-ray view of the patient. This means that small one-centimeter incisions were made rather than any large incision.
Q. Did Barbaro have an abscess on his foot?
A. During the examination, doctors found a small infection on the sole of Barbaro's uninjured left hind hoof near the frog, a V-shaped cushiony growth that helps absorb shock. Dr. Richardson is treating the infection topically; in addition, Barbaro is on systemic antibiotics, which is common post-surgical practice. He also has a new protective shoe.
Q. What is laminitis and what are you doing to prevent it in Barbaro?
A. Laminitis is a painful condition in horses that can be the result of a number of causes, including excessive weight bearing in one limb. It occurs when laminae, the strong connecting tissues that attach the pedal bone and the inner hoof wall, are inflamed. Laminitis is very serious and can result in severe consequences. To reduce this risk, we applied a supportive shoe to Barbaro's left hind foot immediately following the surgery for the fracture of his right hind leg.
Q. How long will Barbaro have to stay in a cast?
A. Barbaro will remain in a cast until we believe that the fracture and joint fusions have developed adequate strength.
Q. How long will Barbaro remain in Intensive Care?
A. Barbaro will remain in the Intensive Care Unit at the George D. Widener Hospital as long as necessary. Even though he is progressing well and has not had major complications, he is not out of danger. Even if things progressed perfectly from this point forward, it is likely that he would be here two more months.

Update 174: Just spoke to Peter Brette who visited Bobby today. It does appear his level of discomfort has improved a little, but there is still some discomfort for which they are trying to determine the cause. I asked Peter how he looked physically, and he said he looked well, was eating etc. so that is good. Peter also reiterated that the bone-healing process is as good as they could possibly expect, if not better. Please keep thinking your positive thoughts for Barbaro.
I have updated the content for each of Tim's horses (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com//horses/), Tim was around this afternoon. I am also going to get a picture of Tim added to the site. Tim had a pretty quick start to the year, but things have been quieter lately. We are hoping for a good summer with Redaspen, Randy's Bullet and Gator Nation (unraced) getting close to running, Something Wild getting back to his earlier form and Kielbasa Queen moving on from her debut.
Finally as I was jogging back on the main track with Tim today we passed the clocker's stand where Graham Motion was supervising his string. I asked Graham if he knew whether they would be racing in New Jersey this weekend, and of course he did not. There was no racing thursday (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=34287). He has Better Talk Now in the United Nations (Grade 1 $750,000 race). This is a race he won last year (I think), and a race he has targeted for Better Talk Now for this year. His training program has been designed to have Better Talk Now in prime condition for saturday. Clearly Graham was not anticipating the potential for this race not running. It is hard enough mapping out a campaign for a grade one horse, but when a race does not run, its not so simple to regroup and run the horse in another race the next week! Lets hope they can resolve this odd situation very quickly and Fair Hill's Breeders Cup winner gets a chance to do what he does best, run them down in the stretch!

Boston Chicken

Jul. 6, 2006, 09:14 PM

I missed that he was uncomfortable - poor thing. Hope he improves soon.

ivy62

Jul. 7, 2006, 06:47 AM

The updates are great I just hope he doesn't suffer the same long slides up and down that Nureyev(sp) had. Has nay body considered a chiro or massage therapy for this poor guy? MAybe that would help too.....It is amazing that he has gotten this far. Hopes and wishes are for Barbaro.....

VirginiaBred

Jul. 7, 2006, 06:58 AM

Thank you so much Tim ~

Update 176: Barbaro is a little more comfortable this morning! Just saw Michael Matz (who offered to pony me as I was stuggling to get a new horse on to the track)...Michael had already received a call from Dr. Richardson this morning giving the good report.
updated friday 7:10am

eggbutt

Jul. 7, 2006, 07:53 AM

Great news! Thank you again VB!

Has the concern about laminitis increased with the development of the abcsess in his uninjured hoof? I can't imagine he could get any better care anywhere else in the world!

Again, for the umpteenth time, thank you for your dedication to these updates!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 8, 2006, 07:17 AM

Update 181: New York Times article: Barbaro Has Two Screws Replaced (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/08/sports/othersports/08barbaro.html?_r=1) (thanks Gloria):

For the first time in a remarkably smooth recovery, Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby winner, has had a minor setback. Two screws were replaced in his shattered right hind leg this week, and his cast was changed twice.
He also has a minor abscess in his left hind leg that is being treated by a topical cream, according to veterinarians at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals in Kennett Square, Pa.
Dr. Corinne Sweeney, the director of the hospital, said the surgeon Dean Richardson was "very pleased" with how Barbaro's ankle, which was severely injured in the opening yards of the Preakness Stakes on May 21, was healing.
"The radiographs were terrific; his healing is very good," she said. "Still, Dr. Richardson saw Barbaro was a little uncomfortable, and he decided to change the cast again."
Barbaro has a supporting shoe on the left leg to help protect against laminitis, a sometimes-fatal foot disease brought on by uneven weight distribution. Sweeney said it was merely a precaution. She also said the replacement of the two screws was expected.
A total of 27 screws were inserted in an effort to fuse Barbaro's back leg so he could live a pain-free life and perhaps become a commercial stallion. "It is the reason he put that many in, because he anticipated having to make adjustments," Sweeney said of Richardson.
Richardson has cautioned that it will be months before Barbaro's prognosis is known, and that his is vulnerable to infection. Still, Sweeney characterized this week as one of activity rather than of concern.
"These are things that we have anticipated, and he's doing very well," Sweeney said.

Update 180: Kathy Anderson just called and had just finished visiting with Barbaro (8:00 pm friday). Her assessment is that these are pretty critical days for Bobby. Clearly he has improved today (as we know) and his attitude is quite good, but he is not as comfortable as he was a couple of weeks ago (as we know). He is rallying, keep your positive thoughts for Bobby. Today was a better day.
Update 179: Spoke to Peter Brette. While he was at the barn all day (Fair Hill) he had heard from Michael (Matz) that Barbaro continued to have a better day today (than the previous couple of days). Still hoping to hear from Kathy, but if not, I think we can be happy to know that Bobby continued to be a little more comfortable today than the last couple of days.
Update 178: No update yet but I will try to get another update before the end of the day. I spoke to Kathy Anderson who was planning to visit. She is still at Fair Hill (working) but hopes to go over later. Mike Rea seems to be progressing well and it seems help has arrived from the The Delaware Horsemen's Assistance Fund (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/2006/07/horsemen-helping-horsementhank-you.html). Peter Alexander, the president, is a Fair Hill regular.
A couple of articles surfaced today as a result of New Bolton's press release yesterday. Barbaro Experiencing Discomfort (http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/14984506.htm) (thanks Lisa) includes the following:

If only horses could talk. In recent days, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has been having some problems with his right hind leg, shattered in the May 20 Preakness and then surgically repaired the next day. According to the colt's owner, Gretchen Jackson, Barbaro is "feeling some discomfort and they can't figure it out. Blood tests are good. Temperature is good. So they're just trying to figure what is causing the discomfort."
According to Jackson, the doctors don't think the discomfort is anything major, but, with these fragile horses - especially one with such a significant injury as Barbaro - every little thing has to be taken very seriously. Barbaro continues to be in intensive care at the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square.

and

That the colt is experiencing discomfort at this stage is no great shock. They just wish they knew exactly why.
"It's not anything to be scared about," Gretchen Jackson said.

I do know that the Jackson's had planned an Africa trip, I think starting this week. They have cancelled.
The second article: Barbaro still not out of the woods (http://www.daily-times.com/sports/ci_4022116) (thanks Lynnette) simply asks us to have a kind thought for Barbaro as we watch racing this weekend. We surely will.
Update 177: It is good to hear the news this morning has be received so well. I do want to caution I used the phrase "a little more comfortable", so keep the positive energy coming, he still has a way to go to get to where he was comfort-wise a week or so ago I think. Michael did mention that this could also change quite quickly, but anyway, this morning is great news and a relief for those close to him, but we need to remain very cautious at this stage. To demonstrate the change in mood this news brought, Michael chatted for about five minutes with Judge (one of the trainers I ride for) and was being very open about the current Barbaro situation. Anne Kelly (one of Michael Matz's longtime exercise riders and contributor to this site) thanked me this morning for yesterday's updates. (i.e. there really was no chatting yesterday amongst anyone about Bobby's condition).
A couple of people have mentioned the ESPY awards (http://espn.go.com/espy2006/upgrade.html), details here: Velazquez, Gomez, Prado Compete for ESPY Award (http://news.bloodhorse.com//viewstory.asp?id=34285). Voting ends midnight July 9. Each of these jockeys is fantastic. Here are my three reasons to support Edgar Prado (in case you were wondering who to vote for):
1. He is considered the best. I think many people would simply agree with that.
2. He may well have been a significant factor is helping get Barbaro to where he is today. He alertly pulled Bobby up and did what he could to limit damage. No doubt there was catastrophic damage, but it could have been much worse.
3. He has paid two visits to see Barbaro since the horrific accident (that we know of). A cynic (sp ?) might suggest the first visit was for the media attention (although looking at the pictures you could dismiss this quickly.) The second visit, with his family, was completely without media coverage (and media knowledge). In fact to the best of my knowledge only this site reported on the visit (Peter Brette told us the next morning) and Bobby mentioned it himself in an exclusive interview with ESPN!
Finally I did want to mention that Miraculous Miss visited the starting gate for the second time since her horrific gate incident in the Acorn in New York. As a result of that incident she is considered on the "starter's list" which means she has to be approved by the gate crew (at Fair Hill) before she can run again. I convinced Judge (trainer I ride for and noted earlier) that we should send our last horse to the gate so I could ask the gate crew how Miraculous Miss did today. Judge obliged. Miraculous Miss was great. She walked in, stood, they played around with her etc. Brian (in charge, the "crew" comes from Philadelphia Park) said she has to come back one more time, but she should be fine. Coming to the gate three times is a standard requirement for a horse on the "starter's list". The horse I was on, a nice rangy 2 year old filly, galloped out of the gate very well, which was pretty cool because the last time she was a little slower to get going.
And finally again, it seems Better Talk Now will get to run tomorrow: Last-minute diplomacy saves U.N. (http://drf.com/news/article/76214.html). I asked Lisa, his exercise rider, if he would win. Of course she said "Yes". Win lose or draw, this looks like it is shaping to an awesome horserace! Good luck Graham et al!

Miss Demeanor

Jul. 8, 2006, 07:43 AM

:cry: They keep saying this was not unexpected but it's still scary.

Jingling madly for Barbaro and sending good wishes to the vets and all his people!

Onabreak

Jul. 8, 2006, 08:11 AM

Jingles for da big horse! I can't imagine the frustration for those guys knowing something is NQR after all this time... Thanks VB for all the updates, they are much appreciated!

2hsmommy

Jul. 8, 2006, 10:19 AM

VB, your a good soul to continue with these updates :) Thank you!

Jingles for Barbaro continue :)

War Admiral

Jul. 8, 2006, 10:33 AM

Jingles from me and Barbaro's sort of great-great uncle down here in GA!!!

Gallop On

Jul. 8, 2006, 11:30 AM

Jingles from Mississippi ! Thanks for all of your updates!

monstrpony

Jul. 8, 2006, 12:08 PM

And will continue! Hope Barbaro gets past this little hiccup, and that that's all it is.

