Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Tim:

Update 476: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (thursday night). I was just driving back in to Fair Hill for my third set when I saw Michael’s crew heading up to the track. I stopped, got out of my truck, asked the inevitable question, and got the good, positive response. There appears to be a pretty obvious upbeat mood within the barn judging by the poor jokes being cracked at my reporting efforts!
updated friday 7:10am
Update 475: No update just yet, its still a little early! I had a break after my second set and thought I would try to describe the morning activities thus far. For the first set we left the barn at about 5:25 am, there were two us of, Linsey and I, on two two year olds. It was pretty dark out for sure, and the tractors were still working on the main dirt track (note to self, are we starting a little early at this point ?) We thus had to go to the inner wood chip track (my two year old had not been there before). We jogged back a mile (counter clockwise) together, and basically followed the tractors that were on the outer track, they had big lights on them, which helped! There was one other horse out on the woodchip track, and I kept looking to see if he was going to gallop by us (it would have likely set our horses off a little). Fortunately we met no (horse) traffic. We turned them around after jogging back a turn, and galloped a turn together. On the way home there was a fox cub, ON the horsepath. He was not moving until we got very close to him (her ?) Then he just wandered off to about 10 foot away, as if to say, what the heck are you doing at this time of morning!
My second set went out back across the fields. OK, so now it was beautiful. The sun was just rising, and it was a lovely sunrise, and there was a low mist coming from the damp grass (although it beats me how the grass gets damp, we have not had rain for ages and the ground is rock hard)! Anyway, Deer everywhere, which is usual if you are first to take a horse outback, which meant my horse was scooting around a little, but he does enjoy jogging up and down the low gradient hills.
OK, I think we may have a couple of visitors today, which will be great. I have about six more to ride. The Barbaro update may come at its usual early time, OR it might be around 8:30 ish. I am not riding my third set at the usual time (now) which is when I normally run into Michael after he hears from Dean. I just wanted to let you know.
Update 474: A few of you have set up web-sites in honour of Barbaro. I may not have highlighted them all, please e-mail me your web-site URL and I will compile them all into an update and add them to the Fan Media page. On that note SharonLynn sent me a note about an online book she is compiling at CelebrateAHero.com (Book ID: 428640). You can contribute some comments, thoughts, remembrances and/or photos to make this book as wonderful as possible. Sharonlynn is planning to purchase the original for the Jackson’s, and make copies for those connected to Barbaro.

[Davignport]

I just got my Barbaro bracelet (thanks Gubbyz) and will not take it off until he is out in the sunshine for good. Happy to hear he had another good (and uneventful) night. I firmly believe all of the good vibes, jingles, candles and prayers are all helping this wonderful creature heal. Never underestimate the power of positive thoughts…

[Lori_T]

I also got my bracelet…many thanks to Gubbyz! I love it and have gotten many comments about it already. You are a doll!

[VirginiaBred]

Update 477: Steve Willard (Giacomo’s exercise rider) just called and all remains well as Giacomo continues his preparations for the Pacific Classic. His training today was very much the same as yesterday. He came onto the track at about 9:30 am. He actually hand walks before he trains, he then gets to eat a little bit and rest up. Training later also ensures a quieter race track.
Once on the track, Giacomo stood for 4 - 5 minutes, and then jogged the wrong way (left handed) for a mile and a quarter. He turned in, and around and galloped a mile and a half. He was a little more relaxed today overall in his gallop. He then jogged back to the gap, all was well. He has had plenty of visits from fans in the area, getting their picture taken with him and so forth (as a Derby winner should). John (his trainer) is very happy to let people visit him. The barn is conveniently located near the stable gate. For those in the Del Mar area, you can watch the morning training from the grandstand, Giacomo should be out again about 9:30 am tomorrow.
ESPN2 will be covering the Pacific Classic on sunday, 7 - 8 pm. Their coverage will also include Barbaro coverage.

