Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[VirginiaBred]

Update 487: Many of you have shown interest in Perfect Drift, also running tomorrow in the Pacific Classic. I just spoke with his exercise rider, Joe Deegan, who was boarding a plane I think when we spoke I think. Joe reports Perfect Drift is training well and is as good as he has ever been right now. He has settled in really well at Del Mar and should be a major factor. As Jeannine also noted, Perfect Drift has made $4.5 million in his career thus far, Joe noted that would be over $5 million if it was not for a couple of head-bob decisions. He was twice second in the Pacific Classic so they are hoping to put that right. He is a gelding, and is a big strong horse. He is a tough horse and you have to be careful around him. Anyway, in sum, Joe reports his is training well and should put in a big effort tomorrow.

The Daily Racing form on the Pacific Classic: Classic has ‘tough’ written all over it.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex:

Update 488: Due to further tests, Lost in the Fog will not return to Golden Gate Field until sunday: Lost in the Fog nears the end. Russell Baze’s incredible nine race win streak remains that: Baze’s 9-Race Streak Ends at Bay Meadows.
A tribute to Lost in the Fog.

[StrawberryFelidos]

Love to see the new grazing pictures They make me happy after the sad news about Foggy. Hearing about Fog’s sickness makes me want to intensify my support for Barbaro, as I feel so bad losing The Fog. I continue my prayers for both :yes:

[msj]

Thanks again VB for the updates on Bobby as well as those on Giacomo and Fog.

Please keep them coming. While the responses on this thread have slowed down, I think people are still checking in - just not posting as much.

My heart goes out to Foggy - what a shame for such a young horse.

I just got back from lighting candles - I think about 6 this time. I just kept lighting those on the top row until they all stayed lit!

[Spoilsport]

@StrawberryFelidos

Hearing about Fog’s sickness makes me want to intensify my support for Barbaro, as I feel so bad losing The Fog. I continue my prayers for both :yes:

My feelings exactly. I can’t stop think about brave, beautiful Foggy. It’s a reminder that things can turn in a second. We need to keep supporting Bobby. The candles are down. Lets keep them at least over 1000, or be really ambitious and try to get them back to 2000. I’m off to light some now.

Godspeed, Lost in the Fog!

[VirginiaBred]

Happy News

:)Sunday Morning; thanks Alex~

Update 489: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (saturday night). I had a nice long chat with Michael as he was ponying a horse (and Stephanie) back from the woodchip track. Dr. Richardson showed Michael the left hind foot yesterday and it appears to be doing whatever it should be doing at this stage of its “recovery”. Michael also noted he walks sound (as we saw on the Barbaro grazing video) and is starting to gain some weight.
update 7:56 am, sunday morning

[VirginiaBred]

Thank you Alex:

Update 490: A little “housekeeping”. Given the overwhelming response of poems, videos and other content created by everyone, I am no longer going to be able to keep up with it all in these updates and on the fan media page (this is a good thing).

Fortunately the discussion board includes a folder (labeled: Barbaro Poems / Videos etc.) for such content so I hope people will continue to post their wonderful content there, and others will visit the boards to enjoy everyone’s inspiring work. That being said, I did want to highlight this tribute from Jessica Frank: Lost In the Fog, Champion Always.

This site has now served more than 1.5 million page views! and is currently ranked 30 in google for the keyword Barbaro. You will notice we have now signed up for the google adwords program (google ads). This will help defray costs associated with the site, and we will also allocate a portion of the earnings to a charity appropriate for this site. We will be very transparent re: the site earnings and what we do with the money.

With current traffic we estimate the google ads. could generate $1,000 / month.

[VirginiaBred]

Update 491: ESPN2 is broadcasting the Pacific Classic from 7 - 8 pm this evening. It will be a great race. All is go for today’s big race from the Giacomo camp. I just spoke to Steve Willard (his exercise rider) who has been providing us training updates for the last few days. He is pretty upbeat. Giacomo hand walked today (walked around the shedrow). He’s been cleaned up by the barn foreman (Frank), and is now relaxing in his stall as I type. He will be led over to the receiving barn about fifteen minutes ahead of the time that he will be led over to the paddock with the other runners. Steve has positive feelings for the race, everything has pretty much set up the way they want it to be. The distance of the race will suit Giacomo (a mile and a quarter) and Mike Smith (his regular jockey) will start letting him run likely at about the half mile or 3/8ths pole. Steve said it looks to be a great older horse race, with Lava Man and Perfect Drift (who Giacomo just beat in his last start at a less favourable distance for Giacomo) among the eight entries. Anyway, I want to thank Steve for giving us a little insight into the preparation of Giacomo, and wish him (and the rest of this quality field) the best of racing luck.

