Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[VirginiaBred]

Update 638: The initial update on Barbaro will again be delayed (due to Michael being in Keeneland). I hope to get an update by lunchtime today (tuesday). New Bolton is scheduled to release an update today too.

Its a lovely morning this morning at Fair Hill. A little on the crisp side. Thus far I have ridden four horses, all two year olds. One was having his first little work this morning (open gallop a quarter) and another was galloping for the first time since his first little work (open gallop an eighth). Its the time when two year olds are starting to learn their trade. They have done some gate work and now are starting to realize what everything is about. Before coming to Fair Hill many are broken at farms that specialize in educating young race horses. The following article discusses where Barbaro was broken before coming into training: Stephens Thoroughbreds helped shape a Derby win. The following is an excerpt:

John Stephens remembered Barbaro as “always being a very nice horse with a good mind and who did everything easily.” He won’t tell you that he knew the colt was Kentucky Derby bound. “We definitely thought he’d be a very good racehorse,” he said. “But there’s no way you can tell if a horse is going to go on to be a great horse.”
The Stephenses attended the Kentucky Derby, their first such trip, as guests of the Jacksons. They cheered on Barbaro with what Stephens described as “contained excitement” and joined the celebration in the winner’s circle.
“We have been so fortunate to have great clients,” said Stephens, 45. “The Jacksons have been so wonderful to us. They flew into Ocala just before the Florida Derby, came out to the farm to watch their horses gallop, then took us on their plane to Miami for the Florida Derby. That was a great experience, but the Kentucky Derby was an unbelievable experience. I’m still having trouble believing it really happened.”

[VirginiaBred]

Update 639: Still waiting for an update on Barbaro. In the meantime I called Barclay Tagg to get an update on Showing Up after his race in the Man o’ War, and to see how Funny Cide was progressing. Barclay said Showing Up came out of his race well. He was not disappointed with his run, he ran well (of course he would have liked to have won)! I did not ask Barclay what the current plan is. Funny Cide did a little easy breeze today (so he is obviously doing well after the Woodward.) Barclay said they were considering the Brooklyn Handicap for Funny Cide, a grade 2 at Belmont, on saturday.
A nice article on Barbaro, everyones fascination with his progress, and this site: Barbaro and the 9-11 Connection, the following is an excerpt:

We all began to breathe more easily after the horse’s long surgery. Baskets of flowers, carrots, cards, and monetary donations deluged the New Bolton Center of the University of Pennsylvania vet school, where Barbaro remains stabled in intensive care. A fund was started in his honor. We rejoiced when he was briefly reunited with the jockey who undoubtedly saved his life, Edgar Prado, and when he was courted by the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Thanks, Alex!

[VirginiaBred]

From Alex:
Update 640: Still no update on Barbaro, but Peter did talk to Michael, and since the topic did not come up Peter is assuming things are status quo. Peter is planning to visit this afternoon so I will call him back later today to get an update.
Happy birthday to Mike Rea, will plan on being at the party: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON-BABY BROTHER-HUSBAND-FATHER.

[VirginiaBred]

Update 642: Peter Brette did visit Barbaro, after a few races today at Delaware Park. He again noted Barbaro looked well and everyone seems happy with his current progress.
Rachel from Kennett Florist left this comment:
Hay Gang… I will get to Mike’s party momentarily (lots to share)… but first and because it is the primary reason we are all here… Horses!
Mrs Jackson called Alie as we were walking in the door from MD. She is asking for your help. There has been a lot of talk about the Anti-Horse slaughter Bill. According to Mrs J it is going to go to senate soon. We need to put pressure on the senators to bypass the groups and go straight to the floor. She will send us a list of Senators by state and name and we will pas that info along (I know you all have that, but this is what Mrs J is passing along to us). She is heading back down to Washington at the end of the week. We will continue to share what ever information she wishes us to pass along.
We know there has been discussion on how to “call” ourselves, since Barbaromaniacs is a little on the non-senatorial side of things. There have been lots of ideas passed around, but Mrs Jackson requested we use Fans of Barbaro or Barbaro Fans. That way there is an official GROUP who are working toward the good of all horses. (You will always be Barbaromaniacs in my heart - as I am one as well!!)
Please, this is going to happen and soon. Mrs Jackson stressed the point we need to concentrate on is getting this straight to the floor and bypassing all the groups and committees. We can do this!!
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel at Kennett Florist