[Gunnar]

Bobby, hope you have a great weekend with lots of fresh green grass. Candles are lit and chains are jingling for you Big boy!:sadsmile:

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Tim:

Update 479: I am attending the NTRA conference, scheduled for 6:45 pm re: Lost in the Fog (thanks Ed Fountaine, New York Post for alerting me to the conference). A transcript will be available on monday. LITF’s trainer and vet are online for the teleconference.
Vet:
Unfortunately two more tumours in his abdomen, and another very large tumour along the roof of his back, about the size of a football (not that shape). This one cannot be removed surgically. His condition is terminal.
Trainer:
He is not in a lot of pain, he just gets uncomfortable at times. The end is inevitable, and do not want the horse to go through things he does not need to. Want to provide some final quality of life, pampered and cared for with his own people around him. He won’t take it too far. Mr. Alio (owner), Harry is a tough old guy, but this is bringing him to his knees. LITF is a hell of a warrior.
I typed the above as I was listening, I missed some stuff.
Thanks Alex Fleming, who reported this in the comments, timestamp 10: 20 pm and alerted us to the situation:

Gilchrist was on TVG at 6pm EST and announced he will be brought back to GGF in his stall with his groom to keep him comfortable during his last week. He did not want to euthanize him up at Davis where he would be all alone. He will be cremated and be buried at Ocala Florida where he started his life.
I am sorry, I watched LITF in his debut, and on two different occasions. I am borderline obsessed with my favorite horse, and I am devastated.

Update 478: Peter just called (6:00 pm), Barbaro remains well, Michael had just visited and called Peter.
It does not appear yet we have any updates for Lost in the Fog. We know today is a big day for him. I have left a message with Russell Baze’s agent in the hopes Russell will share some words with us about his relationship with Lost in the Fog. Shelley Haysed left this message in the comments:

Good afternoon, everyone out there on pins and needles - I only have a minute and found Cheryl’s (hopefully!!) positive info, and I have to let you know I called UC Davis and talked to a person who is a public contact for the Large Animal Clinic. She also SOUNDED OPTIMISTIC, she had good warm tones in her voice, when she said she could not yet release any information.
She did tell me that we could send BEST WISHES TO LOST IN THE FOG by posting to UC Davis website,
www.ucdavis.edu
and use a subject line of BEST WISHES TO LOST IN THE FOG - VMTH LARGE ANIMAL CLINIC
The messages are sorted out by the campus and forwarded to the appropriate department. Guess they have no idea what they’re in for…
To send cards by USPS snail mail, the address is:
LOST IN THE FOG
VMTH - Large Animal Clinic
UC Davis
1 Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
If anybody has better info, please let everyone know. I think the vigil yesterday was very powerful and I have all hopes for another miracle.
Bless Bobby for his power.

We also posted a link last night to Barbaro Livingston’s pictures, here it is again: Lost in the Fog.

[merrygoround]

VB I want to thank you for all of the insightful updates–both wonderful and heartbreaking.

I also want to say that I find this site soooo peaceful! No snarling, snapping and infighting.

[MHM]

@Lori T

I also got my bracelet…many thanks to Gubbyz! I love it and have gotten many comments about it already. You are a doll!

Huh? I must have missed this. Could somebody please enlighten me about the bracelets so I don’t have to scroll through 98 pages?

TIA!

[Kenike]

So sad about Lost in the Fog! I really enjoyed watching that horse and adored the off-center blaze Will we be updated when his time comes? Or does anyone knw if it’s possible?

Great about Bobby, though! I’m still wondering about the bracelets, too, because I forgot to check back.

also still trying to figure out how to add Team Barbaro to my tagline…I’m not very good at stuff like that (and obviously slow)

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~

Update 481: Russell Baze just called back so here is our interview (what a class act btw):

I worked him all but once or twice since he was a two year old. I rode him in every race he ran bar one. He was a real genuine horse to be around. He was the best horse I have ridden throughout his career. He did everything, against allcomers. His temperament, ability and enthusiasm were unmatched. He had natural speed. He was so quick out of the gate, but he did not need the lead. He had a lot of natural speed, you could sit back and relax, switch leads in the turn, and keep going (when most horse were stopping). He would ship everywhere to run. Just a very rare racehorse.
Greg (trainer) and Harry (owner) have done an exemplary job with this horse. Throughout the horse’s career he has always given his best, now looking back its amazing how well he ran in Churchill (his win this year), knowing what we know now about the horse. It’s all very sad, but he is shipping back to Golden Gate and I will be fortunate to get to see him one more time. He has really been important to me as you can imagine.