Once again, these updates are very much appreciated. I still check regularly, knowing it will be concise and correct information. Thank you, VB!

Carol Ames

Jul. 8, 2006, 12:17 PM

Is this a Lazy Lane horse? Ifso, what is the breeding? I wonder if this was a foalIknew?

I'm EBO

Jul. 8, 2006, 03:56 PM

Thanks for the thorough updates. It's so good to hear from someone who's actually in touch with the people involved.

I got a couple of Barbaro bumper stickers. I only have one placed. I'm going to go out and put the other one on my "car" vehicle.

Thanks again.

Slewdledo

Jul. 8, 2006, 04:42 PM

EBO, where do you get the bumper stickers?

Sannois

Jul. 8, 2006, 07:11 PM

the big guy is doing quite well. Hes a fighter this is just a small speed bump! Still jingling madly!!! VB your a wonderful person to continue updating everyone!!! Thank you ! :yes:

Delidog

Jul. 9, 2006, 06:35 AM

Thank You VB for all the updates....They are So informative
Most of All
Big Jingles for Barbaro!!!!!
I know its' a rough road,but so far,so good...
Get Well Soon Big Bobby!!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 9, 2006, 08:45 AM

Update 183: Spoke to Peter Brette who visited Barbaro later today (saturday). He was happy with Bobby, and expressed some encouragement that he was doing well (relative to the last few days). Bobby received a massage today, and subsequent to the massage slept for a couple of hours. While we need to remain very cautious, Peter's "visit report" was a little encouraging.
Update 182: Barbaro's condition today is similar to yesterday (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/07/barbaro_updates_2.php#update180), which as we know was improved from wednesday and thursday. I asked Michael Matz this morning, and he had just heard from Dean Richardson. Peter Brette, who again will be tied to the barn all day, is hopefully planning to visit after work which would be late afternoon / evening. I will try to catch up with Peter later to get another status check. As we know, these next few days are very important.
I asked Michelle (Matz) how her father was holding up under the constant "worry" of Barbaro. Michael does visit everyday (along with his wife I believe). She said he was handling everything as he normally does. He is a true hands-on horseman and clearly an integral part of Barbaro's "recovery team". I noted to Michelle how fortunate we were that we were based so close to New Bolton which allowed Michael to play an important role in the process.
We had more visitors to Fair Hill today. I believe it was a group associated with the local fire company (or at least that is what their trucks indicated). It is nice to see people interested in coming out to visit. Better Talk Now (Graham Motion) runs later today in the United Nations, of course so does Shake The Bank. Gus (Brown, Shake The Bank's exercise rider) is convinced he will win. Of course he says that everytime he runs!

Levi's owner

Jul. 9, 2006, 08:57 AM

I check this thread every day. Praying for Bobby. If any horse can pull through, he can do it.

War Admiral

Jul. 9, 2006, 09:12 AM

Our daily jingle from GA!!

Sounds like the massage is the way to go. Barbaro seems to be being very sensible about this, like Avery was. Avery used to sleep lying down up to 8 hours a day when his RF was so hurty. Of course he'd get up once an hour or so to have a poop or a nibble of hay or some water, but for the most part, he stayed down to keep the weight off. Keep being a smart pony, Barbaro, we're all pulling 4 ya!!

vineyridge

Jul. 9, 2006, 09:34 AM

Jingles for Bobby from his young cousin in Mississippi.

I'm not a vet or a medical person, but I did some research on stem cell therapy for joints when my shoulder exploded. You'd have to be a Rockefeller to afford it, but I'm wondering if it would hurt to inject (or some other delivery technique) that leg with stem cells. There's a special type of stem cell for bone and a different type for tendon. Couldn't hurt, could it?

And when are they going to get him some hydrotherapy? With a waterproof cast that drains, what's to prevent?

VirginiaBred

Jul. 9, 2006, 01:33 PM

Oh No!!!!!!!!!!
From Tim:

Update 185: Peter Brette just called (sunday 1pm). Barbaro is not doing as well as he had been yesterday. Peter had not visited Bobby, but had been talking to others. He did not have any details, but I could just tell in his voice he was pretty concerned (it was a short conversation). Peter may call later if he hears more, but now is the time to channel all positive energy for Bobby. If I hear more I will post.
Update 184: No update yet today (sunday). Will try to learn something and post before the day is over. I think Peter may be visiting again today. Keep thinking positive thoughts for Bobby!

I'm EBO

Jul. 9, 2006, 01:36 PM

canyonoak

Jul. 9, 2006, 01:41 PM

well, it's all been pretty amazing so far. lots of jingles and energy going to Barbaro...am SO hoping this is just a small glitch and the horse will be on positive recovery SOON!

Kenike

Jul. 9, 2006, 02:24 PM

Jingling like mad from the very wet area of Southern Colorado!! VB, I must thank you again, and I'm really hoping all works out for Bobby. Just want to see him well....

teal tea

Jul. 9, 2006, 02:55 PM

Jingles from Texas. I'm so sorry for him. At least we humans know why we hurt and have to "wait" and get better. Hopefully he's holding up as well as he can.

msj

Jul. 9, 2006, 03:26 PM

I just went to the tack room and grabbed another curb chain to jingle, so I have one in each hand. Here's pulling for the big guy. :)

I check in here every day and figure that as every day passes, Bobby is one day closer to being out of the woods. I hope this is a very minor problem.

*jumper*

Jul. 9, 2006, 03:53 PM

This is definently disappointing, especially after doing soooo well. The optimistic side is that this wasn't unexpected...I mean this horse was inches from death, and he's done remarkably well considering the circumstances. This is a roller coaster ride, and right now we're going down the hill, but I pray and hope that Bobby will pull through and bring us to the top again. He's got the will and heart to do it, and this is just a tough time. I'll keep jingling and praying, and hope that Barbaro feels much better soon!!!!

And thanks a bunch VB for the constant updates!!!!:D

Bugs-n-Frodo

Jul. 9, 2006, 04:13 PM

JINGLING! Please post an update AS SOON as you hear something!!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 9, 2006, 06:53 PM

Update 187: New Bolton Center's press release: Veterinarians treat Barbaro for infection, replace plate and screws in injured leg (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-9.htm) that discusses events over the previous 24 hours:

Late Saturday, July 8, Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, replaced the plate and many of the screws that had been inserted into Barbaro's injured hind leg on May 21. "Barbaro had developed some discomfort and a consistently elevated temperature so we believed it was in his best interest to remove the hardware and thoroughly clean the site of the infection," said Dr. Richardson. "We also applied a longer cast on that leg for additional support."
While the main fracture is healing well, the pastern joint that doctors are attempting to fuse continues to be the area of concern. This joint was stabilized with new implants and a fresh bone graft.
"The recovery process from anesthesia took longer with this surgery, but Barbaro is now back in his stall in the Intensive Care Unit," said Dr. Richardson. "He is receiving pain medication, antibiotics and other supportive care."
Barbaro continues to be monitored closely in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. Dr. Richardson emphasized that the complications are potentially serious. Both Barbaro's owners and trainer continue to visit him at least twice daily.

Peter Brette had just left me a voice mail (I was on a work call) to let me know that Michael Matz had just called him (I gather Michael is almost living there lately), and Bobby was doing a little better, was brighter, standing on both hind legs, and looking for something to eat. These next few days will remain very critical for Bobby I am sure.
Update 186: No new news yet. But as we all hope for better news, I thought I should highlight the original "fan media" sent by Debra Lopez: Our Prayer for Barbaro (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/movies/Our%20Prayer%20For%20Barbaro.wmv). You might also enjoy Barbaro's best moment: Kentucky Derby 132 (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2006/). As Lisa noted in the comments:

"..And here comes Barbaro! The undefeated Barbaro comes up on the outside and he takes the lead as the field turns for home in the Kentucky Derby and Barbaro turns it on and his stablemate Showing up is second, Bluegrass Cat is third, Brother Derek putting in a late run for the outside, Steppenwolfer is fifth and Sweet Northern Saint six by the rail, but there coming to the finish and it's all Barbaro in a sublime performance!

War Admiral

Jul. 9, 2006, 08:47 PM

Some more jingles from GA. Sounds like he could use a lot.

2Dogs

Jul. 9, 2006, 08:51 PM

can I swear?? I am gonna - Damn! Many many many jingles for the boy!!

and I just boasted tonight how well he was doing with his hardware! Shame on me!!!!!!

ASB Stars

Jul. 9, 2006, 09:09 PM

We just cannot lose him now. We can't. He has come so far, and is a symbol for too much- and too many. His greatness is being called to action now- moreso than any stretch run- this IS the run- this is the time...Barbaro, we love you, and we will not let you go quietly into the night.

Every good thought, every prayer, every hope and dream...

TEAM BARBARO!!!!

Tiramit

Jul. 9, 2006, 09:32 PM

Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hang in there Barbaro!!! Jingling from Virginia for the game boy!!! You can beat this!!!

And thank you for the updates!

Boston Chicken

Jul. 9, 2006, 11:03 PM

Hoping the big guy feels better asap! Really hoping for good news...

tradewind

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:21 AM

Gobs and Gobs of Jingles for Barbaro...Hope the new bone graft and clean up work..I'll be praying lots tonight.....again...

nelson

Jul. 10, 2006, 06:45 AM

More jingles from nearby in PA.

VB - thank you so much for the updates.

Fred

Jul. 10, 2006, 07:08 AM

more prayers and jingles for this wonderful horse....
always in my thoughts.

Equine Connection

Jul. 10, 2006, 07:43 AM

I'm so sorry to read of Barbaro's setback. Barbaro is in our thoughts and prayers as is all of his recovery team. Thanks very much for the continued updates.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 07:58 AM

Update 188: Just spoke to Peter Brette this morning on the horse path...all things considered, it seems like Barbaro had a decent night last night (sunday night). Peter is planning to visit after work this morning so I'll try to get more details later today. Keep all your positive energy coming for Barbaro today; he will surely need it.
updated monday 7:10am

adventurebeachponies

Jul. 10, 2006, 08:02 AM

Jingling from Florida ... have they determined what is bothering him? Is it the ankle or is it the new cast?

Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle! Jingle!

eggbutt

Jul. 10, 2006, 08:20 AM

What a horrible disappointment......super jingles coming from North Carolina!

Duffy

Jul. 10, 2006, 08:21 AM

Muchos more jingles from Virginia!!!!

Hang in there, Bobby!!!!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 08:32 AM

Update 189: There has been quite a lot of media coverage as a result of the surgery late saturday night (and New Bolton's press release re: the same.) Rather than rehash that content I wanted to highlight this article: New hope for Barbaro fans in 'kid brother'? (http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16901506&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17782&rfi=6) (thanks Barbara) that provides some insights into the Jackson's breeding operation and Barbaro's brothers. The following are a couple of excerpts:

Call him Kid Barbaro. Well, actually, the dark bay foal doesn't have a name yet. These days, he tags alongside his mother, La Ville Rouge, at Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Ky.
Born in mid-March, the colt was sired by Dynaformer. That makes him a full-brother to Barbaro. Could there be another Kentucky Derby champ in those genes?
"He's very confident and thinks he's special, just like Barbaro did when he was here," said Headley Bell, the bloodstock agent for Roy and Gretchen Jackson. "You're never quite sure where that comes from. He has good size, maybe not quite as leggy as Barbaro, but he's close."

