Just imagine how smashing Bobby would look in a tux! I think it is wonderful that he got the wedding invite!
Thanks for the updates!
Go Bobby go!
I am jingling and lighting like mad!:sadsmile:
Candles too low!
Gosh, down to 700 in just a few hours!
I am still checking in daily and still really appreciate the updates. I will light more candles when I get home from work. I usually light everyday, or every other day.
Update 733: Rachel, from Kennett Florist, has just provided this quick update (comment timestamp: 9:02pm):
Afternoon all!
All is well at NBC this afternoon. Quiet, but I was there for just a moment, dropping off some green tops, stud muffins and nickermakers… all of Barbaro’s favorites!
WE BELIEVE!!!
I got the candles up to 947, but they seem to be going out as fast as I can light them
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/apphoto/photo?sportId=1200&photoId=1318248
Lovely photo taken Tuesday, 9-26-06
Friday Morning~
Update 735: The morning update for Barbaro will again be a little later, possibly around 8:30 am.
In from Alex:
Update 736: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (thursday night). I saw Peter coming back from my fourth set (Rocky), he had heard from Michael, who had heard from Dr. Richardson. Michael is not at Fair Hill this morning.
Lots of action this morning at Fair Hill, most of which is action you would rather avoid. One loose horse, one run off, all first thing in the morning. I think all involved are fine, but I know from experience, being run off with is the single worst feeling a rider can have. The last time I was run off with it was a stupid mistake on my part, I had forgotten to tighten my girth. I turned my horse round to begin his gallop (I had not ridden him before, and he was supposed to be breezing) and as soon as I did I felt the saddle slip forward on top of his withers. The horse took off, and there was nothing I could do except sit as still as possible and steer the horse to the inside rail. This I did, and we went for a mile and a half, I was then picked up by a pony. Anyway, it was an experience hard to forget.
OK, back to today, Chappy breezed second set, on the woodchip. She went a nice half, finishing strongly. She does seem to like the chips, lets hope she likes the new tapeta surface when it is ready.
update, 8:45 am, friday september 29
Awesome! Thanks, Alex!!!
Update 737: A great AP article from Rich Rosenblatt: Barbaro an inspiration on and off the race track.
I had noted in an earlier update that I met the writer when he was in Fair Hill a couple of days ago (Barbaro nipped his trouser leg). Anyway, here are some excerpts:
“You can just see it in him, he wants to survive,” Barbaro’s exercise rider Peter Brette said. “He does everything right to allow himself to get better. And he’s had a really good month or so now. He’s tougher than I gave him credit for.”
and
The cast could come off within two weeks and be replaced by a splinted bandage. It remains now because Richardson does not want to add stress on the foot with laminitis. “I’m being very conservative,” he said. “The cast would be off the right hind if there was no laminitis in the left hind.”
and
“I really believe it’s a miracle,” Gretchen Jackson said. “Everything has just seemed to come together against incredible odds.”
The outpouring of get-well cards, flowers and gifts hasn’t let up, either. During his stay, the colt has been sprinkled with holy water and received hundreds of gift baskets and thousands of drawings from children wishing him well. Tens of thousands of e-mails have been sent to the hospital’s Web site.
Jackson recalls one that read: “Believe in Barbaro: A Miracle in Progress.”
“That about sums it up,” he said.
The entire article is a must read.
Update 738: Rachel from Kennett Florist just posted this update (comment timestamp: 9:21 pm):
Just back from NBC. Everyone seems in good spirits today… must be Friday! We had heard Mr B was low on carrots, so we loaded him up for the weekend. We also had a nice big basket of carrots and apples for the donor horses (and goats and pigs, etc). It is such a beautiful cool fall day here… I think it’s time for apple picking (although we are up to our elbows in apples here these days :)… guess I’ll have to bring some in the form of a pie!). Hope eveyone has a great weekend!
Also, wanted to thank each and every one who has worked so hard with S.1915. We’re trying to do what we can at this end. Keep up the fight!
