Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[msj]

Thanks again for the updates VB! I’ve stopped initialing when I light the candles as it takes more time to do that. This way (not initialing) I can get more candles lit. Both Bobby and Foggy are above 1000 but not by much.

I come here generally 3 times/day and light candles, but I’ll be gone 4 days next week with no access to a puter so I’m trying to light more than usual for today and Monday. Will get back late Friday and will do more on Saturday AM. I know I’m going to be going thru withdrawal.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex:
Update 665: Sue McMullen e-mailed me this report from racing today in Ireland:
[I]
It was touted as a clash between the two of them and so it proved today when Teofilo and Holy Roman Emperor justified their billing as two of the best juveniles around, finishing first and second in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh.

Jim Bolger has said all year that the unbeaten Teofilo is one of the best he’s ever trained and you have to take notice of the man who has top filly Alexander Goldrun in his yard and was responsible for St Jovite. Teofilo showed a real turn of foot to power away from his stablemate Slaney Time, who had ensured a decent pace, leaving Holy Roman Emperor, who was stepping up in trip, in hot pursuit but it wasn’t to be his day. The two colts now head the betting for next season’s 2000 Guineas and we must hope they fulfil the promise we’ve seen today. Teofilo looks as if he’ll improve physically with age and is a very exciting prospect. There’s consolation for Coolmore as Teofilo is by Galileo who is having a wonderful season as a sire, having produced the first three home in last week’s St Leger. Physically more imposing, Holy Roman Emperor, by Danehill, showed real acceleration in pursuit of Teofilo who had aleady slipped the field but he was never going to catch him. Let’s hope these two progress as we could see some real battles next year.

Another item of news from this side of the pond is that Big Timer is to head to Belmont for the Champagne Stakes next month, in the hope of getting an invitation to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The dirt shouldn’t inconvenience the impressive son of Street Cry, whose owners have turned down big offers for him. All credit to European trainers who continue to send horses to the US, which adds further interest to the big races for fans throughout the world. Racing is increasingly global and this season we’ve had three of Australia’s top sprinters in the UK to contest our big sprints and the Japanese sent Heart’s Cry to the King George, with Deep Impact, heading to the Arc. Both these superb colts are by the flag-bearer for Japanese Racing, the late, great and sorely-missed Sunday Silence.
[/I]
You can also read Sporting Life’s summary of the 2yo race: TEOFILO LANDS KNOCKOUT BLOW. As I was making this update a friend of mine, Bob Hatfield (probably most famous for finishing second on BarryPhillipsDisco at Wetherby about 20 years ago, when a styrup leather had snapped at the first fence) called, he is now based in Louisville, so I have a floor reserved for the Breeders’ Cup if I make it out this year. I have been to more Breeders’ Cups than I have missed, since I have been in the US. The first was watching Sunday Silence win the Classic!

The IN HONOR OF BARBARO RESCUE CHALLENGE continues with its third challenge!

[VirginiaBred]

Update 666: Peter called (3pm) to report that Michael had called, visited, and Barbaro was doing well. Another comfortable day. Barbaro also went out grazing, and today was certainly a lovely day to do that.

Thanks, Alex!

[VirginiaBred]

Monday Morning~
Update 667: Another comfortable night for Barbaro last night (sunday night). I saw Michael Matz on the track as I was leaving the starting gate. Michael had just heard from Dr. Richardson.

It’s an absolutely beautiful morning here in Fair Hill…a crimson sunrise with the mist coming out of the ground. The horse that I took to the gate, I don’t think I had ridden before (not entirely sure) but he was here today to just stand in the gate. The plan is to then break him out of the gate Wednesday for his gate card. I’m now just getting on my third set, Chesapeake City Slew, who I am guessing may also be going to the gate.
updaqted monday 7:30am

[VirginiaBred]

Update 668: And Chesapeake City Slew did go to the gate, along with Grandma (two of Tim’s we need to update in the horse section). Both were very good in the gate and galloped around nicely. The morning also included a first breeze for “Rocky”. He went in the company of another whose first breeze it was, we were clocked in 12.1, but I thought we went in 14 (secs.), so it just goes to show that us riders really are a little clueless to the clock. Since I was on the inside, I was setting the pace.
The discussion boards continue to be extremely active with people discussing best approaches for the anti-slaughter bill, which is obviously the principal issue at hand. We highlighted the Miracle Horse Rescue Barbaro challenge over the weekend (almost $6,000 raised so far) along with the offer of a free bracelet to those who contribute to a horse rescue organization.
One offer I have neglected to highlighted, but interesting and important nonetheless, is this unique fundraising idea (The Wild Animal Sactuary Fundraiser) for the Wild Animal Sanctuary that is being closed down. It seems a pretty cool chance for Barbaro fans to own some cool racing memorabilia.
Barclay Tagg is in Fair Hill this morning. I asked him how Funny Cide was after his race, and he said he was fine.
Thanks to Alex!