Jeannine Edwards provided us a great update about tonight coverage in Update 486 and Joe Deegan has also weighed in from Perfect Drift’s camp (update 487).

[lisann]

Just lit 6 more candles for Barbaro (me, hubby, and our 4 horses). I was just thrilled to watch the video of him walking outside and grazing!

[VirginiaBred]

From Tim:

Update 492: Another quick story to follow in the Pacific Classic. We interviewed Dan Hendricks a while ago (trainer of Brother Derek) about his thoughts on Barbaro. He noted the sad story of Cozy Guy. Well Cozy Guy’s connections have Top This and That in the race! Jeannine Edwards spoke with the owners and e-mailed me:
they are extremely excited and said this is like being in the KY Derby! They are from the San Diego area and have always dreamed of running a horse at Del Mar.

[Louise]

I tend not to post on this thread, but I eagerly read every day. I just went to light another candle for Barbaro and Lost in the Fog. The number of candles for “The Fog” is dwindling dramatically. Please take the time to go there and both help light his way to the Rainbow Bridge and show your support for those around him that love him so much. http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=foggy

[VirginiaBred]

From Alex:

Update 493: A nice win by Lava Man, the favourite for the Pacific Classic. He seemed to accelerate well at the 3/8ths pole and put the race away. He should be considered a top contender for the Breeders Cup Classic at this point, although they did mention they may consider a turf race next. Perfect Drift and Giacomo did not appear to really get into the race, finishing fourth and fifth. Will try to learn more later.

There was also a quick clip on Barbaro, good to see it on the big screen (it was part of the Penn video clip).

A nice post on the discussion board on Dancing In My Dreams, who had faced a similar surgery to Barbaro. We noted her first foal’s success in update 432.

Finally, another lovely tribute to Lost in the Fog: Tribute to a Champion.

[VirginiaBred]

Update 495: Lost in the Fog returns home. Excerpt:

Dr. Don Smith, the colt’s veterinarian, said the Eclipse Award sprinter was his normal, aggressive self when he returned to the barn and had eaten well after his arrival.

Update 494: Steve Willard just called. He was with Giacomo as he called (about one hour after the Pacific Classic). He said it just was not his day. Giacomo is cooling out well, he looks good and is walking well.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex/Tim~

Update 497: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (sunday night). Just saw Michael Matz as I was heading to the track on my third set. He had just spoken to Dean Richardson who also noted that he is planning to prepare for surgery on the polar bear today.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous morning here at Fair Hill although my early guiding light, the moon, seems to have all but disappeared.
updated monday 7:05am
496: A great article from the New York Times: With Loving and Costly Care, Barbaro’s Long Odds Improve notes Barbaro’s current status. The following are excerpts:

“He’s been very, very good on his legs,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, his surgeon and the man who leads him outside each day. “It’s exciting. He’s improving.”
Dr. Richardson warned that Barbaro was hardly out of the woods and that a full recovery would not be evident for months. Still, he said he was encouraged by the progress.
On July 13, Dr. Richardson had to compose himself when he announced that laminitis had ravaged Barbaro’s left hind hoof wall and that the chances of survival were poor. Now, his hoof wall is growing back, and his fractured right hind leg appears to be mending, Dr. Richardson said. But he cautioned that until the cast was removed, he could not be certain the leg would be strong enough to bear Barbaro’s weight.
“I think he’s got a 50-50 shot,” said Dr. Richardson, echoing the prognosis he gave May 21, after performing an operation on the colt’s leg for more than five hours. “He’s back to that level. Now, if you would have asked me the same question six weeks ago, I would have told you they were a lot – a lot – less than that.”

and

Not only has Barbaro not shown signs of distress, he appears to be growing stronger each day. The foam sneaker is changed daily as the veterinarians continue to watch for the regrowth of his hoof wall.
“I go over there with the grass because I love him and want to break up his day,” Gretchen Jackson said. “Now that he is getting outside, he is an even happier horse.”

The following is a nice article on Lost in the Fog’s trainer Greg Gilchrist: Trainer lost in the heartache. An excerpt:

He didn’t want to go and he’s a guy who loves going to the sales.
He wanted to be back at his home base at Golden Gate Fields in San Francisco. You can’t blame the trainer for that.
He wanted desperately to be there so he could be with Lost in the Fog, the best horse he ever trained.