That's the guy (and his mum) that we have pictures of, and

While it will be two years before Barbaro's kid brother hits the track, his half-brother, Man in Havana, is gearing up for his racing career. His mother is La Ville Rouge. The colt is working out at the Fair Hill Training Center under the tutelage of Michael Matz and is slated to make his debut this fall.
Man In Havana and his sire, Quiet American, are named after books written by British author Graham Greene, a favorite of Gretchen Jackson's father.
"He's a big horse with a lovely shoulder," Gretchen Jackson said. "Unlike Barbaro, he might take some time to show what he has. But that's true with all of Quiet American's foals."

OK, now back to ride a few more horses. Wanted to thank Jen Duffy (she took plenty of the pictures of Barbaro that are on this site, prior to the Preakness), she sometimes substitutes for me re: providing the early updates (I call them in!)

War Admiral

Jul. 10, 2006, 09:13 AM

Monday morning jingles from Georgia!!

ElonGrad1997

Jul. 10, 2006, 09:13 AM

Slew--I ordered them on the other Barbaro thread in Racing, I think, or on the companion thread in Hunter/Jumper. They came from CafePress, and part of the profits go to help other injured horses who are not as well off financially. Can't beat that!

Go back to about the time that there was talk about setting up a fund for such horses. Some enterprising COTH poster started this.

Hello...that was me who had the stickers for Barbaro. Unfortunately, a letter from the Jackson's lawyer put a stop to everyone selling anything with Barabaro's name on it (Cafepress or anywhere). I was angry at first, but then I realized, there are probably many dishonest people capitalizing on his name instead of giving to charity, so I calmed down. At any rate, I'm matching the amount made on the donations plus some and once the Cafepress check is cut this week, I'll make the donation of $50 to the Barbaro Fund.

Thanks for your support! :)

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 10:00 AM

That rocks, ElonGrad 1997!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 11:23 AM

Update 190: I am starting to look through some of the articles posted today, the Baltimore Sun (which continues to provide great Barbaro coverage) has an article: Barbaro's infection 'potentially serious' (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-sp.barbaro10jul10,0,553368.story?coll=bal-sports-horse) (thanks Anne) includes a quote from Michael Matz:

Yesterday evening Barbaro's trainer Michael Matz said the horse appears to be doing well.
"He looks fine," Matz said by phone as he left the facility. "He's on all four legs and, hopefully, that's the way he will stay. Everything was going very smoothly and it's always a setback when he has to go through something like this.
"Dean wasn't happy with how comfortable he was and it has really been a very long, trying week for Barbaro and for Dean."

I would add, a long trying week for Michael too! The above quote is similar to the feedback Peter Brette provided us last night (update 187 end (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/07/barbaro_updates_2.php#update187)).
It seems ESPN is going to provide some coverage today, Jeannine Edwards left a comment that included:

I am heading up to New Bolton this afternoon to do an update for SportsCenter. Let's all hope this is just a bump in the road for Barbaro. Keep up the fantastic work, and thanks for keeping us informed!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 11:29 AM

Sports Digest: Barbaro Gets Worse
Jul. 10, 2006. 06:18 AM
Horse Racing

Barbaro takes turn for the worse with infection, fever

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa.—Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro has developed "potentially serious" complications to his injured right hind leg, and underwent surgery to treat a new infection. The infection developed in the leg where a titanium plate and 27 screws were inserted after the 3-year-old colt shattered three bones at the start of the Preakness on May 20.
The hardware was replaced and the infection treated Saturday night after Barbaro showed discomfort and had a "consistently'' high fever.
It was the third procedure in less than a week for Barbaro.

Avra

Jul. 10, 2006, 11:31 AM

Barbaro article in SI is here, if you haven't seen it:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/more/07/09/barbaro.complication.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

Home Again Farm

Jul. 10, 2006, 11:41 AM

JIngling like mad from FL.

Sobriska

Jul. 10, 2006, 11:55 AM

That poor boy:(
Prayers and jingles continue.

hopashore1

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:03 PM

continuing jingles for barbaro!

BBowen

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:09 PM

Major prayers and jingles for Bobby. This horse has so much heart. I hope in some way he knows how much people are pulling for him. I know that the regular visits by his owners and Michael Matz are keeping his spirits up.

Cinnybren

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:21 PM

Jingle, jingle, jingle. Come on big boy, you can do it.

Indy

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:24 PM

Crazy jingles for Bobby from DC!!

ReSomething

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:31 PM

Heard about this in the lesson this AM. Thanks for the continuing updates - jingling as hard as I can!

Jinx

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:34 PM

Jingles from WI....cmon buddy you can get through this....

thinking of the whole team...positive vibes....good luck....

sporthorsefilly

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:43 PM

God give you strength Bobbi. May you and your team get through this and back on the road to recovery quickly. You are a strong young horse, hang in there...for all of us, but mostly because we all love and care about you.

La Gringa

Jul. 10, 2006, 12:57 PM

Jingles from VA.

How serious is this really? Is it just because they disturbed things in there with replacing the cast and a few screws? I would think antibiotics would take care of an infection. Does anybody know?

He's a fighter I really think he will make it through this.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 01:06 PM

Update 191: ESPN's tentative schedule for today. Jeannine Edwards sent me an e-mail which included the following:

right now i am going live on ESPN news around 4pm, live on sportscenter somewhere between 6-7pm, and then a taped report for the 11 and overnight shows.

witherbee

Jul. 10, 2006, 01:39 PM

Oh I hope he pulls through all of this!

LaGringa, this type of injury is not like an infected laceration or something that most of us have dealt with as horse owners... When it's a serious injury that requires long term care, especially when there is bone injury, infection is the most serious threat to the horse (or at least one of them). We lost a wonderful stallion when he injured his hock and required long term care. Even with the vet there 24X7 and all that modern medicine has to offer, we still lost him after 3 weeks of valient fighting (on his part and ours).

Prayers and jingles to Barbaro and his connections and the New Bolton staff. It just makes for such a heavey heart to hear that he is in discomfort and jeopady - he's come so far and I pray he'll bounce back from this.

Sing Mia Song

Jul. 10, 2006, 01:42 PM

[quote=La Gringa]Jingles from VA.

How serious is this really? Is it just because they disturbed things in there with replacing the cast and a few screws? I would think antibiotics would take care of an infection. Does anybody know?
[quote]

Unfortunately, it's all too easy for infection to set in, especially with decreased blood supply. And frequently these sorts of infections are super-strains, aka antibiotic resistant. Ironically, the strongest bugs are frequently found in a hospital setting.

When I worked in small animal surgery, we had a strain of e. fecalis that just wouldn't quit. We didn't lose any animals to it, but it delayed healing and we had to kill off more than a few liver cells with different turbo antibiotics. And the facility was scrupuously clean, but it's awfully hard to get everything when you can't see it.

I hate to say it, but this could be a slippery slope for Barbaro.:no:

Adamantane

Jul. 10, 2006, 02:03 PM

La Gringa wrote: How serious is this really? Is it just because they disturbed things in there with replacing the cast and a few screws? I would think antibiotics would take care of an infection. Does anybody know?

As I understand it, the problem with infections involving implantable hardware is a tougher version of the usual problem with treatment of all orthopedic infections: the ability of an adequate active level of antibiotic to which the organisms are susceptible, to penetrate the tissue and reach all parts of the infection.

Both the drugs and the body's natural defenses are especially challenged in being able to percolate sufficiently through an environment where there are chunks of metal and unnatural crevices wedged into bone, especially when the natural blood supply to the area already has been impaired.

It isn't always easy to know which organisms are involved, especially if the infection is "deep inside"; often there is more than one and each bug in a mixed infection may be susceptible to different drugs, and one or more of the organisms may be or become resistant to the antibiotics, particularly if the therapy goes on and on without ever quite wiping out the pockets of infection. The infection itself can degrade the bone and tissue as time passes.

It seems reasonable that the reason they went in to mechanically clean out whatever pus and debris they could, was because without "all that stuff" it is more efficient for active levels of the drugs to reach wherever they need to be. The risk of doing that is that this can open up the area to even more sources of infection, but it's a favorable risk tradeoff.

Any vets or human orthopods care to elaborate?

chaotic mind

Jul. 10, 2006, 02:10 PM

Not a vet or an orthopod but can give you real human experience with a similar situation. My sister got an infection under a plate in her femur. It was left untreated for a while. What they had to do with her is remove the plate and leave the wound open down to the bone for 3 weeks while they several times a day packed it with an antibiotic dressing. A crash cart was kept outside her room during the 3 weeks. There is also a chance an infection of this type can attack the heart.

In short very serious. At least they got to Barbaro earlier than they did my sister.

FourWands

Jul. 10, 2006, 03:09 PM

Barbaro got a new cast... again... this morning.

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=34344

showmom07

Jul. 10, 2006, 03:14 PM

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-10.htm
Barbaro receives sixth cast

July 10, 2006

KENNETT SQUARE, PA – After evaluating Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro this morning, Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, replaced the cast on the colt’s injured hind leg for a sixth time. “The long leg cast was replaced with a short leg cast this morning. This was done with Barbaro in a sling and only under mild sedation,” said Dr. Richardson. “The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase. It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him.”

Barbaro spent a comfortable night and is eating well after surgery to stabilize the pastern joint this weekend. “We’re continuing his pain medication, antibiotics and other supportive care,” said Dr. Richardson. “He appears more comfortable today and has had a normal temperature, heart rate and overall attitude.”

Barbaro continues to be monitored closely in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 03:25 PM

Update 192: New Bolton Press Release: Barbaro receives sixth cast (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-10.htm) (thanks Faye):

After evaluating Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro this morning, Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, replaced the cast on the colt's injured hind leg for a sixth time. "The long leg cast was replaced with a short leg cast this morning. This was done with Barbaro in a sling and only under mild sedation," said Dr. Richardson. "The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase. It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him."
Barbaro spent a comfortable night and is eating well after surgery to stabilize the pastern joint this weekend. "We're continuing his pain medication, antibiotics and other supportive care," said Dr. Richardson. "He appears more comfortable today and has had a normal temperature, heart rate and overall attitude."

I spoke to Peter Brette a little earlier. He mentioned the new cast. He also noted the second abscess in the good hind leg (left hind) which they can now deal with (I assume they already have). This was good news as it revealed a source of discomfort. Peter (who did visit) said Bobby was standing well and munching on hay when he was leaving. I also spoke with Jeannine Edwards who attended a press conference at New Bolton. I assume content from that will be used for her ESPN bulletins we noted in update 191 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/07/barbaro_updates_2.php#update191).
Comments

Thanks Alex!
One day at a time Barbaro, I KNOW you can do this, you're Barbaro!

Posted by: Lisa Morin at July 10, 2006 08:24 PM

Thank you, Jeanette, for the lovely prayer for Barbaro. I'm sure all our thoughts and prayers are helping Barbaro..
Darn work - I missed the sixth cast...SOOO Glad, that your feeling better with the shorter cast and NO Fever!!
Way to go,, I knew you could get thru this one and there's probably going to be a few more - you can do it Big Boy!!
Lots of love, hugs, and huge scratches....and those carrots, apples and sugar cubes you soo love...

Posted by: lynnette at July 10, 2006 08:28 PM

(http://www.olivetreemedia.co.uk/)

Glimmerglass

Jul. 10, 2006, 03:37 PM

I suspect ESPN will do a bit of a rehash of the AP story they are carrying on their website plus the New Bolton press releases ...