I asked Russell what his barn name is: The Fog
I asked about any idiosynchrosies: he’s agressive, and displays it, especially before races trying to bite the pony on the way to the gate
Update 480: I just spoke to Russell Baze, Lost in the Fog’s jockey (who also happened to ride seven winners today). I will post our interview tomorrow (once I have typed it up and run it by Russell). I thought I would highlight this comment from Bubbranch, timestamp: 11:28 pm:

I got to watch his work at Golden Gate Fields in 2005 prior to shipping to Belmont for Breeder’s Cup. The track was closed so he could work alone, and a ton of employees spread out along the rail to watch. By chance an acquaintance of mine saw me in the public box and said come on over here, we picked out a spot on the rail, and then Hary Aleo and his daughter came along and stood right next to us, right next to me. If I had burped I would have bumped elbows with him.
Will never forget how I could feel - physically, like a tingle transmitted - his excitement, pride, and affection for this horse, and I got a great taste of what it must be like to have a truly spectacular horse. Unforgettable. I hope that feeling never goes away for him, and that he’s comforted by that and everyone’s sincere support.
Signed very sadly,
Bubb in California

And finally, Lost in the Fog by Barbara Livingston, again.

[gubbyz]

MHM, I sent you a message.

[VirginiaBred]

No Update yet this Saturday morning, but please remember to keep the candles lit for Barbaro, and say a prayer for Lost In The Fog, as well.
Thank you all.

[VirginiaBred]

Per Tim & Alex:

Next Barbaro vigil: Saturday, August 19th, 7 pm east coast time.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex:

Update 482: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (friday night). I saw Michael Matz on my third set, we were behind the gate. The conversation behind the gate quickly turned to Lost in the Fog. Very sad. I want to thank Russell Baze for the time he gave me last night to provide us an interview, and some insight into The Fog. I also learned, after the interview, that not only did Russell ride seven winners yesterday, but he is on a nine race streak!.
The two year old I was riding was gate schooling. It was only his second time. We walked through the gate a couple of times, then walked him in, stood him and closed up the gates. We then opened them up, he walked out, nice and straight. He was very good for a second time visitor to the gate. I did learn this morning about his pedigree (from his owner). I used to gallop his mother, and she is now 21. (Yikes!)

[VirginiaBred]

[I]www.bloodhorse.com

[/I] [URL=“https://www.bloodhorse.com/Subscriptions/BHSubscribe.aspx?SC=CQ06Z28202”]

        [B]Dr. Richardson Upbeat About Barbaro's Program[/B]
                       Date Posted: 8/17/2006 11:19:10 AM
          Last Updated: 8/17/2006 6:02:00 PM
          Though the public has commended Dr. Dean Richardson's dedication to Barbaro's recovery from his catastrophic Preakness (gr. I) injuries and recently developed laminitis, the Landenberg, Pa. veterinarian insists he is only one of many to help the Kentucky Derby (gr. I)-winning colt throughout each day. 

A typical 24-hour period for Barbaro at the George D. Widener for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center includes four monitoring sessions with nurses that check his vital signs, the amount he is eating and drinking, and his manure and urine production. Fed four times a day, the colt receives a free choice of alfalfa and timothy mix hay.
Richardson’s day starts well before 6 a.m., which is the hour he routinely changes the bandage on Barbaro’s left foot, which is being treated for laminitis.
“He basically gets his foot cleaned daily and a very generic antibiotic; the only thing we are putting on it is a silver sulfur diozine that is non-irritating,” he said during a “Talkin’ Horses” online chat at bloodhorse.com. “We put a padded bandage on his left foot and put the foot in a boot which has several pieces of foam in the bottom.”
A recent development in Barbaro’s schedule is his late afternoon walks with Richardson, who allows the colt to graze outside for around 30 minutes. No longer needing to remain in a sling during part of the day, Richardson said Barbaro looks forward to daily visits from his devoted trainer Michael Matz and owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who never fail to bring fresh, hand-picked grass from their Lael Farm, which is located nearby in Chester County, Pa
Barbaro’s typical day also includes being groomed and bathed at various times and taking medications at multiple intervals.
“Previously, he was on a number of constant intravenous infusions and epidural pain medication,” Richardson explained. “His management is much simpler right now because he is doing so well.”
Though he is optimistic, Richardson continues to be honest about Barbaro’s situation, and refuses to “put the cart before the horse,” so to speak.
“I think his chances of making it are better than I thought six weeks ago,” Richardson said. “The quality of healing of his laminitis foot at this time is good, and I am increasingly optimistic that he may grow a good enough hoof to become comfortable in the long-term.”
In the event of Barbaro making an optimum recovery, Richardson made a bold remark in saying, “I still believe there is a chance to save him to be a comfortable breeding stallion, capable of naturally covering mares…if he fully recovers, he will be able to do more than walk.”

