Hey guys, I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to start another Barbaro update thread. I will try to post updates from the website as often as I can. They post updates pretty much daily.....here is the link... Daily Barbaro updates........you also MUST check out this video.......it is TRULY inspiring...... BARBARO, Never Gonna Give In

Update 300: Barbaro had another comfortable night last night (saturday night). I saw Michael Matz on the track this morning (sunday) as I was exiting the track. He was chatting with the Klesaris', but turned to me to provide the good news.
update sunday, july 23, 8:10 am

Thanks for posting this Simba

yay!!

Way to go Barbaro!

A not so hopeful update was written by a sportswriter in Dayton this weekend and this is a letter in response written by a member of the Barbaro board.........

I just sent the following message to Tom Archdeacon, a sportswriter at a newspaper in Dayton, who wrote a grim assessment for his paper this weekend:

Subject: don't bet against the horse

They're giving him membrane to rebuild the left hind hoof, and the fact is, the extreme care for that injury is giving his right hind joint time to stabilize. They're giving him epidurals and they cut the pain meds back every day as he's able to tolerate less, that's their touchstone for knowing how the horse is doing.

And this isn't any ordinary horse, he hasn't been ordinary his whole life. People who sat on his back when he was 2 years old say it took their breath away, his composure and self-awareness. He's a class act. People say he has grace. I've known cats like that, and at least one dog -- real grace, a presence and an optimism enough to humble ordinary persons.

Nobody has upgraded the horse's condition by so much as an adjective, but everybody -- especially the doctors and trainers who see him every day -- all of them are saying, this horse requires us to give him a chance. He's standing square, he's got a sling he has adapted to, he sleeps lying down every night, he gets a bath on Saturdays, since he was a foal he has handled being in a stall better than most, he's getting nutrients to help him with the left hind rebuild --

Don't bet against the horse. Waste of your time, and you get a lot of people thinking you give up too easy.

Kathy Warren
Northbrook, IL

Update 307: New Bolton Center's press release today: Barbaro's condition remains stable:

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro had an uneventful weekend, and continues to be comfortable according to his doctors at the George D. Widener Hospital. "He's maintaining an excellent attitude," said Chief of Surgery Dean Richardson. "We change his left hind foot cast regularly, and we may change his right hind cast some time this week."

Barbaro spends several hours daily in a sling. "He is out of the sling overnight because he is very smart about lying down and sleeping," said Dr. Richardson. "He continues to eat a diet designed to maximize protein and caloric intake, and his body condition is good for a horse that has had (and is having) his problems. His diet includes a selection of the best quality hay."

The next update will be posted on Wednesday, July 26 unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.

Update 312: A few interesting articles, one old and the others new. The spirit of a champion, by Scott Wells for Thoroughbred Times, discusses horses' love for running, and the compassion we all have for Barbaro, especially his connections' compassion. The article concludes:

If it comes down to spirit, Barbaro will survive. How I hope it happens that way. But just know that when he does die, whether in a matter of days or 20 years from now, his owners, his trainer, his jockey, his groom, his hot walker--they will mourn his passing with the type of real grief saved only for the best of friends.

Update 309: Peter Brette just left me a voice mail. He also visited Bobby today and echos the positive reports we have heard. He noted his positive demeanor, and he was munching on hay when he visited. Peter sounded pretty upbeat when leaving the message.

Update 308: I spoke to Kathy Anderson as she was leaving New Bolton today (about 5 pm). She noted Barbaro was the same as she saw him yesterday, bright and alert. She also chatted with Mrs. Jackson who was also visiting Bobby, Mrs. Jackson was happy with how Bobby appeared. Kathy massaged him, and fed him fresh cut grass.

Update 342: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (saturday night). Peter just visited Bobby to report the news, and said that Bobby looked good. Peter's tone was relatively upbeat!


I also heard a report that his hoof is starting to grow back. This is extremely good news..........peace

Thanks for the updates Simba!

quote:

Originally posted by tx_pixies:
Thanks for the updates Simba!

My pleasure TX. I'm more than happy to report good news. Blame it on my friend Karen for my obsession with this horse...hehe........just checked the site. Nothing new to report. Still doin good.....

i saw him on the news today! ...

Horse Angels Speaking
By
Melissa Harden

Barbaro must be listening a minute or two
To Horse Angels Secretariat and Seattle Slew
It is too soon to join us Secretariat said
Therefore you need now to listen instead.

Continue your healing and being patiently calm
Your positive attitude is the best healing balm
They're are saying you're smart and we have to agree
But what else should we expect with your great pedigree.

We have races in heaven and a whole lot of fun
But it is too soon to join us; your job is not done.
You will see that we all must have our own Triple Crown
Yours might be through your foals or even greater renown.

You have made safety in racing a cause celebre
That might be your achievement at the end of your day
Or there might be another Triple Crown with you son
So even not on a course there're still races to run.

But whatever your job is, your success is confirmed
Because we know you are one of us chimed in Affirmed.
For you see we know that you are one of us and great
Even though your own Triple Crown was stolen by fate.

We'll be watching you closely to see you don't falter
While hearing the prayers offered here at our altar
For there are so many more legends with us up here
With us watching over you, you have nothing to fear.