(btw is anyone else tired of the COTH endlessly "stalling" and saying There seems to have been a problem with the database.?)

ESPN/AP 7-10-06 2:51 PM ET "Barbaro develops 'potentially serious' complications" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=2514789)

Barbaro took longer to recover from the anesthesia from Saturday's procedure. Richardson said the colt was back in his stall and receiving pain medication, antibiotics and "other supportive care."

The Jacksons, who live in nearby West Grove, Pa., and trainer Michael Matz continue to visit twice daily, the statement said.

"He looks all right," Roy Jackson said. "He looks fairly bright."

I'm EBO

Jul. 10, 2006, 03:50 PM

Thanks again. I'm using your updates to drum up more jingles on the west coast.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 03:56 PM

COTH has been like pouring tar............................:no:

My undying THANKS to Tim:

Update 192: New Bolton Press Release: Barbaro receives sixth cast (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-10.htm) (thanks Faye):

After evaluating Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro this morning, Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, replaced the cast on the colt's injured hind leg for a sixth time. "The long leg cast was replaced with a short leg cast this morning. This was done with Barbaro in a sling and only under mild sedation," said Dr. Richardson. "The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase. It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him."
Barbaro spent a comfortable night and is eating well after surgery to stabilize the pastern joint this weekend. "We're continuing his pain medication, antibiotics and other supportive care," said Dr. Richardson. "He appears more comfortable today and has had a normal temperature, heart rate and overall attitude."

I spoke to Peter Brette a little earlier. He mentioned the new cast. He also noted the second abscess in the good hind leg (left hind) which they can now deal with (I assume they already have). This was good news as it revealed a source of discomfort. Peter (who did visit) said Bobby was standing well and munching on hay when he was leaving. I also spoke with Jeannine Edwards who attended a press conference at New Bolton. I assume content from that will be used for her ESPN bulletins we noted in update 191 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/07/barbaro_updates_2.php#update191).

BeastieSlave

Jul. 10, 2006, 04:31 PM

Thanks so much for all your updates! I feel a little better for some reason knowing that the abscess may have been part of the problem. I'll keep on jingling (even though I don't say I'm jingling and checking in often, I am)!

Goldylox

Jul. 10, 2006, 05:21 PM

Come on Barbaro! We are still praying for you! Jingles from Texas!

Gunnar

Jul. 10, 2006, 05:36 PM

Jingling for you Bobby! Please get thee well! We are all rooting for you like mad!

VB thanks for the updates!

Where'sMyWhite

Jul. 10, 2006, 05:36 PM

If anyone comes across an internet download of the press conference or EPSN's coverage, please post the link here (those of us not in the eastern time zone get to miss out on some of this).

Sure have my fingers crossed that Bobby will weather this as he has everthing else so far.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 05:51 PM

The ESPN Story:

Doctor: 'Tough days ahead' for Barbaro

Associated Press

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was facing major problems for the first time since surgery to repair the right hind leg he shattered in the Preakness seven weeks ago, with the colt's veterinarian saying "we're in tough times right now."

"I think we're in for tough times right now. I think we're going to have some tough days ahead. I'm being realistic about it. When a horse has a setback like this, it's a problem." Dr. Dean Richardson

Barbaro had the cast on the leg replaced for a sixth time Monday -- the fourth time in a week. The latest development followed many hours of surgery Saturday night when doctors replaced the metal plate and many screws and also treated an infection.
"I think we're in for tough times right now. I think we're going to have some tough days ahead," Dr. Dean Richardson said at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "I'm being realistic about it. When a horse has a setback like this, it's a problem."
Richardson, the chief surgeon at the New Bolton Center, looked haggard during the briefing and said it took more than 15 hours from the start of Saturday's surgery before Barbaro had fully recovered from anesthesia.
He said Barbaro was back in his stall in the intensive care unit, where he's been since the catastrophic injury occurred just a few hundred yards after the start of the Preakness.
"Right now, he's happier," Richardson said. "He's got a normal heart rate, normal temperature, he's eating like crazy. He's very hungry. He's making lots of manure. He looks actually pretty happy today. Now we have to see how he responds to what's going on."
The long cast applied Saturday night was replaced by a shorter cast Monday and "was done with Barbaro in a sling and under mild sedation," Richardson said.
"The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase," Richardson said. "It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him."
Barbaro is receiving pain medication, antibiotics and other supportive care, Richardson added.
After a relatively smooth recovery, Barbaro has now undergone three procedures in less than a week.
The infection developed in the leg in which the titanium plate and 27 screws were inserted after Barbaro's catastrophic injury at the start of the Preakness.
After Barbaro showed discomfort and had a "consistently" high fever, the plate and screws were replaced and the infection treated late Saturday night.
"It's one of those setbacks that we've prepared ourselves for as best we can," owner Gretchen Jackson said Monday. "Sure it's disappointing, but we've been warned. ... But a lot of bone has healed, a lot. There's a lot of good stuff. And the horse is incredibly strong, healthy and we've got to keep the faith."
Last Monday, Barbaro had the cast on his injured leg replaced and three new screws inserted. On Wednesday, another new cast was applied after the horse showed discomfort. The small abscess on the sole of his left hind hoof also developed.
Richardson said Sunday that Barbaro's main fracture was healing well, but the pastern joint -- located above the hoof, which was shattered into more than 20 pieces -- continues to be a concern. The joint, which doctors are attempting to fuse, was stabilized with "new implants and a fresh bone graft."
"Maybe we've been lucky that we haven't had any big problems," owner Roy Jackson said. "Then a little problem like this crops up. The whole recovery is a difficult thing."
The Jacksons, who live in nearby West Grove, Pa., and trainer Michael Matz continue to visit Barbaro.
"He looks all right," Roy Jackson said. "He looks fairly bright."
Barbaro won the Derby by 6½ lengths, was unbeaten in six races and expected to make a Triple Crown bid before his misstep early in the Preakness ended his racing career. He was taken to the New Bolton Center hours after breaking down at Pimlico Race Course and underwent five hours of surgery the next day.
At that time, Richardson said the chances of the horse's survival were 50-50.

Where'sMyWhite

Jul. 10, 2006, 05:57 PM

VB - funky link to the ESPN article...

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=2515580

clint

Jul. 10, 2006, 05:59 PM

VirginiaBred, thank you so much for your updates. I am reading them now with knots in my stomach, but I'm very grateful to you for posting them. Many, many jingles for Barbaro.

jetandmegs4

Jul. 10, 2006, 06:47 PM

Major Jingles to him, hope he gets through this rough patch quickly.

Due's Mom

Jul. 10, 2006, 07:09 PM

There is a short video with Dr Dean Richardson here
http://cbs3.com/video/?id=28227@kyw.dayport.com

2Dogs

Jul. 10, 2006, 07:23 PM

oh jingles jingles jingles

ridexc

Jul. 10, 2006, 07:38 PM

(btw is anyone else tired of the COTH endlessly "stalling" and saying There seems to have been a problem with the database.?)

So it's not just me then. :no:

Tried to post this earlier and my whole system seized up :mad: ... just wanted to remark regarding infection/antibiotics that when I spoke to Dr. Richardson a few weeks ago for an article I wrote for Veterinary Practice News, he said New Bolton had been using a technique called regional limb perfusion to administer antibiotics to Barbaro after the original surgery. Basically it entails applying a tourniquet to the gaskin area and then giving antibiotics in an IV drip below the tourniquet for about half an hour. The idea is the drugs get directly to the tissues of the lower limb that way; New Bolton has had a lot of success with it in the past. I presume they'll be doing that again after this latest surgery. Can't really leave the wound open because they have to apply a cast for support.

Esprit

Jul. 10, 2006, 07:49 PM

for a full recovery for Barbaro and lighter hearts for his owners, trainers and doctors. What a strain on everyone.

Hang in there big guy!

Levi's owner

Jul. 10, 2006, 08:01 PM

There is a short video with Dr Dean Richardson here
http://cbs3.com/video/?id=28227@kyw.dayport.com

Thank you for posting the link. Any more??? Keep them comin'. I just find it fascinating to listen to Dr. Dean Richardson speak.

Fingers crossed for Bobby.

Miss Demeanor

Jul. 10, 2006, 08:10 PM

You should be able to play the ESPN video here:

http://search.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=barbaro&page=multimedia&multimediaCount=15&filter=video

And the NBC 10 report is here:

www.nbc10.com

I hope the links work!

JINGLES FOR BARBARO!

happy mouth

Jul. 10, 2006, 08:40 PM

ASB Stars, you made me cry with your post, you put it so well. Barbaro, you just have to hang in there. You have come so far, and there are so many in your corner. God bless, sweet man, I am jingling with all that counts for you.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 10, 2006, 09:32 PM

Update 198: Jeannine Edwards has posted a comment after her afternoon at New Bolton Center covering Barbaro for ESPN. I copy it here in full (thanks Jeannine):

We spent the afternoon trying to get the latest info on Barbaro. I spoke with Michael Matz on the phone.... he was just leaving New Bolton around 1:45pm. He said it was a long night Sat. night... Dr. Richardson later told me from start to finish the entire ordeal was about 15 hours. They both described Barbaro's recovery this time around as "long and grueling". Michael said they had put the longer, full cast on and that Barbaro wasn't handling it too well. (Thus the decision to remove it earlier today.) For the first time in all of this, Barbaro had been in a sling... they were taking no chances. Michael said it's been a long, trying week and that it was especially difficult for him to see Barbaro in pain, but that he was encouraged to see him feeling better and looking brighter today. After my conversation with Michael, Dr. Richardson came out for an inpromtu press "conference", I say it that way because there only 3 or 4 of us there. He said Barbaro had exhibited changes in his condition, that he had a persistent fever, and that his comfort had diminished in both hind legs. His pastern joint is infected (not good) but the primary fractures (in the cannon bone and sesamoids) are healing well. They decided to remove the 16" plate and some of the screws because all of this hardware was infected. They put in 2 smaller plates and new screws, and did a new bone graft to aid in bone healing in the pastern... which didn't have much bone left after the injury (many smaller fragments had been removed.) They finally were able to drain the abcess from his left hind foot, so that should make him more comfortable. Richardson called these "serious complications" and that it's "definitely a setback". As I said earlier, Michael confirmed to me that the Jacksons have postponed a trip to Africa. When asked if the subject of euthanasia had come up at all over the weekend, Richardson said "We're nowhere close to that... we haven't even contemplated that... not even close to calling it a day with Barbaro." So that's a good sign. He did tell me the timing of the complications was unusual, as they would have expected infection soon after the original surgery, not 6 weeks later. His condition is "guarded", and he's still at 50/50 for survival, although 2 weeks ago his chances were at least 60/40. It's a day to day situation and he's being monitored around the clock. We then did a live report for ESPN News at 4pm, then taped reports for tonight's SportsCenters and tomorrow's Wire To Wire. This coming Sunday we have a live show (the Delaware Handicap) so we will be including a Barbaro update then as well. Ok, it's 8pm, time to grab a bite for dinner. Let's all say a prayer and hope for the best.
Jeannine

