Barbaro Updates: 26
updates are now here.
Update 338: Bernadini was super impressive in the Jim Dandy. I am not entirely sure what he beat, but nevertheless he did not get out of third gear. Congratulations!
Update 337: Melissa sent me this poem, which included the following in her e-mail:
I've been working on this poem for some weeks but couldn't finish it after the horrible news two weeks ago. Now, after yesterday's good news, I was able to finish it. Feel free to share it with anyone including Peter, Michael, the Jacksons, Edgar Prado and all who are close to Bobby.
poem:
"Barbaro"
by
Melissa Harden
Who wouldn't be charmed?
By the most precious sight
Of a foal being born
After a long restless night
Eyes anxiously watch
As he climbs to his feet
Nuzzling so close
To his mother's heartbeat
We think of his dam
We think of his sire
Will he have her quiet calm?
While retaining his fire?
Those answers are known
Only to God it is said
So we leave it to Him
As we go to our beds.
We watch foals play games
While amidst their peers
Whether they'll race
Is best left to seers.
Then the time comes
That all mother's hate
He must leave her side
To be schooled at the gate
What's with this saddle?
Who's this on my back?
You mean I must run
Out here on this track.
He continues to strengthen
His endurance increases
Through most careful workouts
And frustrating breezes
He could be the one
If our watches don't lie
Shall we aim for the Derby?
And give it a try
He wins all his races
He fills us with pride
This is a great horse
With luck on his side
He then wins the Derby
They are calling him great
He goes to the Preakness
And meets a cruel fate?
In the midst of adversity
He touches our hearts
We see his ability
To be patient and smart
We admire his quiet courage
As he endeavors to heal
Each day we're encouraged
By his very strong will
There was no Triple Crown
No jubilant mood
But his name will resound
When we think fortitude
For no claim of greatness
Ever had such a measure
As his grace under stress
More precious than treasure
And his name, Barbaro
For all those who know him
Will always mean hero
His fame never to dim.
Sweet Talker ran a great race to just get headed in the Diana. I asked Graham about her chances on thursday. He was a little concerned with her travel schedule, but she certainly showed up today, just losing on the wire! Also, nice win for Master of Disaster at Delaware for Steve Klesaris.
Update 336: Redaspen was sixth in the stake today at Philadelphia. Perhaps she got a little tired in her first start back. Tim said Victor Molina gave her a great ride and gave her every opportunity. After a nine month layoff it was great to see her return to the races. Lets hope she can move forward from this start.
Yahoo! News has the following article today: Barbaro's trainer not getting hopes up which includes the following excerpt:
The medical updates on Barbaro seem encouraging, yet the trainer of the ailing Kentucky Derby winner isn't allowing himself to become too optimistic.
"I'm not getting my hopes up," Michael Matz said Saturday. "I'm just taking it one day at a time -- but he's trying."
I had asked Michael during the week whether he was getting a little more optimistic (as we were getting all the positive news) and his answer to me was similar to the above.
Update 335: A nice article from the Washington Post : Barbaro a 'Happy Horse' As He Adapts to His Situation rehashes generally what we know. I do like the closing:
The outpouring of support from the public, Sweeney said, has shown no signs of slowing.
"People see traits in him they wish they had, a warrior's spirit," Sweeney said. "He's a hero and he has no agenda. People can make him what they need in their life."
I just received an e-mail from a friend of mine at Delaware Park noting the raffle drawing for the Mike Rea Relief Fund is to be monday, I may try to get down for that (I owe for a few tickets!):
On Monday the Mustang for Mike Rea will be drawn here at Delaware Park. The fourth race is to be named after Mike Rea and the drawing is expected to take place about that time to. The car is on display in the grove and the drawing will be in the winners circle. I think there are still some tickets in the horsemens office for purchase.
The latest report about Mike seems a little more upbeat.
Update 334: Another comfortable night for Barbaro last night (friday night). Just got a voice mail from Peter Brette. Sorry for the late update.
updated saturday, july 29, 1:04 pm
Pamela - have you checked your emai lately??
Posted by: Sally in Key West at July 29, 2006 5:08 PM