Update 641: Here is today’s release from New Bolton Center: Barbaro improving slowly and steadily

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is improving slowly and steadily according to veterinarians at Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital . “We are pleased with his progress,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “He is wearing the cast on his right hind limb well; we continue to monitor it closely, and we expect to change the cast and radiograph the leg within the next seven to 10 days.”
In addition, Barbaro continues to stand comfortably on his laminitic left hind foot. “The left hind foot is progressing well, especially as it grows down from the coronary band,” said Dr. Richardson. “However, we remain cautious, because Barbaro will still need several more months of healing before we’ll know how well the overall hoof structure can be restored.”
Barbaro continues to be hand-grazed daily, and his vital signs and appetite are excellent.
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital, where he is recovering from injuries suffered at the Preakness on May 20.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, September 19 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.

I am still hoping to hear from Peter after he visits. His visit was delayed by a little racing I think. I did manage to go to Mike Rea’s birthday party. He looked great, is all I can say. I was pretty amazed at how well he looked, and he seemed a little overwhelmed by the surprise party. Kudos to his family and to Kennett Florist and to you guys for helping make this day special for Mike! It was cool though, I was introduced to the head nurse (the title may be way wrong), and she has been following this site since the Preakness. She gave Mike a picture of Barbaro for his birthday, very cool.
Times New Roman]Thank you Tim & Alex!

[Hexel]

I’m glad to hear Barbaro is doing well. My filly was across the hall in the ICU from him.She was there from the end of June until I had to make the decision to put her down July 7th. He was dx with the laminitis shortly there after. What a grand horse he is.

[VirginiaBred]

Wednesday Morning~
Update 643: It seems the consensus choice for a name to be used for addressing the Senate on the anti horse-slaughter issue is “Fans of Barbaro” (see update 642). There is much discussion about efforts for this bill on the discussion boards (and thanks prospero for giving us these boards).
Mike’s party was a great success yesterday (thanks to you guys, Kennett Florist, his wonderful family and friends), here is pinkwellies’ version: Mike’s Birthday surprise!.
The second day of the Keeneland sales continued the first day trend, high prices and the Sheikh Mohammed team out bidding Coolemore for the very best (or at least the most expensive): Thoroughbred Times: Sheikh Mohammed, Kingmambo colt pace record day, Keeneland September Pace Remains Hot; Record Price for Yearling Established and Sheikh buys $11.7M colt.
Again, today’s update on Barbaro will be delayed, due to Michael being in Keeneland.
Thanks, Alex!

[Oakstable]

Candles have dropped below 940!

Let’s keep the number above 1,000.

[VirginiaBred]

Update 644: Today’s Barbaro update will again likely be later this afternoon. I just went by Michael’s barn and spoke to Peter. He said he had not heard anything yet today (which is a good sign I am sure) but he was planning to visit after he was done at the barn this morning.
I fell off today, actually not totally correct, I came off twice … and it was the same horse (who will remain nameless). Oh well, both horse and rider are fine. I had a decent streak going, no spills since before the preakness, so probably a thousand rides since the last fall. In 2005 I went the entire calender year without a fall, then in one month early this spring fell off about five times! Anyway, a fall every now and again is probably good just to remember how to fall.
Thank you Alex, and for heaven’s sake…be careful!!!

[Oakstable]

VA Bred,
How did YOU fall off? I cannot imagine riding 2-yr-olds!!!

You must be very young and fit!

[ivy62]

has anyone heard anything from the LITF camp? wonder how he is doing? I am so glad Bobby is doing better…do the Jackson’s own his brother too? What are the odds that 2 horses with the same breeding will turn out the same?
lit several candles before come on he still needs us!

[VirginiaBred]

Update 645: I just had a brief conversation with Greg Gilchrist to get an update on Lost in the Fog. It has been six days since his chemotherapy treatment, which I think knocked him back a little (as one can only imagine). Anyway, Greg said he had walked this morning, was having a nice bath as we spoke and would then be taken out for a pick of grass. I did not push for his assessment for how the Fog was doing, I was more interested in his routine. I will call back in about a week to get a further update. It is the first time I have spoken to Greg, he just seems a very decent guy.
Thank you, Alex!

[ElonGrad1997]

I added 45+ candles to get it to 1,045! Keep 'em going! There are a bunch of low ones!