Update 197: Just saw Jeannine Edward's coverage on ESPN. She used some of the same footage we can see from the press conference noted in the CBS3 video below (Richardson press conference). She also spoke of Michael Matz and how hard is was for Michael to see Bobby in some pain again (I guess over the weekend) and that he was a little brighter today (Bobby, and I guess Michael!). My somewhat educated guess, Michael is there now, as he seems to be camping out there lately other than training hours in the morning. Jeannine also noted the Jackson's decision to cancel their trip to Africa. I am hoping Jeannine will post a comment here later tonight noting her experience at New Bolton today.
Update 196: CBS3 has video footage of Dr. Richardson's press conference today: Dr. Dean Richardson Updates Barbaro's Condition (http://cbs3.com/video/?id=28227@kyw.dayport.com) (thanks Skyler)
Update 195: NBC10s coverage today: Barbaro Chances 50 - 50 (http://www.nbc10.com/video/9493950/index.html) (thanks Cheryl) If anyone wondered whether we cared for Barbaro, check the stats on this site today 5,190 visits by 6:06 pm (http://www.sitemeter.com/?a=stats&s=sm6timwoolley&r=0)
Update 194: Saw the NBC10 coverage, if you get a chance to see it at 6pm, it's well worth it. It includes footage of Bobby, and commentary from Dean Richardson. He is quoted "He is feeling reasonably good right now". Dr. Richardson noted they had 6 weeks with no problems, then multiple problems in one week. He noted Bobby remains 50 - 50, and clearly it's a day to day situation. The piece was about two - three minutes and ran early in the newscast.
No recent update from Mike Rea (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/), I assume that is not a bad sign, lets hope for an update soon!
Update 193: NBC10, for those in the local area are covering Barbaro today (thanks Danielle) along with Jeannine Edwards and ESPN:

For those in the NJ, MD, DE area, the local nbc10 news station will be airing the same footage as espn did at 5pm ( it was on at 4 as well) along with some other interviews of horse lovers.

ESPN article: Doctor: 'Tough days ahead' for Barbaro (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=2515580) (thanks Lynda) copied in full:

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was facing major problems for the first time since surgery to repair the right hind leg he shattered in the Preakness seven weeks ago, with Dr. Dean Richardson saying "we're in tough times right now."
Barbaro had the cast on the leg replaced for a sixth time Monday -- the fourth time in a week. The latest development followed many hours of surgery Saturday night when doctors replaced the metal plate and many screws and also treated an infection.
"I think we're in for tough times right now. I think we're going to have some tough days ahead," Richardson said at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "I'm being realistic about it. When a horse has a setback like this, it's a problem."
Richardson, the chief surgeon at the New Bolton Center, looked haggard during the briefing, and said it took more than 15 hours from the start of Saturday's surgery before Barbaro had fully recovered from anesthesia.
He said Barbaro was back in his stall in the intensive care unit, where he's been since the catastrophic injury occurred just a few hundred yards after the start of the Preakness.
"Right now, he's happier," Richardson said. "He's got a normal heart rate, normal temperature, he's eating like crazy. He's very hungry. He's making lots of manure. He looks actually pretty happy today. Now we have to see how he responds to what's going on."
The long cast applied Saturday night was replaced by a shorter cast Monday, and was done with Barbaro in a sling and under mild sedation, Richardson said.
"The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase," Richardson said. "It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him."
Barbaro is receiving pain medication, antibiotics and other supportive care, Richardson added.

ivy62

Jul. 10, 2006, 09:39 PM

I am sadden about the set backs but he is strong and hopefully will pull through... JINGLES for Barbaro from NY!

ivy62

Jul. 10, 2006, 09:39 PM

I am sadden about the set backs but he is strong and hopefully will pull through... JINGLES for Barbaro from NY!

Jinx

Jul. 10, 2006, 11:01 PM

thanks for the updates....big jingles....

suniday

Jul. 11, 2006, 07:13 AM

I was at New Bolton yesterday morning. The atmosphere there was definately different than usual. You could tell the staff had/has been affected by this, but as Dr. Davidson told me - they have had worse cases than this pull through. When I left around lunch time the local news media was just setting up. My thoughts and prayers are with all associated with this awesome horse.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 11, 2006, 07:40 AM

Update 200: Spoke to Michael Matz this morning (Tuesday) as I was going onto the track, he was ponying Peter off the track. I asked Michael "how's your horse doing?"... he said Dr. Richardson had just called and reports Barbaro is holding his own.
Also spoke to Kathy Anderson who visited Bobby last night at 6pm (Monday). She was relieved to see him in the condition he was in. He had just had a bath, mane combed, and was eating.
Updated Tuesday 7:10am
Update 199: Trying to identify news stories that have information we have not already seen, so I apologise if I miss a good story! The Daily Racing Form: Barbaro 'comfortable' after more surgery (http://www.drf.com/news/article/76320.html) (thanks Maria) includes some insights from Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, a of Colorado State University's Equine Orthopedic Research Center, excerpt:

"It's definitely a setback," said Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, a of Colorado State University's Equine Orthopedic Research Center. "When you get an infection, it's always a challenge. But the other thing to state is that, if you have stability, you can heal bone in the presence of infection. So there is still some reason for optimism."
McIlwraith pointed out that Barbaro's radiographs have reportedly shown knitting in the fractured areas.
"That means he already has some stability from bony union," he said. "That's one of the things that's positive."
The new locking compression plate that Richardson implanted Saturday may also aid with stability and allow bone healing, McIlwraith said.
"Ultimately, when you get healing, you can take out the implants and clean out the infection," he said. "If the infection persists and causes instability in the plate or the screws, that's difficult."

I added some new videos to the fan media page (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/05/barbaro_multime.php), thanks Jessica Franks. You might also want to light a candle for Barbaro at gratefulness.org (http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=barba) (thanks Melissa).
U

VirginiaBred

Jul. 11, 2006, 07:57 AM

Horse Racing
Barbaro setback cause for concern

BY DAN GELSTON

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Barbaro's perilous road to recovery has suffered its biggest setback to date.
The Kentucky Derby winner faces major problems for the first time since having surgery to repair the right hind leg he shattered in the Preakness on May 20.
Barbaro had a new cast applied for a sixth time Monday, the fourth change in a week. The latest development followed three hours of surgery late Saturday in which doctors replaced the titanium plate and many screws in the leg and also treated an infection.
''I think we're in for tough times right now. I think we're going to have some tough days ahead,'' Dr. Dean Richardson said at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania. ''I'm being realistic about it. When a horse has a setback like this, it's a problem.''
Richardson, the chief surgeon at the facility, looked haggard during the briefing and said it took more than 15 hours from the start of surgery Saturday until Barbaro fully recovered from the anesthesia.
''We went six weeks with nothing going wrong, essentially, and one week where we've had things we've been dealing with,'' he said. ''There's no question this is a setback, and we're trying to address the problems.''
He said Barbaro was back in his stall in the intensive-care unit, where he has been since the catastrophic injury occurred shortly after the start of the Preakness.
''Right now, he's happier,'' Richardson said. ''He's got a normal heart rate and a normal temperature. He's eating like crazy. He's very hungry. He's making lots of manure. He looks actually pretty happy today. Now we have to see how he responds to what's going on.''
Last Monday, Barbaro had the cast on his injured leg replaced and three new screws inserted. On Wednesday, another new cast was applied after he showed discomfort. A small abscess on the sole of his left hind hoof also developed.
Richardson said Barbaro's main fracture was healing well, but the pastern joint above the hoof, which was shattered into more than 20 pieces, continues to be a concern. The joint, which doctors are trying to fuse, was stabilized with ''new implants and a fresh bone graft,'' Richardson said.
''Maybe we've been lucky that we haven't had any big problems,'' owner Roy Jackson said. ''Then a little problem like this crops up. The whole recovery is a difficult thing.''
The long cast applied Saturday was replaced by a shorter cast Monday and ''was done with Barbaro in a sling and under mild sedation,'' Richardson said.
''The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase,'' Richardson said. ''It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him.''
Richardson said he never expected Barbaro to be in this situation because of what had been a smooth recovery process. But a fever, a swollen pastern joint and the infection derailed him.
There's reason for optimism, though, especially if Barbaro responds well to his latest surgery.
''If he stays comfortable, I think we're OK,'' Richardson said. ''If we can't get him comfortable, it's going to be a difficult problem.'' AP

VirginiaBred

Jul. 11, 2006, 08:01 AM

Thoroughbred Times.com

Barbaro gets another cast change
Dean Richardson, D.V.M., chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, replaced the cast on Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Barbaro's injured right hind leg for the fourth time in eight days on Monday morning.
Barbaro's miraculous recovery from the shattered leg he suffered in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 20 took a downturn around July 1 when the three-year-old Dynaformer colt developed a slight fever and appeared uncomfortable in his hind legs.
Since then, the cast has been changed on July 3, 5, 9, and 10, and doctors fitted Barbaro with a new protective shoe after they found a small infection on his left hind foot near the frog.
Doctors are also fighting an infection in Barbaro's surgically repaired leg. Richardson replaced a plate and many screws on July 8 in addition to putting the leg in a long cast.
"The long leg cast was replaced with a short leg cast this morning. This was done with Barbaro in a sling and only under mild sedation," Richardson said Monday. "The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase. It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him."
Despite the ominous updates, there was some good news as the fracture continues to heal. A New Bolton statement released Monday states that Barbaro was comfortable on Sunday night and eating well on Monday.
"We're continuing his pain medication, antibiotics, and other supportive care," Richardson said. "He appears more comfortable [Monday] and has had a normal temperature, heart rate, and overall attitude."
Roy Jackson, who bred and owns Barbaro with his wife, Gretchen, said New Bolton officials told him Monday that Barbaro was doing better.
"They haven't told us one way or the other how serious this is, but Dean Richardson has been pretty frank all along that we are liable to have things pop up along the road," Roy Jackson said. "They're being very proactive about dealing with the situations. It's one day at a time."
Barbaro continues to be monitored closely in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.—Pete Denk

Jinx

Jul. 11, 2006, 09:01 AM

Thanks for keeping the updates comming! First thing i check in the morning! Jingles buddy......

2hsmommy

Jul. 11, 2006, 09:04 AM

Continuing jingles for the boy!!!!

Bumpkin

Jul. 11, 2006, 09:42 AM

Thanks for the updates.
One tends to forget....so Jingle, Jingle.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 11, 2006, 10:36 AM

Update 201: The Baltimore Sun (which continues to do great Barbaro coverage) has an interesting article: Barbaro faces 'tough times' (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-sp.barbaro11jul11,0,158708.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines) (thanks Anne) that includes quotes from Peter Brette and a vet which I include below:

At the equine center in Leesburg, White said the main concern in such cases is whether the bone is actually healing.
"Any evidence of healing is a good sign," he said. "It's a race between that bone healing, having the plate and screws hold up and keeping infection at bay."
Richardson said Sunday that Barbaro's main fracture was healing well, but the pastern joint above the hoof - which was shattered into more than 20 pieces - continues to be a concern. The joint, which doctors are attempting to fuse, was stabilized with "new implants and a fresh bone graft."
Often, such a traumatic break leaves portions of the bone and tissue without sufficient blood supply to grow back together, White said. Inadequate blood supply also hampers the immune system's ability to find and destroy any bacteria that entered the wound during surgery.
"Then you've gone ahead and taken a piece of metal and screws and put them into that environment," he said. Bacteria will attach to the metal parts, grow and destroy surrounding tissue and bone. That can loosen screws and diminish the support needed by the bone as it heals.
Veterinarians watch animals for signs of postoperative infection. They check for fever and look for evidence of pain, such as limping or favoring the injured leg. They may even be able to feel unusual heat through the cast or spot drainage that signals infection in the wound, White said.
Such contamination is quite common, he added. "You use antibiotics locally during the process to kill as many [bacteria] as you can so there is no infection, but it's not a perfect science." If the tissue is healthy and the number of invading bacteria is low, the animal will fight off the infection and recover.
White, who has not participated in Barbaro's care, declined to speculate on the colt's chances for survival. "I've managed horses with this kind of [injury] that have survived, and I've had others that did not," he said.
One of the big questions Barbaro's doctors must be addressing now, he said, is whether, after weeks of antibiotic treatment, the bacteria in the animal's wound have grown resistant.
A less tangible question is whether Barbaro has the heart to keep fighting.
"They have personalities," White said of thoroughbreds. "Perhaps we're not perfect at reading their minds, but we get a feel for when they are hurting and not willing to give what they need to survive."
"There is something there that tells you when they want to quit," he said. "And you have to make that tough decision."