[annikak]

Thanks, VB!
I am so glad Mr. B is coming along so well! Jingles continue…!
Dr. Green is always so good for them! Its nice that Mrs Jackson gets there to see him graze.

[eggbutt]

What a morning…after not being able to check the forum all weekend to seeing the news this morning about Lost in the Fog…I’ve just been sitting here sobbing. So much emotion for these wonderful animals.

Thank you VB for all the news this morning.

Off to light candles through the tears.

[Fancy]

@VirginiaBred

Thanks, Alex/Tim~
“I think he’s got a 50-50 shot,” said Dr. Richardson, echoing the prognosis he gave May 21, after performing an operation on the colt’s leg for more than five hours. “He’s back to that level. Now, if you would have asked me the same question six weeks ago, I would have told you they were a lot – a lot – less than that.”

We’re back to 50-50!!!

:yes: :eek: :yes: :lol: :yes: :yes:

Insert a jumping-jack icon here

YeeHa!!!

50-50Again!!! Thank the Horse Gods!!!

[Gunnar]

Happy Monday to Team Barbaro! Candles are lit and chains are jingling away for you Bobby!

PS: Foggy you are in my thoughts with candles lit for you too!

[VirginiaBred]

Update 498:
A couple of Lost in the Fog tributes, the first is over at J. Carson Black: Lost in the Fog. The second, a poem by WM & CL, comments timestamp: 2:45 pm:

BARBARO’s TRIBUTE TO LOST IN THE FOG
Remember the good times friends have together.
That’s what helps endure all kinds of weather.
Who knew what time her story would tell,
As Barbaro gets better to bid farewell.
He sees like we do that Lost In The Fog,
Spend time with Greg Gilchrist & the family dog.
While our Bobby enjoys more freedom each day,
Grazing on grass and prize Timothy mix hay.
He understands what it means for best friends apart.
He whinnies so softly that you’re just as smart.
He’ll whisper some prayers your pain stays at bay.
Let His Light of Hope keep fears and doubts away.
He knows what it is like to suffer the blues,
He wishes so much better recovery cues.
Though times may be tough in the weeks ahead,
Maybe months left to rest in your special bed.
Just enjoy your time breathing fresh air and love.
Heaven’s own gift to you from ALL His Angels above.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound that plays a tribute for you,
You were the best sprinter of any horse we knew.
Until Barbaro came of age and ran alongside your race.
In sleep’s dreams you’ll relive Bay Shore’s first place.
2005 was your winning year with Eclipse Award.
Spending quiet times with your traineris more reward.
Why do you mean so much to Greg?
Is a horse more than speed of leg?
What makes Barbaro and Lost In The Fog the same?
Are they not greater than horse flesh by name?
Why do we find it so hard to understand,
The answer stares squarely upon one’s own hand.
A horsewhisper for Barbaro can clearly foresee,
These two extraordinary horses are like you and me.
That’s what Gilchrist knew all along,
when Lost In The Fog won more than furlong,"
“This horse is like a brother to me”
Replied Greg to ESPN and Horseracing TV.
Continuing Lost In the Woods tribute he finds,
These immortal words that might change others’ minds–
“More respect for this horse than most people I deal with”
“If he were human…you want to be around him”–no myth.
It will be a tough time for him to bear,
While Lost In The Woods gets top home care.
Returning to Golden Gates Fields Sunday mid-noon,
Barbaro sends his best wishes to be with Greg soon.
The two will find time like Mike Matz and Barbaro.
The bond between trainer and horse beyond high and low.
Let us not shed sorrowful tears today,
Rather rejoice in their union as we pray.
If there’s something to learn when all’s said and done,
Barbaro’s Champion spirit sends blessings to everyone.
“Celebrate each day as if it were your last”
“Take nothing for granted in the present or past.”
“Find joy in the day’s moments shared together with you.”
Barbaro whispers, “dearest Eclipse Sprinter like Seattle Slew.”
So with horsewhispering wisdom left here to see,
“May you be as pampered like they do me at NBC.”
“Your groom Pascual Garcia will caress you with love.”
“Just as Seabiscuit, Your Honor, Secretariat above.”

And finally a note on the journey to NBC for the polar bear Alcor: Dr. R and his new patient, Alcor.

[CSSporthorses]

So glad to hear Bobby is doing well. Its nice to come home from the grueling classes to read about his progress. I’ll be at NBC on Sept 8. Even though I won’t be able to see him, I’ll still give my wishes to the staff. May not be able to post much on COTH with everything going on, but I’m still here, reading the thread as much as I can …