The Spirit of Barbaro

R.I.P. Barbaro

January 29, 2007

May you fly without wings.

1/29/08

One year following the death of Barbaro, announcement is made that his ashes will be interred at Churchill Downs.

U of Penn remembers Barbaro

Edgar Prado signing world's largest get well card to Barbaro.

Remember Barbaro in his Derby triumph.

From Vanity Fair August 2007: Gone Like the Wind, the Barbaro article by Buzz Bissinger

5/4/07

Dwight Manley, Jockey Guild Manager, scores the winning bid on Barbaro's Kentucky Derby saddle. Donated by Edgar Prado, the saddle bidding came to a close with Manley's bid of $220,000. Proceeds will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund. Due to some confusion regarding the winning bid, Manley allowed the Jackson's to purchase the saddle for the final bid price. He then contibuted another $80,000 to the fund.

1/29/07

Our hearts and prayers extend to the Jacksons, the Matz family and all connections, and the very special people at New Bolton who gave it their all. We have been privileged, in this lifetime, to share in the great champion and his champion connections. He will not be forgotten and the valiant efforts to assist his courageous battle will be forever appreciated.

R.I.P. Barbaro. May your flight to the heavens be swift.

The Spirit of Barbaro Continues

6/3/07 Inside Informaton on HRTV will feature Dr. Richardson at 9:00 p.m. EST. HRTV is available through Dish Network.

5/11/07 One year late, Matz has moved on ~ Jay Privmen, from DRF

Roy Jackson: Looking Back, Moving Forward - Q & A from the Blood-Horse.

Derby Day honoring Barbaro. A special ceremony will be held in the Churchill Downs winner's circle between races 6 and 7 on May 5, 2007.

It's all because of you. That means all of you. Barbaro's legacy: Better life for horses

Barbaro Birthday Celebration: Delaware Park, April 28 - 29. Charity auction on Saturday, 4/28 7 - 10 p.m. ($25 food & cash bar) with proceeds to benefit Thoroughbred Charities of American (split between laminitis research and equine rescue). Sunday 12 - 8 p.m. ($35 food and beverages). More info on Tim Woolley Racing.

"Barbaro: A Nation's Horse" is scheduled on Sunday, April 29 at 5 p.m. EST. The one hour documentary will be broadcast on NBC. Click on the film cell for preview.

Barbaro's winning Derby saddle to be auctioned at the Mint Jubilee Gala, held at the Galt House Hotel in Lousiville, on May 4 to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The saddle, donated by Edgar Prado, was also used in Belmont Stakes victories aboard Sarava in 2002 and Birdstone in 2004.

Barbaro's 2006 full brother has a name and it is Nicanor.

Poppy, a female Australian Shepherd-Spaniel mix is available for adoption at the Glendale (CA) Humane Society, sponsored by "In Memory of Barbaro."

HBO planning Barbaro documentary to debut June 6, 10 p.m. EST.

Leonard Richards Stakes (GIII), held in July at Delaware Park, has been renamed the Barbaro Stakes.

2/27/07 Dr. Dean Richardson speaks at International Polo Club

Alex Brown, the man behind the Barbaro updates, in the news.

Roy and Gretchen Jackson endow chair in the name of Dr. Richardson at the U of Penn School of Veterinary Medicine with a $3 million gift to further the study of equine disease.

Barbaro inspires idea for museum - from the Philadelphia Daily News

View From the Rail: Barbaro didn't shatter a boy's heart - by Larry Lee Palmer from Seattle Post-Intelligencer

NTRA Charities - Barbaro Memorial Fund to be created to raise money and awareness for equne health and safety research.

Barbaro Foundation established by Gulfstream Park. Scholarship program to benefit future veterinarians.

A profile of the Jacksons and Lael Farm

Barbaro Epilogue - from the Blood-Horse a collection of articles.

Dr. Richardson after Barbaro from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Barbaro injured during Preakness & taken to the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

Updates to be posted as they become available.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Barbaro and connections.

Thank you from Barbaro and the New Bolton Center

10/18/06

Its' been a long road for Barbaro, and it continues for many miles in front of him. Together, we shared his meteoric race to victory in the Derby, then crashed to the depths of despair following his injury in the Preakness. Together, we held our breath and prayed for him. There were days in which the darkness prevailed and it seemed that there would be no way to the light. There were days when hope triumphed with the thought that, yes, indeed, he would overcome the odds and live on. Together, our dreams and prayers would be answered. As time went on, some grew complacent as other headlines came to the forefront. Others never forgot. Not for one moment. Together, we are still united in our hopes and prayers for this great athlete, Barbaro.

There is something, however, which goes way beyond Barbaro. It is the general turn in spirit that has prevailed, through his injury and through our new found awareness. Our hopes and prayers extend to other horses, to other people, to other kindred spirits and newfound friends. Together, we are aware and are slowly beginning to take action to make this a better place for all horses and their people. Keyword? Together. That's how is has been done, and will continue to move forward.

FlyingFilly

Barbaro UPDATE page from New Bolton Center.

**Wednesday, August 16 - 6 p.m. EST ** Talkin' Horses with Dr. Dean Richardson

If you missed it, read the transcript.

From Bellwether, the U. of P. School of Vet Medicine's Newsletter,

It Takes a Team to Mend a Horse.

NTRA Moment of the Year is Barbaro's recovery!

1/28/07 As Barbaro travels the rocky road, those who love him never lose faith. Day after day, week after week, and month after month they never lose faith. "If wishes were horses," Barbaro will be healed through their faith, prayers, and spirit alone.