[eggbutt]

Does anyone know if it’s true about Lost In The Fog? The Foggy post says he was put down last night. PLEASE let this news be a rumor!

[VirginiaBred]

From Alex:
Update 669: It is very sad to report Lost in the Fog was euthanized last night: Champion Lost in the Fog Euthanized. The following is an excerpt:

“We accomplished what we wanted to do,” said trainer Greg Gilchrist Sept. 18. “It was all about giving him quality (time). We did everything we could for him. He was happy and content right up to the end. He went quietly and easily.”
Gilchrist had just finished grazing Lost in the Fog outside his barn at Golden Gate Fields on the San Francisco Bay Sept. 17, which he did twice daily, and was heading to the paddock to saddle a horse when Lost in the Fog went into distress.

Very sad. This was first reported on the internet on derbytrail.com.

[VirginiaBred]

Update 670: Gretchen Jackson just called. She wanted to thank everyone for all their efforts and was very happy that Barbaro had brought so many wonderful people together. She talked about the responsibility she felt that came with the ownership of a Derby winner, and was hoping that that responsibility can yield some good things. Mrs. Jackson is obviously very passionate about the anti-slaughter legislation, is doing everything she can to support the legislation, and is very appreciative of everyone’s efforts here.
Of course I had to ask her for a Barbaro update. He is doing well. Mrs. Jackson visited at lunchtime, and Barbaro was laying down, in an upright position, eating! He is very relaxed. I asked Mrs. Jackson if I could interview her in the near future for the site, of course she said yes.

Excellent! Thank you Tim/Alex!

[Gunnar]

Team Barbaro! Go Bobby go!

Candles are lit, jingling is happening…

Godspeed to Foggy!:sadsmile:

Thanks for the updates!

[msj]

RIP Foggy!

Now to go light a dozen or more candles for Bobby!

[VirginiaBred]

Update 671: In honor of Lost in the Fog I wanted to highlight a couple of tributes, the first a video: Lost in the Fog: Tribute to a Champion. Listening the commentary of his race at Saratoga is amazing. The second, a poem by Linnie (timestamp: 8:25pm):

Just very quickly, I wrote the following humble tribute to a great hero:
Lost in the Fog
You are lost no more
The angels have beckoned
And have opened God’s door
Lost in the Fog
No more pain shall you bear
As the grief in my heart
is assuaged by my tears
Lost in the Fog
'Twas a most gallant fight
Now you make your true passage
Through the comforting Light
Lost in the Fog
Down the backstretch toward Home
Your eyes fixed on the prize
Peaceful days now will come
Lost in the Fog
An incredible race
And a sprint to the Finish
With the stature of Grace
Lost in the Fog
Ne’er a Hero so strong
That will wear a King’s Crown
On a misty September Morn
Lost in the Fog
Angels wait at God’s door
To welcome the Champion
'Twill be lost Nevermore …

Thank you Alex.

[Sport]

Thanks for the continued updates Virginiabred. I don’t post often, but I enjoy the updates.

Jingles to Barbaro.

Godspeed Foggy.

[VirginiaBred]

Update 672: Just spoke to Peter Brette, who had heard from Michael, who visited Barbaro this afternoon. Barbaro continued to have a comfortable day.

Rachel, from Kennett Florist left this report (comment timestamp: 8:31 pm):

We are so very sad to hear the news of Foggy. God give his family strength and know that he is at peace. He was and is surrounded by love. Our thoughts are with all who love him.
Glad to hear that Alex had a chance to talk to Mrs Jackson. What a remarkable woman she is indeed. When I spoke to NBC today, the report was the same. Barbaro was comfortable and happily chomping down his carrots.
Also wanted to note that we had such a lovely time meeting with a bunch of Fans that travelled this way for a get together. Thank you for including us in your trip and inviting us to lunch. The time seemed to fly and I hope next time we can visit longer.
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel at Kennett Florist

[Sugarbrook]

VB: This may be a stupid question, but when lighting the candles, which i do often, how can we get to the end of the candle pages to light more without going thru 30 or so pages? Sometimes I can find one gone out and do light that one. Just wondering.

[VirginiaBred]

Sugarbrook, don’t worry about getting to the end of the candle page, just light them on the first page you come to. That’s what I do, and I think most folks do.

We need to continue lighting them for Barbaro; and now in memory of Foggy.