I have added a couple of sites to the fan media page (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/05/barbaro_multime.php).

BBowen

Jul. 11, 2006, 04:10 PM

As always, thank you VirginiaBred. Prayer and jingles for this wonderful horse.

FLAbreds

Jul. 11, 2006, 06:30 PM

Continuing to send many jingles Barbaro's way!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 11, 2006, 06:42 PM

pdate 203: As update 202 was being composed New Bolton came through with an update: Barbaro stable after sixth cast applied (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-11.htm) (thanks Faye):

Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, reports today that Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is resting comfortably after receiving his sixth cast since his accident at the Preakness on May 20. "Barbaro is eating well and resting in his stall," said Dr. Richardson, who also treated the colt for an abscess in his left hind foot. "He's tolerating the shorter cast well," said Dr. Richardson. "His vital signs remain stable and his attitude and appetite remain good."

Update 202: No new update until after 6 pm unless New Bolton provides something. Just wanted to let everyone know. I called Peter Brette at 3, he was still at the barn (Fair Hill). Michael is running a horse today, once that has run he will get to NBC and let Peter know. Peter plans to call me later.
As I continue to read through all the recent Barbaro articles this one seemed pretty comprehensive re: the recent events: Barbaro has 'very significant setback,' surgeon says (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/15008900.htm) (thanks CJ): the following is an excerpt:

After Barbaro's temperature spiked to 102 degrees Saturday and the Kentucky Derby winner showed signs of discomfort, Richardson performed surgery that evening. Monday was a better day for the horse, the surgeon said.

and

Monday, the horse had a sixth cast put on, his fourth cast replacement in the last week. Richardson put a shorter cast on, like the previous ones Barbaro had been wearing. The doctor had put on a longer cast, covering Barbaro's entire leg, Saturday night. That cast was designed to protect him better as he woke up.
"He's a tough horse . . . a big, strong horse that's kind of aggressive, so we put him in a full-length cast," Richardson said. "It's a more protective cast, but it's also much more cumbersome for a horse to wear. They panic a lot of times because they feel they can't move their legs. He really didn't like it very much.
"As a consequence, we spent most of the night trying to get him back standing comfortably. We literally worked on him for close to 15 hours (including the surgery) before he was back in his stall."

Good luck Bobby, these are the toughest of days I am certain.

excowgirlie

Jul. 11, 2006, 11:13 PM

VB! It is awesome how you are keeping everyone update on Bobbie's progress..I know everyone appreciates it very much..THANK YOU...This is also the first place I come if I want to know whats going on with the big guy...prayers and jingles from tracy in az///

Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division

Jul. 11, 2006, 11:49 PM

I went with a friend tonight to drop off a colic at NBC and my daughter (who is 8) asked if she could visit Barbaro. The doctor explained that he was not feeling well today and has had a few tough days lately. I got the impression that things are tense with him. So more prayers, jingles and whatever it takes.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 06:47 AM

Update 205: Articles from the New York Times and Washington Post highlight the current problems Bobby is facing. New York Times Another Serious Turn in Barbaro's Recovery (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/12/sports/othersports/12barbaro.html?_r=1&oref=slogin) (thanks Gloria) copied in full:

The recovery prospects of Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby winner, took another serious turn Tuesday when veterinarians discovered that the infection in his left hind leg may be more serious than first thought.
Dr. Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, will detail the setback to Barbaro's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, on Wednesday, Gretchen Jackson said Tuesday night.
In a telephone interview late Tuesday, Jackson said that tests had identified a bacterial infection on Barbaro's left hind -- or healthy -- foot that Richardson hoped he had cleaned out during a three-hour operation late Saturday.
During the operation, Richardson also changed the titanium plate and many of the 27 screws that had been inserted into Barbaro's injured right hind leg on May 21, a day after the colt shattered it during the opening yards of the Preakness.
Jackson said she did not know the details of the infection or possible treatment, but said that she, her husband and Richardson remained optimistic that Barbaro could overcome the setback.
"Barbaro is alive and he is going to be alive and is acting like he wants to live," Jackson said. "He is having trouble with his good leg. He can put weight on the leg and is a pain-free horse right now. We, and he, are not quitting. We're a long way from that."
Gail Luciani, a spokeswoman for the University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian School, said there might be a news conference about Barbaro's condition later this week.
Late Tuesday afternoon, the school released a statement saying that Barbaro was eating well, resting comfortably and without fever after undergoing surgery and four cast changes in the last eight days.
Richardson, who on Monday warned that the colt faced tough days after those medical setbacks, said his team had also changed the bandage on the colt's left hind foot, where they drained an abscess during surgery.
"Barbaro is eating well and resting in his stall," Richardson said in the statement. "He's tolerating the new cast well. We have changed his left hind foot bandage and that looks improved. His vital signs remain stable and his attitude and appetite remain excellent."
On Monday, Richardson had changed Barbaro's cast from a full-length one intended to protect the colt as he came out of anesthesia to a shorter one that allows Barbaro more mobility. The cast changes and surgery were prompted by fever and infections that made it difficult for Barbaro to support himself on his hind legs and raised the concern he might develop laminitis, a painful condition for horses that is caused by excessive weight bearing on one limb.
While horses with laminitis can be saved, and there was no evidence that Barbaro had developed the condition, the prospect of him having to battle the condition could be devastating, Richardson said Monday. The potentially excruciating pain could put stress on Barbaro and impede his healing process, leaving little choice but for his owners to ask the veterinarians to euthanize Barbaro.
Richardson said that option had not been discussed, and on Tuesday Gretchen Jackson reiterated that she and her husband had yet to consider that option.
Before Barbaro's bad turn over the weekend, he seemed to be recovering well. X-rays last week showed that his main fracture was healing well. It was the pastern joint, which is above the hoof, that had veterinarians worried.
On Friday and Saturday, however, it was clear that Barbaro was uncomfortable and surgery was needed. The colt had been treated topically for an abscess found on his left foot, had a fever and struggled to put weight on his right foot.
Before Richardson performed the original five-hour operation, he calculated the chances of Barbaro's survival at 50-50; and he increased them only slightly to 51-49 in the days after the procedure, when the colt's convalescence was proceeding smoothly.
But Gretchen Jackson said that she and her husband were aware of the long odds they were facing, and they have steeled themselves for the sudden shifts in Barbaro's status.
"We've know all along that what can be going wonderfully can turn disastrous in a moment," she said. "We also believe that what can be going badly can be turned around, too."

Washington Post: Infection Leaves Barbaro In Jeopardy (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/11/AR2006071100067.html) (thanks Debbie):

An infection in Barbaro's right rear pastern joint has reduced the chance the Kentucky Derby winner will survive, Dean Richardson, the chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, said Tuesday.
While the majority of bones fractured have healed in the seven weeks since Barbaro's catastrophic breakdown at the start of the Preakness Stakes on May 20 at Pimlico Race Course, problems in the joint that connects the long and short pastern bones in the ankle region are putting the horse's life in jeopardy.
"There's so much concern. It's significant," Richardson said from the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals on the New Bolton campus. "It worries me. I have a hard time sleeping at night. So many people want to see this horse survive. He is stable today, and he's got a great appetite, but he's not as good as he was two weeks ago.
"Two weeks ago we were at 50-50 [for survival]. With this new problem, we're less than that."
On Saturday, Richardson performed extensive surgery on Barbaro, changing six screws and applying two new titanium plates in the pastern joint area. Richardson also attempted to clean out and treat an infection that had developed in the joint. Under anesthesia, and with a long cast placed on his leg, Barbaro did not recover enough to stand on his own until 15 hours after the operation began. On Monday, Richardson replaced the long cast with a shorter one to give the colt more mobility.
Barbaro maintains a hearty appetite and his vital signs were stable Tuesday. Richardson continued to treat an abscess on the left hoof, changing the bandage. Richardson stressed that the pastern infection, which is being treated with antibiotics, needs to be controlled before healing in the joint will resume.
The infection in the pastern joint developed despite extensive precautions. For example, the orthopedic surgery suite at the hospital is a completely sterile room with special filters to keep sterilized air flowing in. On the floor at the entrance of each room in the hospital, including the intensive care unit where Barbaro resides, are mats soaked in a powerful disinfectant to cleanse the soles of shoes.
"Parts of the recovery have gone better than average, but the infection now is a complication we'd rather not have," Richardson said. "Do we always succeed in dealing with infection? No, we do not."
There are no medical benchmarks or thresholds to consider when deciding whether to continue trying to save Barbaro, Richardson said.
"When it gets to the point where he's inhumanely uncomfortable, there's no strict, objective measure you have to quote," he said. "It requires experience with consultation among many people. We're not at the point where we're going to pull the plug."

It appears each article covers a different problem.
Update 204: Just spoke to Peter Brette. He reported that Barbaro remains the same. He is doing OK. That being said, I could just hear in his voice that he knew these were extremely tough days. Barbaro has just been through a lot in the last few days. Time to focus on how successful Nurevey came through: A Look Back: Saving Nureyev (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=6788). Nureyev is an amazingly uplifting story. Keep all energy for Barbaro please, lets hope he writes a similar story!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 07:08 AM

Update 206: Saw Michael Matz this morning as I was going to the track. He told me Dr. Richardson had called and said Barbaro appeared a little brighter this morning (wednesday). I suspect we should take this news within the context of the two articles reproduced in Update 205. I'll post more later as I learn more.
updated wednesday 7:20am

Sannois

Jul. 12, 2006, 07:12 AM

Hes such a fighter, and all the wonderful People at New Bolton, This must be so frustrating for Dr. Richardson.
We will all keep jingling for the great horse and all the people surrounding him!!! Thanks VB Your quite a person to do this!!! :yes:

Boston Chicken

Jul. 12, 2006, 07:15 AM

This makes me so sad. I hope they can make him more comfortable.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 07:22 AM

It actually is breaking my heart, too.