[VirginiaBred]

Update 646: Peter Brette just called and he visited Barbaro this afternoon. He said he looked well, seems to be a similar report as we have heard over the last few days.
updated 3:15 pm, wednesday afternoon, september 13

[msj]

Bobby’s candles are over the thousand mark but Foggy needs quite a few. He’s only on ~ 932.

I’m so glad to hear the same boring reports on Bobby. I hope they last!

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks Tim/Alex:
Update 647: I just did a telephone interview with Ramon Dominguez, who rode Bluegrass Cat in the Derby and Miraculous Miss last saturday at Delaware. I wanted to get his perspective not only on these two horses, but of course on Barbaro, who he rode against on a few occasions. Ramon is the leading jockey at Delaware Park, and just also seems to be very cool. Here is what he had to say:

On the Derby and Barbaro:
Bluegrass Cat is very cool horse, and was very easy to ride. Todd Pletcher, prior to the race, gave me little instructions. We had a great trip. He broke very sharply to gain a good position. Going into the first turn I was able to come over to the rail to save as much ground as possible. On the backside I was able to ease him out, and by the 5/8ths pole I was just behind Barbaro. Without question Barbaro was traveling the easiest of all the horses. By the 3/8ths pole I was getting pretty excited and at the quarter pole I tried to make my run. It was between the 3/8ths pole and quarter pole I realized Barbaro had too much, Edgar had let him lengthen his stride …

On the Preakness and Barbaro:
I rode Diabolical in the Preakness. I was in front of Barbaro when the accident happened, but I heard a jockey hollering, glanced back and saw a horse being pulled up. It was very very sad. It put a huge dark cloud over the entire race. I am now thrilled to see Barbaro has made it this far, and his prognosis looks more positive.

More on Barbaro:
I did ride against Barbaro a few times. For example in the race at Laurel (Futurity on the grass) I rode Diabolical who was second to Barbaro. Barbaro was as cool on the grass as he was on the dirt. He had a very quick turn of foot. He would pick up the bit like a sprinter would. He is a very good horse, I hope he makes it.

On Bluegrass Cat:
As a jockey I always check the form and follow the horses I have ridden. Of course I wanted to follow Bluegrass Cat (Johnny Velasquez returned from injury to reclaim his mount) as I rode him in the biggest race, you get attached to horses you ride in the big races. I was sad he was injured after the Travers but happy it is not considered life threatening. He should do well as a stallion, he is very well bred.

On Miraculous Miss and the Endine Stakes at Delaware:
She was very calm in the gate, absolutely no problem at all. She did break a little slowly. She is an extremely nice filly. This is the fourth time I have won with her. Each time she runs the same race, when it is time to go, she just explodes.

[VirginiaBred]

Update 648: Rachel, from Kennett Florist left the following comment from today (updates 73 timestamp: 8:28pm)

So much to relay from NBC today. This morning Alie and I were on the road bright and early to serve 300 donuts, coffee and juice to the campus before their Town Hall Meeting. This is something that had never been done before according to Dr Sweeney, and we were happy to do it on behalf of a fan of Barbaro. The staff that we talked to were so grateful and send their thanks for everything that is done for them or any of the animals there. When I was bringing the leftover donuts to the main building, they asked if I was coming back with carrots for B. So before I got in my truck, I called the shop and told them to load them up, our boy needed carrots.
This afternoon, I brought up some baskets of those lovely organic green top carrots as well as some stud muffins (just got a new batch in today) and other treats. Mrs Jackson had just left visiting Barbaro, so sorry I had missed her would have like to have told her how you all are rallying behind what ever she needs. Let me reiterate what I had commented on yesterday. Mrs Jackson is asking all of us to contact our respective senators (I will post a list when I receive it), and pressure them to move on S1915. Ask them to get it pushed straight to the floor and by pass the committees… and that it needs to happen now, this year. What I know about governement wouldn’t fill a thimble, so I am only relaying what Mrs Jackson has requested. She is going back down to Washington on Friday, hopefully we will here something when she gets back.
I also had a chance to meet the donor horses “mom”/caretaker. We had a basket for her kids this afternoon and we had a chance to talk. She has been working there for 19 years and does truly feel as these animals are her kids. She has been buying them goodies out of her own pocket for years. So she sends very big thanks to all of those who have specifically sent baskets of apples, carrots, etc to her children.
Thank you to all you fans aka maniacs!
WE BELIEVE!!!