1/27/07 Right rear cast removed, abscess drained. External brace placed on right leg to alleviate weight bearing. A new cast had been applied to both right and left rear legs on 1/24.

1/15/07 Barbaro has "improved significantly" since surgery on 1/13.

1/13/07 Surgery performed to remove additional laminitic hoof wall and cut flexor tendon to improve alignment of coffin bone. A cast was added to right hind leg to add support.

1/10/07 Barbaro has set back with laminitic left hind foot, one week following cast change. Pain management and use of the sling has been resumed. He is eating, alert, and vital signs are stable.

12/29/06 Blog Becomes the Source for Barbaro, from the Daily Racing Form. Well deserved!

In another parallel drawn to the great Nureyev, Walmac Farm stands ready with the special facilities that enabled Nureyev's stallion career following injury similar to that of Barbaro.

12/20/06 Pimlico's Sir Barton Stakes has been renamed the Barbaro Stakes.

12/19/06 Dr. Scott Morrison, equine podiatry specialist of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, to examine Barbaro's laminitic left hind foot. Barbaro could be leaving New Bolton "in the not so distant future."

12/13/06 Breyer donates $114,710 to the Barbaro Fund from sale of the Barbaro model.

12/12/06 Barbaro's padded bandage to be replaced by special supportive shoe on right hind foot. The left hind foot continues to improve and his weight is good.

Dr. Dean Richardson to receive Big Sport of Turfdom Award on January 22 by the Turf Publicists of America. The award is presented to the person who, through cooperation with the media, most enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing.

11/30/06 Barbaro's progress still continues to look bright. Additionally, Dr. Dean Richardson and Team Barbaro has been named as possible contenders for the 2006 Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year award.

11/6/06 Cast removed from Barbaro's right rear leg, hoof trimmed, new shoe glued on, and a splinted bandage has been applied. A check on his left rear showed continued hoof growth.

11/1/06 Team Barbaro received the Mr. Fitz Award, at the National Turf Writers Association Awards Dinner, in honor of those who typify the spirit of racing. Dr. Dean Richardson and the staff at New Bolton receive the Joe Palmer Award for meritorious service to racing. Congratulations and well deserved!

10/18/06 Things continue to look good for Barbaro's progress. The Washington Post has a nice article "Diminished Body, Preserving Spirit". Also, be sure to check out their photo slide show, "Barbaro, A Special Patient."

9/27/06 Growth continues in left hind hoof (the leg affected with laminitis). Barbaro remains comfortable and healing continues.

8/28/06 Cast change under general anesthesia. Pastern joint appears completely fused and only a small area in the long pastern bone to be completely healed before cast can be removed. He is also comfortable on left hind leg with laminitis.

8/18/06 Your good thoughts are working! Barbaro is no longer using his sling and is hand grazing 20 - 30 minutes a day.

8/14/06 Video from ABC News of Barbaro outside and grazing with Dr. Richardson. Looking good!

8/9/06 Keep those good thoughts coming! Cast changed under general anesthesia yesterday. Healing looks good on right leg and regrowth continues on left.

8/2/06 Good healing in right hind leg reported. Cast stays on right leg on to absorb weight from left leg with laminitis.

7/29/06 Although Barbaro's condition is still referred to as guarded, some regrowth is noted at the coronary band in left hind leg effected by laminitis.

7/27/06 Infection appears to be under control in right rear leg.

7/17/06 Cast changes on both rear legs.

7/14/06 God Bless Edgar Prado and the fans who send fruit!

7/12/06 News Conference from New Bolton Center: Dr. Dean Richardson reports that Barbaro has laminitis in his left hind leg. A resection was performed, removing the affected portion of the hoof wall.

7/9/06 Barbaro's cast replaced again (long cast changed to short cast for ease of movement)

7/8/06 - Barbaro undergoes further surgery to replace plate and screws in right hind leg.

For the very best and most concise updates on Barbaro, visit the Barbaro Update page from Tim Woolley Racing
To better understand laminitis and other injuries to the equine athlete, FlyingFilly recommends the 2 hour DVD "The Athletic Horse" from The Russell Meerdink Company, Ltd. Drs. Larry Bramlage, Alex Harthill, and Ric Redden explore the cause, treatment, and prognosis for sport horse injuries. At 2 hours in length, this video is easy to understand and provides a broad spectrum of information.

AP video clip of Barbaro following 7/8/06 surgery

Edgar Prado visits Barbaro at New Bolton for the first time

Dr. Larry Bramlage from CBS Video

Gretchen Jackson interview on NPR (audio only)

Dr. Dean Richardson 5/22 interview on the Today Show.

5/23 Interview with Dr. Dean Richardson and the Jacksons.

PBS - The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer (Andy Beyer & Dr. Celeste Kunz)

On Any Given Day
Introducing Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine New Bolton Center.

ABC interviews Laura Hillenbrand on Polytrack, Barbaro, and the Triple Crown.

Breyer creates Barbaro model with $10 of each sale donated to the Barbaro Fund at New Bolton Center.

Barbaro Photo Album from Penn Veterinary Medicine.

The Barbaro Fund

If you feel that you would like to make a monetary gift to The New Bolton Center

Send an email to Barbaro

View Barbaro's Message Board.

U. S. Equestrian Federation is compiling a special notebook for Michael Matz and the Jacksons. Include your well wishes here.

More updates and sign guestbook for Barbaro wishes at Getwellbarbaro.com.

5/30/06 Churchill Downs sending care package to Barbaro.

Fans at Belmont Park on Belmont Stakes day will have the opportunity to sign the world's largest get well card.

Excellent article by Sharon Biggs, titled "Broken Legs Aren't Death."