The New Bolton surgeon was quick to add, however, that he still could not say if the colt’s survival was “for sure,” and anticipated Barbaro’s hospitalization to continue for several more months.
“It is important to keep in mind that Barbaro has not been saved yet,” Richardson said. “It is not like anyone can say it has been proven. I certainly can’t emphasize that enough, and unfortunately it is the truth. Until he is doing what a normal horse can do I am not going to consider it a success.”

Though the risk for the colt developing laminitis in his front feet was fairly low, Richardson noted he would always be at higher risk of having the disease and other problems in the currently infected foot.
He also said, there was “no question” that Barbaro’s young age has been a positive factor in the healing process.
According to Richardson, about 90% of Barbaro’s hoof wall, including the sole was completely removed after discovering the laminitis. He estimated it would take between nine and 12 months for the hoof to re-grow.
Regarding the internal fixation hardware installed in Barbaro’s fractured leg, Richardson said the implants would only be removed if they were associated with an ongoing infection. The soonest the surgeon expects Barbaro’s leg to be solid enough to take off the cast is early September.

Looking back at when Barbaro’s Preakness breakdown first occurred, Richardson said, "I felt very sick to my stomach when I saw it. I knew immediately it was a very, very severe injury. I pretty much thought exclusively in medical terms, about the nature of the fracture, whether the skin was broken, and considering where he was, I figured he would come to me.

“This is what I do,” Richardson continued of why he decided to take on Barbaro’s case. “This is why I get up in the morning. This is the type of cases I have worked my whole career to get better at. I certainly can’t imagine not wanting to try this. I am sure some would not have wanted it because it is so high profile,” continued Richardson, who is still getting used to signing autographs when he visits Saratoga Racecourse. “I certainly don’t think I am the only person who could have helped him.”

[VirginiaBred]

Dr. Dean Richardson’s birthday in August 30th. He will be on vacation that entire week. If you are at all interested in doing anything, here is some information about that:

Making a contribution to the Barbaro Fund - I will definitely do this. It is a great cause and will mean a lot to Dr. R.

ALSO…I was in contact with Rachel earlier, and she and the wonderful people at Kennett Florist will be putting together a gift, including a nice gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, for Dr. R from donations that we can send to them at Kennett Florist. They will be presenting the gift on FRIDAY, AUGUST 25th. You may send a check to the address below and write
“Dr. R. B’day” on the memo line of your check.

Kennett Florist
405 W State St
Kennett Square, PA 19348
phone: 610-444-6040

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex:

Update 483: Peter Brette may be visiting Barbaro today. If he does, I will follow up and get a report. I just saw Lisa, Better Talk Now’s exercise rider. He is doing well after the Arlington Million. He has be out twice (training) across the fields. He will likely do that for a week. They are considering the Melbourne Cup as an option for him later in the fall. That would be TOO cool!

I created a separate folder on the discussion forums for Lost in the Fog. Here is contact information:
Attn: Greg Gilchrist
Golden Gate Field
1100 East Shore Highway
Berkeley, CA 94710

Dr. Richardson is getting ready to operate on a polar bear! The following is an excerpt:

Dr. Dean Richardson will operate on Alcor, the 750-pound polar bear with two badly broken bones just above his right paw, sometime next week at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, where Barbaro is being treated, officials said.
“This doctor is one of the best in the world and they’ve got a state-of-the-art medical facility,” zoo spokesman Scott Mitchell said. “There couldn’t be a better scenario, given the circumstances.”

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Tim/Alex~

Update 484: Steve Willard (Giacomo’s exercise rider) just called to provide us an update for Giacomo as he prepares for Sunday’s Pacific Classic. Everything is a go. He had his last gallop before the big race and will likely tack walk or jog tomorrow morning. Steve noted his training today was similar to the last two days. He jogged back (anti-clockwise) a mile and a quarter. He turned around and galloped a mile and a half. Everything feels fine, he is training forwardly and feels good.
A couple of people have mentioned to Steve that they have been reading these reports, which is pretty cool. I think one of those people was Jeannine Edwards, who is preparing for ESPN2s coverage tomorrow (7 - 8 pm). ESPN2 will also be providing a Barbaro update I think. I will plan to contact Steve and get one more update before the big race tomorrow. A few people have asked why I am covering Giacomo specifically for the Pacific Classic. I chose Giacomo because like Bobby, he’s a Derby winner!