Tuesday Morning~

Update 674: Another comfortable night for Barbaro last night (monday night). I saw Michael Matz as I was walking on to the track with Chappy for my second set. He had just heard from Dr. Richardson.

It is an appropriately foggy morning here in Fair Hill and I am jogging my second mile on Chappy as I call in this update from my cell phone.
updated 7:15am

Update 673: Tributes to Lost in the Fog continue unabated. A couple of examples on the discussion boards: New Tribute to Lost in the Fog and THE LAST BATTLE.

Calder Race Track issued a news release: Farewell to a Champion: Goodbye, Lost in the Fog. The Fog made his final start at Calder. There is a nice picture of him under exercise rider Sue Milne.

Golden Gate Field also issued a news release: CHAMPION LOST IN THE FOG EUTHANIZED. The following are two excerpts:

Gilchrist said it was tough to say goodbye to Lost in the Fog.
“It was very emotional,” said Gilchrist. “I probably won’t ever get over it. I always said when it got too bad, Lost in the Fog would let me know. I think he did yesterday (Sunday). If he was a person, he would have said, ‘It’s time.’ That’s life and we have to deal with it. People come and go. I’ll just see him on the other side.”
Gilchrist said Lost in the Fog will be cremated and it’s likely his ashes will go to Southern Chase Farm in Florida, where he was raised.

and

When asked how he would like fans to remember Lost in the Fog, Gilchrist replied, “Just remember him for the great warrior and champion he was.”
Golden Gate Fields is planning to honor Lost in the Fog on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Here are the snail mail addresses of Lost in the Fog’s connections.

The IN HONOR OF BARBARO RESCUE CHALLENGE has eclipsed $7,000!

For those who wish to follow Erin’s progress, you can now view her web-site: Erin Brennan. Erin is the daughter of Annie from Kennett Florist.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks to Alex & Tim~
Update 676: The Daily Racing Form has this article on Lost in the Fog: Lost in the Fog euthanized. It includes the following quotes of Mr. Aleo, the Fog’s owner:

“We did everything we possibly could,” a subdued Aleo said from his office on Monday afternoon. “But it’s kind of heartbreaking. To have a great horse like that and he never got the chance to pass on his genes. And he never really got a chance to run his best races in his prime.”

and

“He did the right thing by us,” Aleo concluded, “and we tried to do what we thought was right by him, always. But there will never be another one like him.”

I called up the writer, Glenye Cain (we have corresponded a little over Barbaro over the last month or two), to get her perspective from the interview of Mr. Aleo. This is what Glenye told me:

Mr. Aleo’s comments made the story. I do not know Mr. Aleo personally and this was the first time I had talked with him. You can only imagine how difficult it is for a reporter to talk to someone for the first time under such circumstances.
The thing that struck me about Mr. Aleo was his question “I hope we did the right thing?”, he still questions whether they did the right thing for the horse, and that is and has been his sole concern. He did not want to allow him to suffer unecessarily. It was very touching. He was very subdued, a little shocked.
It is great that this summer we have seen two sets of connections to two great horses manage their decisions solely in the interest of the horse in question. They provide great examples to all of us.

Glenye also owns a horse, a retired thoroughbred race horse, that at one time in his career was trained by Graham Motion. Emperor Tigere is now a field hunter. Glenye acquired him from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Update 675: I believe Edgar Prado is planning a special visit today. I called his agent who confirmed.

[eggbutt]

Thanks VB…I so hope Foggy’s people find peace with their decisions and know they did everything they did in the best interest of his comfort. I imagine they will be second guessing themselves for a long time.

I’d love to see some new photos of Barbaro to brighten my sadness and understand that we can’t win every fight. It would be great to learn that his cast can be removed very soon and his left foot is growing lots of healthy horn. :yes: :yes: :yes: Off to light more candles…

[VirginiaBred]

Update 677: Here is New Bolton’s update: Barbaro continues to Improve:
[I]
According to veterinarians at Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro continues to gradually improve. “He had an excellent week,” said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “We replaced the boot on his left hind foot with a bandage because the hoof is doing well.”

In addition, Barbaro continues to be comfortable in the cast that has been on his right hind leg for the past three weeks. “We won’t change it unless there is a reason to do so, and we will continue to monitor his comfort closely before deciding when to replace or remove this cast,” said Dr. Richardson. “He is enjoying his daily excursions outside to graze, and his appetite is 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 26, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.[/I]

[FirstCry]

Couldn’t ask for a better report than that.:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: Yea!!!

Thanks VB for continued updates.

[catknsn]

What a great update!

I think everybody is so excited for the day when we see him with no cast at all, but after the scare with the good foot, it is wonderful to hear that the hoof is regrowing well.