This horse has so many people pulling for him. I cried this morning reading these updates.

luveventing

Jul. 12, 2006, 07:34 AM

Imagine the pressure on dr. richardson. He has the whole country depending on him to keep this horse going. As much as I want him to pull through- it was a longshot from day one. I keep trying to tell myself that anyway....... that horse has been through so much- I just hope he keeps on fighting and his body heals quickly.

eggbutt

Jul. 12, 2006, 07:57 AM

This is the first thing I do each morning....check on VB's posts and see how Bobby is doing.....After reading the updates from last night and this morning I am so, so sad. I can't imagine what those who know Bobby personally must be feeling. My prayers and super jingles are still heading north. All of us who have had incredibly wonderful horses that have battled serious injuries, laminitis, founder, etc. all know the emotional roller coaster. I appreciate most the remarks made about not even considering giving up yet....of course that can change in a matter of seconds if his condition worsens.

Thank you for staying with this for us VB.

ivy62

Jul. 12, 2006, 08:19 AM

VB thank you for your continues interest and up dates. We are pulling for jim. I wish to compare him to Hoist the Flag and Nureyev instead of Rufian. He has a chance and I hope he makes it.. JINGLES for Barbaro!
I watch his left foot almost with more interest for my horse has the same shoe on!

ivy62

Jul. 12, 2006, 08:20 AM

it is early I meant to write him not jim sorry...

ASB Stars

Jul. 12, 2006, 08:27 AM

I think that given the cascade of events in the past week, perhaps it is time for all people who love horses of all breeds, those people who love a hero- with four legs or two, and anyone else out there with a pulse, to get together to send a massive wave of goodwill and healing thoughts to Bobby- and perhaps it is time to do it all at once.

I am thinking our boy may need the serious MEGA-jingle- the one with the greatest power in the universe behind it- love.

Whether you believe in a higher power, or the healing power of nature, or just have a good thought to send, perhaps we can pick a time- maybe 3PM EST today?- to have everyone you can contact on the net- in groups, on boards, wherever you are part of a community of any kind- and get out the word...and maybe it is something that needs doing EVERY day, until Bobby is grazing in Kentucky, looking forward to a Spring season of mares...

What do you guys think? I am going to post this below, to see if we can get a movement going!

LouLove

Jul. 12, 2006, 08:46 AM

I am jingling so hard B. You have touched my heart and I am hoping that you get through this. You are surrounded by love. Hooves crossed and jingles are steady.

War Admiral

Jul. 12, 2006, 09:00 AM

Mega-jingles for Bobby from the Avemaster and me.

I do think it's important though to remember that the folks writing these stories are sportswriters, NOT horse people for the most part. So even though they are reporting to the very best of their ability, they may in fact simply be getting things NQR just by virtue of the fact that all this stuff is new to them and they don't really understand the terminology.

From trying to read between the lines, my take is that Barbaro has either (a) 2 abscesses in the (good) left hind foot, (b) 1 abscess that they thought they had got rid of but haven't, or (c) possibly it's the same one and is a tunnel abscess that's working its way around the hoof. In any event, not a DESPERATELY big deal, except of course that it forces him to put more weight on the RH, which of course he can't do.

I would think that there is still all kinds of stuff that they can try.

But of course we'll be jingling like crazy anyway!!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 10:11 AM

Update 207: The Baltimore Sun covers the same problem in the "good" leg that was covered by the New York Times (update 205 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/07/barbaro_updates_3.php#update205)): Barbaro suffers another setback (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-sp.barbaro12jul12,0,1470876.story) (thanks Sarah). Please read in full. Someone in the comments noted that it was a positive signal that I even saw Michael this morning. Oddly I had the same thought, and had mentioned it to Michael earlier (that I was relieved to see him at Fair Hill). I am not sure if he heard me to be honest.

2Dogs

Jul. 12, 2006, 12:43 PM

MEGA jingles - mega jingles - mega jingles

FourWands

Jul. 12, 2006, 12:57 PM

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=2182860&page=1

annikak

Jul. 12, 2006, 01:20 PM

Mega jingles for our hero- how heartbreaking for him and his people, to have some so far and...well, you all know...

Curb chains on, and all healing thoughts and prayers directed towards Barbaro- Keep at it, Mr B- we're rooting for you...

Gunnar

Jul. 12, 2006, 01:24 PM

With the whole world rooting for you Bobby you have to get better. I am sending big CA jingles and follow your story daily!:sadsmile: It is a sad story.:sadsmile:

To VB thanks for the updates and links you provide. Please tell all involved we are sending positive vibes!

Kenike

Jul. 12, 2006, 01:26 PM

Jingles continue...makes me so sad, but I'm grateful for the updates

jingle jingle jingle jingle.....

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 01:26 PM

Update 208: New Bolton Center press release this morning echoes other recent news: Barbaro's condition guarded (http://www.vet.upenn.edu/newsandevents/news/Barbaro_Update7-12.htm) (thanks Sarah):

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is continuing to rest comfortably today according to Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "As we said yesterday, Barbaro's condition is potentially serious, and we are aggressively seeking all treatment options," he said. "Today we will focus on further diagnostics and keeping our patient comfortable." Barbaro is being treated for fractures received at the Preakness on May 20 as well as discomfort in his left hind foot.
"He's facing tough odds and his condition is guarded," said Dr. Richardson. "Our entire staff is determined to do all they can for this magnificent horse." All decisions are being made in constant consultation with the owners, who continue to be only interested in his comfort.
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
Watch for a media advisory for a press conference later this week.

On a lighter note (needed) Tim told me a funny story this morning. His friend Mike, who visits Tim's barn each saturday morning and now has a horse that may come to training in time, was at Delaware Park. He was talking with someone in the office there, and asked her if she knew Tim Woolley. She said no, but I am on his site right now, and showed him the computer screen! Not sure many trainers can say their web-site is more famous than they are!

Tiramit

Jul. 12, 2006, 01:45 PM

Jingling like crazy in Virginia for Barbaro!!!!! C'mon boy, you can make it!!! You're stronger than this and have a life of hanging in the pasture eating treats ahead of you! Fight it off for you, and to show horse owners and vets that you all can survive!!!!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 01:48 PM

Barbaro less than 50-50 for survival
Jul. 12, 2006. 01:29 PM
ASSOCIATED PRESS

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. — Barbaro's condition turned "potentially serious" again Wednesday, a day after the Kentucky Derby winner's veterinarian gave a more upbeat report, saying the colt was stable and resting comfortably.
Dean Richardson, the chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, also said the colt faced "tough odds" and that doctors were looking at all possible treatments to keep the 3-year-old comfortable.
Several days after the colt had his cast changed for the fourth time in a week, Barbaro's condition suffered another setback seven weeks after his catastrophic injuries in the Preakness Stakes on May 20.
"Our entire staff is determined to do all they can for this magnificent horse," Richardson said in a statement issued by the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals.
Barbaro, who shattered three bones in his right hind leg at the start of the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course, has undergone three surgical procedures in the past week. In the most recent one Saturday, Richardson replaced the titanium plate and 27 screws and also treated several infections — one in the injured leg and a small abscess on the sole of his uninjured left hind hoof.
"Today we will focus on further diagnostics and keeping our patient comfortable," Richardson said.
Barbaro's recovery had been going smoothly until this recent series of setbacks. Saturday's surgery lasted three hours, and Richardson replaced the hardware that had been inserted into the leg May 21, the day after the Preakness.
"He's facing tough odds and his condition is guarded," Richardson said.
Owner Roy Jackson said the sudden changes in Barbaro's condition has made this week very tough for him He continues to visit Barbaro every day and said the colt's appearance Tuesday "looked all right. He looked good."
"We've been concerned all along," Jackson said Wednesday. "It's just one of those things. It's very difficult to climb the mountain when something like that happened."
A major concern centres on the infection in the right rear pastern joint — located above the hoof that was shattered into more than 20 pieces. While most of the fractured bones have healed, the joint that connects the long and short pastern bones remains problematic.
Barbaro also was treated for small abscess on the sole of his uninjured left hind hoof. That could increase the risk of laminitis, a potentially fatal disease sometimes brought on by uneven weight balance.
"There's so much concern. It's significant," Richardson said in The Washington Post on Wednesday. "Two weeks ago, we were at 50-50 (for survival). With this new problem, we are less than that."
All decisions are being made after consulting with owners Gretchen and Roy Jackson, the statement said.

Barnfairy

Jul. 12, 2006, 01:51 PM

Jingling madly.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 01:56 PM

Update 209: No update, but someone in the comments asked about the naming of Barbaro. Anita's response made me smile:

Linda Lee - I read a cute story about the name Barbaro. BEFORE the Kentucky Derby, Michael Matz was being interviewed and was asked by the interviewer what the name Barbaro meant. Michael Matz turned to Peter Brette, the assistant trainer, and repeated the question. Peter Brette immediately replied "KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER!".

Lynette then provided the more official version of the name, from the link: Batting 1.000 (http://www.nicoma.com/pdf/BH-Jaksons.pdf):

Paraphrasing:
Mrs. Jackson had foxhunted and competed at hunter trials for much of her life.
Barbaro got his name from a foxhound in a five-panel 1880's painting the Jackson's discovered in Mr. Jackson's mother's attic after her death. Each dog had their name written at the bottom of their picture. They chose the hound on the right-hand side, Barbaro. The painting is now in the family room.

It has been speculated that the Jackson's will name Bobby's full brother (the cute foal we have pictures of (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/gallery/)) after another hound in the painting.
The following article from yesterday: Trainer reports that Barbaro is resting quietly (http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/15018493.htm?source=rss&channel=dailynews_sports) notes Michael's win yesterday and discusses Barbaro's condition yesterday (I think the articles we cited in update 207 and 205 (http://www.timwoolleyracing.com/news/2006/07/barbaro_updates_3.php#update205) are more recent), including the following about his weight:

According to Gretchen Jackson, Barbaro, whose right hind leg was shattered in the May 20 Preakness, had lost a lot of weight while recovering from the initial surgery on May 21. He had gained that back before getting a fever and showing discomfort in his hind legs about 10 days ago. Now, after four cast changes and a very long, involved surgery Saturday night into Sunday, Barbaro is trying to recover from all that.

fish

Jul. 12, 2006, 02:01 PM

I read the Nureyev story and could not help but notice how much worse N's chances frequently looked than B's do even now, and yet he pulled through. On a similar note, one of my horses was given a less than 10% chance of survival 5 years ago. It took her 4 months to regain her health (and full working soundness), but, knock on wood, she hasn't had a problem of any significance since.

With constant vigilance, it is amazing what these creatures can get through. I still have high hopes for Barbaro-- especially with so many excellent people working so hard to keep on top of each and every complication as it occurs.

flshgordon

Jul. 12, 2006, 02:10 PM

Jingling away here in Texas.

VB my heart caught in my throat when I saw your latest update. I will pray hard for Barbaro as if he was my own. It would be such a triumph to see him survive and be happily grazing in his pasture one day. :sadsmile: :sadsmile:

Cindeye

Jul. 12, 2006, 02:12 PM

Come on Bobby! After all you've been through, this is just a little speed bump in your recovery. Jingling like mad for Bobby and his human family in CA.

Boston Chicken

Jul. 12, 2006, 02:16 PM

Hoping for some silver lining somwhere here...:sadsmile:

Castlegate

Jul. 12, 2006, 02:31 PM

this stinks...not fair...not fair...not fair...

jingling in NC for the poor thing....

RodeoQueen

Jul. 12, 2006, 02:36 PM

Thank you for your updates, VB. I keep hoping and praying that Barbaro will find his way through this difficult recovery. Jingles from all of us - 2 legged and 4 - c'mon Barbaro, you can do it, c'mon - don't give up now - Jingle, Jingle, jingle!!!!!