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel at Kennett Florist
I also wanted to post another beautiful poem: We Are The Horses.
Barbaro Squealing!!!
Update 739: Just spoke to Peter, who had spoken to Michael, who visited about 4:30 pm. Barbaro remains comfortable. Michael mentioned to Peter he was “squealing” … I guess he saw Michael and assumed he was off to go outside. Anyway, whatever the reason for the squeal, squealing is good!
Thanks, Alex! That is hilarious!!! :lol:
Would be great if someone could get a video clip of Barbaro squealing when he sees his favorite people!
Saturday Morning~
Update 741: I am hoping the Barbaro update this morning is available by 8 am.
Thanks, Alex.
A Message fro Barbaro’s Owners
A message from Barbaro’s owners
From the AP http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-09292006-720334.html
EDITOR’S NOTE - This is a message written by Barbaro’s owners, Gretchen and Roy Jackson
Text of the Jacksons’ letter:
To Barbaro’s extended family:
We were still trying to believe Barbaro had won the Kentucky Derby when his career-ending injury occurred. Now our focus is on his recovery and providing him with quality of life.
Looking for the good that has come out of this tragedy, we have found great consolation from the vast number of Barbaro fans and have witnessed a powerful interest in all activities that support the welfare of the horse.
It’s impossible to express our thankfulness to each and every one who has contributed through prayers, flowers, letters, gifts and signs. We are grateful to all of you for your support.
Gretchen and Roy Jackson
Update 742: Another comfortable night for Barbaro last night (friday night). I just saw Michael Matz as they were getting ready to head to the track for their third set. While it was a little chilly this morning, it is looking very beautiful outside. My first couple of sets were both breezes of sorts (one open gallop 3/8ths, the other break from the gate and breeze a half). The first went well, the second was “interesting”. Off back to Fair Hill for three more, and I think some visitors!
Thanks, Alex.
In from Alex:
Update 745: Just spoke to Peter Brette (3:25 pm) who had just left New Bolton from his visit to Barbaro. He was pleased with Barbaro. He groomed him, put on his massage blanket and changed his bandages. An upbeat report.
Update 744: I just heard from my friend at HRTV (Tina, who used to gallop at Fair Hill), and the Lost in the Fog memorial at Golden Gate Fields will be on after the 6th at Golden Gate Fields. Post time is 6:25 east coast time.
Update 743: The rest of the morning was relatively uneventful. We had some visitors from Vineland, New Jersey, which was cool. The three I had to ride all went pretty well. Chesapeake City Slew (CCS) did his first little work, along with Grandma. They both went well, and I think CCS will now go home for a couple of months to catch up with himself.
I did see Barclay Tagg earlier this morning, which confirms Funny Cide is not running today in the Hawthorne Gold Cup. I asked him about the plans for Showing Up, and they are still uncertain. He is doing well.
Peter said he was going to visit Barbaro today, so I will hopefully be able to catch up with him later.
It looks like Barbaro’s dad is getting popular: Dynaformer’s fee increased to $150,000. Nice to see two of his 2006 graded stakes winners are Fair Hill horses!
I have been checking for a long time now and I just wanted to say thanks for all the updates and news.
Good morning, Air! In point of fact, I was at your house when they ran the Preakness. IIRC we were on COTH looking for updates within minutes of the accident and for hours afterward. It was the only place we could find out anything worthwhile–the TV news was useless. And of course, the next day, the day of the surgery, we literally haunted the place. And then you created this thread, VB, for the long haul. Thank you for all that you do.
:yes: :yes: :yes:
Sunday Morning~
Thanks, Tim/Alex:
Update 748: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (saturday night). I saw Michael Matz coming back from the track. He had heard from Dr. Richardson. He also noted that Barbaro was well when he visited yesterday.
Go Bobby Go!
I am always so glad to hear how Bobby is doing. I have developed some strong emotions for this wonderful horse. :sadsmile: :yes: He is often in my mind and of course he fills my heart!
I am jingling and liting those candles. Thanks to you all for the updates!