[I][B]Thank you Alex. What a wonderful report from Rachel.

[/B][/I]

[VirginiaBred]

pdate 648: Rachel, from Kennett Florist left the following comment from today (updates 73 timestamp: 8:28pm)

So much to relay from NBC today. This morning Alie and I were on the road bright and early to serve 300 donuts, coffee and juice to the campus before their Town Hall Meeting. This is something that had never been done before according to Dr Sweeney, and we were happy to do it on behalf of a fan of Barbaro. The staff that we talked to were so grateful and send their thanks for everything that is done for them or any of the animals there. When I was bringing the leftover donuts to the main building, they asked if I was coming back with carrots for B. So before I got in my truck, I called the shop and told them to load them up, our boy needed carrots.
This afternoon, I brought up some baskets of those lovely organic green top carrots as well as some stud muffins (just got a new batch in today) and other treats. Mrs Jackson had just left visiting Barbaro, so sorry I had missed her would have like to have told her how you all are rallying behind what ever she needs. Let me reiterate what I had commented on yesterday. Mrs Jackson is asking all of us to contact our respective senators (I will post a list when I receive it), and pressure them to move on S1915. Ask them to get it pushed straight to the floor and by pass the committees… and that it needs to happen now, this year. What I know about governement wouldn’t fill a thimble, so I am only relaying what Mrs Jackson has requested. She is going back down to Washington on Friday, hopefully we will here something when she gets back.
I also had a chance to meet the donor horses “mom”/caretaker. We had a basket for her kids this afternoon and we had a chance to talk. She has been working there for 19 years and does truly feel as these animals are her kids. She has been buying them goodies out of her own pocket for years. So she sends very big thanks to all of those who have specifically sent baskets of apples, carrots, etc to her children.
Thank you to all you fans aka maniacs!
WE BELIEVE!!!

[I][B]Thank you ALex! What a wonderful report from Rachel!

[/B][/I]

[ivy62]

Since the right hind is doing so well does anyone see any reason why he could not be breeding sound if and when the laminitis clears up? Has anyone looked into his line for bone weaknesses? Do not know much about his pedigree…any ideas?

[VirginiaBred]

ivy62, Dr. Richardson has said all along that he should be breeding sound if things go well.

Thursday Morning:

Update 649: Today’s Barbaro update will again likely be delayed, due to the sales in Keeneland (prices have settled down after the opening two days: Thoroughbred Times: Average price, median continue rise at Keeneland, Maktoum springs for third straight topper and Average, Median Rise During Day Three of Keeneland Sale).

It looks like Funny Cide will be running on saturday (as Barclay told us on tuesday): Funny Cide in Brooklyn off short rest, it includes the following excerpt:

Cornelio Velasquez worked Funny Cide five furlongs on Tuesday and though the final time of 1:02.36 was slower than the gelding normally works, Velasquez told trainer Barclay Tagg that everything went well.
“I had him in the Kentucky Horse Park by the time he got to the gap, but when I got back to the barn [Velasquez] he was so excited,” Tagg said. "I said to him ‘What’s wrong with him?’ He said, ‘I just eased up on him, the race is on Saturday.’ "

The article also includes news on the Jackson’s and Barclay’s Stormy Kiss, also scheduled to run on saturday at Belmont, and options for Showing Up for the Breeders’ Cup.

We just added a picture of Mike Rea, who is “long reigning” a yearling. This is done to help with the horse’s mouth and get a little stearing etc. before we actually get on the horse.

Many thanks, Alex/Tim~

[VirginiaBred]

Update 651: Yesterday Juliet went to Golden Gate Field with a basket of goodies she had prepared in the hopes of visiting Lost in the Fog. Unfortunately despite the best efforts of those on the security gate she was unsuccessful (Tried to Visit Foggy Today). I think she was a little surprised to hear from Greg Gilchrist later in the day!

Update 650: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (wednesday night). I just stopped by Michael Matz’s barn (10:00 am) and heard from Michael (yes, he is back from Keeneland). I would have seen him on the track this morning if the weather was not so grim. Rain, rain, rain. I rode one on the woodchip track first thing, shedrowed one a little later, and called it quits for the morning.

I did call up New Bolton to inquire about the status of the Barbaro Fund. This is what I learned, as of August 30th, the entire fund is a little over $1.2 million, with 1,431 donors. The funds received in honor of Dr. Richardson: $11,511. 243 donors! Impressive!