Barbaro Updates: 29
updates are now here.
Update 354: As we wait for the press release from New Bolton I thought I would highlight some more content from the comments. Mike C has composed race calls in honour of Bobby, this is the latest (3:20 pm post time):
MORE OF THE CALL...And the horses thunder down the backstretch,Barbaro still has a lot of work to do", says Durkin. "He's back in the race, but he's not in his usual up close stalking position after the 2 disasterous mishaps in this race".As the leaders begin to hit the far turn Durkin is calling the positions of the horses in the race using names and colors to describe them in his adjective littered call.As he gazes thru his binocs and he gets to BARBARO, now in mid pack we pick up his call." And now BARBARO IS BACK,here in mid pack an unlikely spot in both a bad and good way, he's usually close to the pace but with what happened today its already an amazing comeback.Edgar pulls down a pair of goggles and he almost seems to be smiling now, WHY COULD HE BE SMILING??.DID WE NOT SEE THE BEST OF BARBARO ALREADY TODAY??.Edgar still has a handful of reins ladies and gentleman meaning he still has a ton of horse under him"..This could be a comeback of TITANIC proportions, Edgar is smiling like a guy holding 5 aces, he knows he's on a time bomb here waiting to explode, but after all the hardships thrown BARBAROS' way just how much is lift in the tank???.But by the look on Edgar's face, and determination in BARBAROS eyes I'm not willing to bet against the miracle we may just see here today".....The crowds roar heightens with every stride of the horses,you can now hear cries of "C'MON BARBARO,LETS GO BOY" becoming more evident above the thunderous roars of the thousands anticipating the tremendous finish that lies ahead.....
Bobby left this poem (1:36 pm):
Barbaro In The Hospital
I hear the cottonwoods
whisperin' above
Barbaro, Barbaro
horse that we love
the breeze from the paddock
keeps murmuring low
Barbaro, Barbaro
we love you so
Does he really know
through his trials we go
with him each day
our hearts beat so painfully
when in his swing
he sways
But in time we know
our Barbaro
will always prevail
He's never lost
no mind the costs
his spirit will not fail
So in miracles
we never doubt
and will love him each day
until he's healed
and it is time
Mighty Barbaro will
proudly walk away
Update 353: This site was featured in an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer today: To check up on Barbaro, check out his blog. I wanted to thank Mike Jensen for the great story, and Michael Bryant for the cool pictures (they are in the real paper, page 5 of the sports section). The paper actually has a more complete story than the online version. I see the online version is also available via mercurynews etc. I really appreciate the coverage! As I am sure people are aware, this site would not be possible without the support of many, I am going to name some, but no doubt will forget others who are important: Michael Matz, Peter Brette, Kathy Anderson, Tim Woolley, Eliza, Jen, Annie etc. Mike and Michael, thanks for coming down to Fair Hill.
Update 352: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (monday night). Michael Matz gave me the update as I was heading out to the track on my third set this morning. It was good to see Michael back at Fair Hill.
Kathy Anderson visited Bobby yesterday evening and also reported that he was doing well. He was in good spirits and looking for a good rub which he of course received, in the form of a massage from Kathy!
updated Tuesday morning 7:35 am
Update 351: As we wait for an update this morning we have an article and a new poem. The DailyLocal.com: Vet: Barbaro's smarts aiding his recovery, is a nice article on the intelligence of Barbaro, and how he has adapted to his current situation, it quotes both Peter Brette and Kathy Anderson. The following is an excerpt:
"Barbaro is not aggressive, but he is very confident," Anderson said.
"He has always been in charge of his space, and he continues to assert that at the hospital. He's become known as a sneak biter. When people turn their back on him, he tries to bite them. They turn around and he's like, 'Who did that, butter wouldn't melt in my mouth.' I think that's pretty clever."
Anderson added: "He's adapted to the sling. I like to think he understands that if I shift my weight this way, I feel better. I'd say that's not typical of racehorses. They're so competitive, they just react, rather than having a planned action."
Bernell Kress could not sleep, so wrote this for us (Posted by: Bernel Kress at August 1, 2006 05:00 AM):
You are the wings beneath our wings,
But, no longer will you fly.
You've captured the hearts of all with a soul,
And we are content with gazing in your eyes.
You are our hero, don't you know?
With courage and fight deep in your soul.
No one can say what you think in your mind,
You're an old sould, Barbaro, perhaps that's what keeps you ever so kind.
Intelligence far beyond your years,
Your eyes reduce us all to tears.
If we could take your pain, it would be gone,
And you would once again be flying along.
Your perils have brought so many close,
We light your candles from coast to coast.
Sweet Barbaro, please have no fear,
Cause all that love you are so near.
So rest and heal, oh ancient one,
You've been here before and you're not done.
You are teh wind beneath our wings,
And when you fly again, your world will sing.
Update 350: Barbaro had another comfortable day (monday). I just spoke to Peter Brette, who had spoken to Michael.
It turns out the winner of the Mike Rea Mustang is a presenter for HRTV! Congrats Becky!
We are planning our second vigil for saturday. While Bobby has been maintaining his comfort and has shown some positive medical signs, we know there is a very long road ahead, the vigil should help us stay focused on his well being and progress. 7pm saturday, whereever you are, whatever you are doing, think of Bobby.
I mentioned to Peter while we were chatting this evening about the interview I conducted with Tom Albertrani (update 348). Peter of course knows Tom as Peter also used to work in Dubai. He only had good things to say about Tom.
Finally, another beautiful poem, thanks TLC (from updates 23 10:44 pm):
Work is slowing down a bit now and I just wrote this sitting here at my desk:
BELIEVE
Brought into this world,
learned to walk then to run,
admiration of beauty
racings devine son.
He ran with such grace,
superior to all,
until tradgedy struck,
will we watch the son fall?
No, his owners and trainers agreed.
This son is too special,
he has more heart than speed.
And the world embraced him,
prayers and good thoughts passed his way,
A nation of believers,
thankful for each and every day.
So when life gets you down,
and things seem a "no go",
Believe in Miracles
Believe in Barbaro
GOOD NEWS FOR YOU BARBARO. KEEP IT UP .
BETTY
Posted by: BETTY FORD at July 31, 2006 11:48 PM