Don’t forget, we are planning a Barbaro vigil, 7 pm east coast time tonight. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, spare some thoughts for Barbaro.

[VirginiaBred]

Update 485: Peter Brette just called, he visited Barbaro at about 1 pm today. All remains well. He gave him a good brush. He pretty much confirmed Bobby had been out grazing everyday since he first started grazing. Peter and Michael will be on grazing duty next week I think.

Kennett Florist visited Fair Hill today, this is their comment (timestamp: 6:12 pm)

Not too much to report from NBC today. All was quiet when we dropped off our goodies this afternoon, but that is normal for a Saturday.
Our prayers and thoughts are with LITF and his family. May he be comfortable in his final time at home with his family.

On a lighter note, Alie, my son Jacob and I had the wonderful duty of delivering a special gift to Alex this morning, from many of the TWR web family. He was absolutely wonderful to talk to and was graciuos enough to let my son meet a couple of the horses (he’s 4 and now thanks to Barbaro, a horse fanatic). We took a couple pictures and I will forward them to Alex to do with as he pleases.

Alex, again, thank you for all that you do and for taking the time to meet with us this morning. We hope you enjoy your gifts. CHEERS from all of the thankful family members here on TWR and all of us at Kennett Florist!
PS - Before you all start calling, we don’t have any fish on hand for the polar bear!! (but of course you know we’d take care of it if need be!) LOL
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel

It was fun meeting Alie, Rachel and Jacob. I really get a kick out of seeing how easy it is to entertain people around horses. And of course, all your generosity is amazing, I was pretty overwhelmed, but very thankful! I did decide to regift the basket of goodies, I asked Annie (from Michael Matz) if she would give it to Eduardo, Bobby’s groom. She was delighted to do so. I will plan another Whip gathering very soon! Again, thank you, it means a lot.

[VirginiaBred]

[B]Thanks, Tim/Alex~

[/B]Update 486: Jeannine Edwards just e-mailed me about the big race tomorrow (Pacific Classic) and ESPN2s coverage (7 - 8 pm east coast time). The following is an excerpt:

I did see Steve this morning before he got on Giacomo, we had a nice chat. It seems they’re all pretty excited about Giacomo’s chances tomorrow. I can tell you he looks fantastic! Always been a big, eye-catching horse, but he’s really blossomed into a he-man since last year. Nice to hear that all his little problems seem to be behind him. Someone else who looks fantastic is Perfect Drift, what a cool horse he is. He loves travelling, loves seeing different places, and nothing fazes him. He’s a handsome brute of guy. You’d never know he’s 7. He spends each winter at his owner Dr. Reed’s home/farm outside of Kansas City, just turned out, growing a shaggy coat, getting spoiled by Mrs. Reed, and being a horse. Trainer Murray Johnson said Perfect Drift knows he’s officially “off duty” when he gets to the farm. If ever a horse deserves credit for running his heart out every single race, it’s Perfect Drift. And by the way, he’s by Barbaro’s sire Dynaformer, and he has the same head and face as Barbaro. Only Perfect Drift’s ears are bigger! Perfect Drift will be making his 40th start tomorrow, and he’s earned $4.5 million!! It’s going to be a great race. We will also have in the show a feature on Giacomo, an interview with his owners (Jerry and Ann Moss), a Lava Man feature and interview with his owners, and a report on poor Lost In The Fog. Incredibly sad. Hard to get a grasp of this … and I can’t even imagine what his owner, trainer, and stable personnel are going through right now. I remember seeing him at Saratoga last year, and playing with him over his webbing. He was a very personable, inquisitive colt who took his owner and trainer on a remarkable journey last year … 10 straight wins all around the country and an Eclipse Award as the Champion Sprinter. It will be a very sad day when he leaves us.

Jeannine forgot to mention (which she confirmed in a subsequent e-mail) that there will be a Barbaro update during the show tomorrow.

Some of you have pointed out that Sabina has posted a few new pictures of Barbaro!