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 03:06 PM

pdate 210: The Baltimore Sun has this piece, timed: 2:17 pm today: Barbaro 'facing tough odds,' veterinarian says (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-barbaro0712,0,4972864.story?coll=bal-sports-horse) (thanks Sarah) copied in full:

Barbaro's condition turned "potentially serious" again today, a day after the Kentucky Derby winner's veterinarian gave a more upbeat report, saying the colt was stable and resting comfortably.
Dean Richardson, the chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, also said the colt faced "tough odds" and that doctors were looking at all possible treatments to keep the 3-year-old comfortable.
"Our entire staff is determined to do all they can for this magnificent horse," Richardson said in a statement issued by the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals.
Barbaro, who shattered three bones in his right hind leg at the start of the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course on May 20, has undergone three surgical procedures in the past week. In the most recent one Saturday, Richardson replaced the titanium plate and 27 screws and treated two infections -- one in the injured leg and a small abscess on the sole of his uninjured left hind hoof.
"Today we will focus on further diagnostics and keeping our patient comfortable," Richardson said.
Doctors also are keeping watch for any signs of laminitis, a potentially fatal disease sometimes brought on by uneven weight balance.
A major concern centers on the infection in the right rear pastern joint -- located above the hoof that was shattered into more than 20 pieces. While most of the fractured bones have healed, the joint that connects the long and short pastern bones remains problematic.
Barbaro's recovery had been going smoothly until this recent series of setbacks. Saturday's surgery lasted three hours, and Richardson replaced the hardware that had been inserted into the leg the day after the Preakness.
"He's facing tough odds, and his condition is guarded," Richardson said.
Owner Roy Jackson said the sudden changes in Barbaro's condition made this a tough week.
"We've been concerned all along," Jackson said today. "It's just one of those things. It's very difficult to climb the mountain when something like that happened."

I think there is new information above, the most critical being the notion that he really does face tough odds. I will try to get an update from Peter later, but I am also not going to bug him (too much) for it. My plan, head down to the Whip for a couple of Tetleys (and that's not tea) a little later!

jparkes

Jul. 12, 2006, 03:16 PM

Praying like heck for Barbaro! We can't give up on him!

On another note, could he be a candidate for a prosthetic if the pastern doesn't heal properly?

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 03:25 PM

Update 211: A press conference is scheduled for tomorrow (thursday) 11 am. Jeannine Edwards (ESPN) e-mailed me the following:

the presser is tomorrow at 11am. you can put on the site that sportscenter and espn news will be covering it.... no times yet, but it will be on the 6pm SC, and of course earlier on espn news during the day. they are flying a producer in from dallas to work with me tomorrow.

luveventing

Jul. 12, 2006, 03:29 PM

why not?? why couldnt he be a candidate for prosthetic? There is an article on it in the lastest The Horse. You would think they would need to move quickly if it was an option before the infection spread too far to be able to amputate.

Classic Melody

Jul. 12, 2006, 03:42 PM

As much as I respect Dr. Richardson, I wish he wouldn't give actual odds for Barbaro's chances of survival. It seems a bit gimmicky, and the media loves it. Isn't it enough to say this is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation?

But I do know he's doing all he can and Barbaro is getting the best of care. I'm thinking of him and wishing for his recovery.

debsinsb

Jul. 12, 2006, 03:56 PM

Jingles, good thoughts, and prayers from here. Many thanks VB for all of your updates.

Susan P

Jul. 12, 2006, 04:19 PM

Talk around town is not great but God can do anything, please pray for Barbaro. I live near West Grove and my farm is near Fair Hill and I've been around Fair Hill quite a bit this week. Believe me, he really needs our prayers.

La Gringa

Jul. 12, 2006, 04:20 PM

Jingles.... I am really pulling for him.

I like the prosthetic idea. How much has this been used on horses?

War Admiral

Jul. 12, 2006, 04:34 PM

More jingles from GA.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 04:35 PM

Update 212: Just spoke to Peter Brette. He visited Bobby this afternoon (wednesday) and said he looks reasonably comfortable. Peter mentioned the press conference tomorrow, and the intent of the conference was for Dr. Richardson to detail everything that has occured over the last week or so. Keep all your positive energy for Bobby, he needs it.

adamsmom

Jul. 12, 2006, 04:52 PM

I agree with the earlier poster who noted that Nureyev's chances looked very much more grim from the get-go than Bobby's have before, or do now. And how long ago was that? Surely, with vigilance and the (somewhat) more advanced state of veterinary medicine, Barbaro can pull through just as Nureyev did.

We all must continue the jingles and the positive thoughts. They can do wonders!

Susan P

Jul. 12, 2006, 04:52 PM

Thanks, I think we'd all like to hear some good news. :yes:

http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=7235

by: Ron MitchellJuly 2006 Article # 7235

The chief veterinarian attending to Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Barbaro said Wednesday that the colt is in "guarded" condition as he continues to recover from surgery to repair his right hind leg injured in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Dean Richardson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, chief of surgery at the New Bolton Center, said Barbaro is continuing to rest comfortably.
He added, however: "He's facing tough odds and his condition is guarded. Our entire staff is determined to do all they can for this magnificent horse."
Richardson reiterated Tuesday's assessment that Barbaro's condition is "potentially serious, and we are aggressively seeking all treatment options. Today we will focus on further diagnostics and keeping our patient comfortable. All decisions are being made in constant consultation with the owners, who continue to be only interested in his comfort."
Barbaro, owned by the Lael Stables of Roy and Gretchen Jackson and trained by Michael Matz, won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) by 6 ½ lengths before his injury in the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Barbaro remains in the intensive care unit of the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

cartera45

Jul. 12, 2006, 04:53 PM

Just saw a report on the local Baltimore station. They are more concerned about the infection in the left hoof than the one in the injured leg. They did not use the dreaded word "laminitis" but that is sure what it sounds like. They showed Matz leaving New Bolton from his daily visit but he didn't comment.

Miss Demeanor

Jul. 12, 2006, 04:57 PM

I guess Update 212 puts to rest the speculation about the press conference.

Just like everyone else, I am praying like crazy for Barbaro's recovery. They say he's comfortable and not ready to give up, and that gives me hope, but I don't want this magnificent horse to suffer needlessly or to lead a severely limited life. I know his owners and vets won't let it come to that, and I'm praying for courage and clarity for them if it comes down to making the tough choice :( .

I'm not being negative. I said that same prayer for myself and my horse years ago, and we pulled through. I am sending powerful loving vibes to Bobby :) .

Glimmerglass

Jul. 12, 2006, 05:38 PM

Here is the report from Wire to Wire (on-site reporting with Jeannine Edwards and Randy Moss behind the desk) I'm pretty sure this was the one filed Tuesday but for those wanting to see video of him - here you go:

Nat'l TB Racing Assoc produced Wire to Wire, aired on ESPN - click on story #2 (http://www.ntra.com/)

They too have a Barbaro page: NTRA Barbaro page (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=other&id=17982) with video and stills and reports.

annikak

Jul. 12, 2006, 06:00 PM

While this new development does make my throat catch, this is still a WONDERFUL story- an amazing horse at a fantastic hospital the the most skilled vet, with caring owners, trainers, jockeys and others. I am caught up with him as if he is my own, I have shed tears, and I want to see baby Barbaros galloping around the fields. I will jingle until there is nothing left to jingle for, because he is our Barbaro- by far the kind of stories kids books are made of.
Oh, how I wish I could just pet him, give him a carrot, see him- he represents something that I cannot put my finger on....
Jingles...mega jingles...

Susan P

Jul. 12, 2006, 06:16 PM

As much as I agree with you completely, I think so many wonderful horses, maybe not quite as talented or lucky as Barbaro are suffering just because they are not convenient. It would be quite inexpensive to save them from a dreadful experience. If anyone saw the thread about Nate & Kelly and how the interest in them waned while so much attention and money was on a great horse like Barbaro (and I don't mean to steal his thunder) and I have 2 sick OTTBs at my farm because they were dumped, I get disturbed. I feel like Barbaro is the horse du jour and who will be that horse next year? I don't hear of Funny Cide mentioned any more, what will become of him? He's a gelding, not as fast as he used to be.

Please, let's not forget other horses that have fallen through the cracks, let this be a call to help other horses, so many carrots and apples went to Barbaro while other OTTBs went without hay on feed lots. Barbaro deserves the accolades but my heart really goes out to those who have no hope because they don't have wonderful owners and trainers. Some might have been like Seabiscuit if they had the right trainer, who knows.

Please help the horses who need you and you CAN do something to help them. There are so many organizations helping, CANTER, Lost and Found Horse Rescue www.lfhr.org (http://www.lfhr.org) Another Chance 4 Horses, Mid Atlantic, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Blue Horse Charities and more.

While this new development does make my throat catch, this is still a WONDERFUL story- an amazing horse at a fantastic hospital the the most skilled vet, with caring owners, trainers, jockeys and others. I am caught up with him as if he is my own, I have shed tears, and I want to see baby Barbaros galloping around the fields. I will jingle until there is nothing left to jingle for, because he is our Barbaro- by far the kind of stories kids books are made of.
Oh, how I wish I could just pet him, give him a carrot, see him- he represents something that I cannot put my finger on....
Jingles...mega jingles...

Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division

Jul. 12, 2006, 06:53 PM

I was at NB last night and they said it has been a couple of tough days for Bobby, they didn't seem very optimistic. But they are doing everything they can so we just have to keep praying that he will pull through this setback.

VirginiaBred

Jul. 12, 2006, 07:31 PM

Update 213: Good Morning America is doing a piece on Bobby tomorrow morning. Jeannine Edwards let me know as we were discussing tomorrow's press conference. (ABC owns ESPN or something like that). Jeannine left a comment clarifying ESPNs coverage of the press conference tomorrow and the reason for such a press conference:

Just to clarify for everyone, SportsCenter always sends a producer with the reporter when they cover any story. It's always a tag-team situation. But normally someone would not fly in from TX, normally a regional person would make the trip from NY or DC. Perhaps no one in the area was available. ESPN takes the Barbaro situation very seriously and wants to cover it accurately and completely. We have no idea what will be discussed at tomorrow's presser, but we have to be prepared for what could potentially be a worst-case scenario. New Bolton is being beseiged with phone calls right now, and rather than try to deal with each news org separately, it's much easier to hold a press conference and give everyone as much info as possible in an orderly fashion. Pressers can be held for several reasons: 1) There is updated info to communicate, 2) There are inquiries and demands made on the facility and so they're trying to accomodate everyone. We'll know more tomorrow.

I am planning to attend the press conference scheduled for tomorrow. I hope they let me in. I did call New Bolton and asked if it was OK. They were aware of this site, and did not seem to mind.
The New York Post may be including a bit on this site tomorrow in its Barbaro coverage. (Eliza, I hope we have the bandwidth for that ?) As I was enjoying a couple of Tetleys at the Whip it seemed HRTV was running something on Bobby (sound was muted, but it seemed they were talking to Jeannine during some of the coverage).
Mike Rea seems to continue to improve, with plenty of visitors, Bruce Miller can see improvement in his condition (http://mikerea.blogspot.com/2006/07/taking-more-steps.html).