Barbaro Updates: 77
updates are now here.
Update 672: Just spoke to Peter Brette, who had heard from Michael, who visited Barbaro this afternoon. Barbaro continued to have a comfortable day.
Rachel, from Kennett Florist left this report (comment timestamp: 8:31 pm):
We are so very sad to hear the news of Foggy. God give his family strength and know that he is at peace. He was and is surrounded by love. Our thoughts are with all who love him.
Glad to hear that Alex had a chance to talk to Mrs Jackson. What a remarkable woman she is indeed. When I spoke to NBC today, the report was the same. Barbaro was comfortable and happily chomping down his carrots.
Also wanted to note that we had such a lovely time meeting with a bunch of Fans that travelled this way for a get together. Thank you for including us in your trip and inviting us to lunch. The time seemed to fly and I hope next time we can visit longer.
WE BELIEVE!!
Rachel at Kennett Florist
And the tributes to Lost in the Fog continue, here is another poem, from Kerrie (timestamp 9:56 pm):
LOST IN THE FOG: SECRETARIAT WELCOMES HIM HOME
SECRETARIAT had called for a meeting.
All the Horse's in Heaven were there.
He wanted to announce a newcomer and to tell everyone to prepare.
"Gather 'round," he said to the crowd. "I have something important to say."
"A long time ago, when I first arrived, I was told I should wait for this day."
Legend has it there'd be a great horse, that he'd come from earth down below.
he'd stay with us to eternity and the leadership crown we'd bestow.
All the horse's sat and listened in silence, hearts raced with exciting suspense.
Then SECRETARIAT related this story while speaking with true reverence.
I had a dream about one year ago, that this Horse was now on his way.
he'd be our leader this side of the bridge and he'd cross on a crisp Summer day.
Each Summer I'd sit by the Bridge, not knowing which day It would be?
Get out his crown and a cloud for his nap, for You'll soon meet the Horse they called FOGGY.
As the horse's sat 'round listening in awe, a sound from below reached their ears.
Each knew the sound they had all heard before, it was that of a family in tears.
As they waited in sombering silence, SECRETARIAT whispered "he's here!"
The Foals all ran to the edge of the Bridge to see the one they had learned to revere.
Then a spot in the distance got larger. The Great Horse was gaiting with ease.
FOGGY crossed the Bridge with his head held high and all the horse's just fell to their knees.
FOGGY now waits at the Bridge where the horse's have set up his throne.
When all his friends go to Heaven some day, he'll be there to welcome them home.
REST IN PEACE LOST IN THE FOG. WE HAVE A NEW STAR IN HEAVEN..RUN WITH THE ANGELS..
Update 671: In honor of Lost in the Fog I wanted to highlight a couple of tributes, the first a video: Lost in the Fog: Tribute to a Champion. Listening the commentary of his race at Saratoga is amazing. The second, a poem by Linnie (timestamp: 8:25pm):
Just very quickly, I wrote the following humble tribute to a great hero:
Lost in the Fog
You are lost no more
The angels have beckoned
And have opened God's door
Lost in the Fog
No more pain shall you bear
As the grief in my heart
is assuaged by my tears
Lost in the Fog
'Twas a most gallant fight
Now you make your true passage
Through the comforting Light
Lost in the Fog
Down the backstretch toward Home
Your eyes fixed on the prize
Peaceful days now will come
Lost in the Fog
An incredible race
And a sprint to the Finish
With the stature of Grace
Lost in the Fog
Ne'er a Hero so strong
That will wear a King's Crown
On a misty September Morn
Lost in the Fog
Angels wait at God's door
To welcome the Champion
'Twill be lost Nevermore ...
Update 670: Gretchen Jackson just called. She wanted to thank everyone for all their efforts and was very happy that Barbaro had brought so many wonderful people together. She talked about the responsibility she felt that came with the ownership of a Derby winner, and was hoping that that responsibility can yield some good things. Mrs. Jackson is obviously very passionate about the anti-slaughter legislation, is doing everything she can to support the legislation, and is very appreciative of everyone's efforts here.
Of course I had to ask her for a Barbaro update. He is doing well. Mrs. Jackson visited at lunchtime, and Barbaro was laying down, in an upright position, eating! He is very relaxed. I asked Mrs. Jackson if I could interview her in the near future for the site, of course she said yes.
Update 669: It is very sad to report Lost in the Fog was euthanized last night: Champion Lost in the Fog Euthanized. The following is an excerpt:
"We accomplished what we wanted to do," said trainer Greg Gilchrist Sept. 18. "It was all about giving him quality (time). We did everything we could for him. He was happy and content right up to the end. He went quietly and easily."
Gilchrist had just finished grazing Lost in the Fog outside his barn at Golden Gate Fields on the San Francisco Bay Sept. 17, which he did twice daily, and was heading to the paddock to saddle a horse when Lost in the Fog went into distress.
Very sad. This was first reported on the internet on derbytrail.com.
Update 668: And Chesapeake City Slew did go to the gate, along with Grandma (two of Tim's we need to update in the horse section). Both were very good in the gate and galloped around nicely. The morning also included a first breeze for "Rocky". He went in the company of another whose first breeze it was, we were clocked in 12.1, but I thought we went in 14 (secs.), so it just goes to show that us riders really are a little clueless to the clock. Since I was on the inside, I was setting the pace.
The discussion boards continue to be extremely active with people discussing best approaches for the anti-slaughter bill, which is obviously the principal issue at hand. We highlighted the Miracle Horse Rescue Barbaro challenge over the weekend (almost $6,000 raised so far) along with the offer of a free bracelet to those who contribute to a horse rescue organization.
One offer I have neglected to highlighted, but interesting and important nonetheless, is this unique fundraising idea (The Wild Animal Sactuary Fundraiser) for the Wild Animal Sanctuary that is being closed down. It seems a pretty cool chance for Barbaro fans to own some cool racing memorabilia.
Barclay Tagg is in Fair Hill this morning. I asked him how Funny Cide was after his race, and he said he was fine.
Update 667: Another comfortable night for Barbaro last night (sunday night). I saw Michael Matz on the track as I was leaving the starting gate. Michael had just heard from Dr. Richardson. It's an absolutely beautiful morning here in Fair Hill...a crimson sunrise with the mist coming out of the ground. The horse that I took to the gate, I don't think I had ridden before (not entirely sure) but he was here today to just stand in the gate. The plan is to then break him out of the gate Wednesday for his gate card. I'm now just getting on my third set, Chesapeake City Slew, who I am guessing may also be going to the gate.
updated monday 7:30am
Update 666: Peter called (3pm) to report that Michael had called, visited, and Barbaro was doing well. Another comfortable day, sunday. Barbaro also went out grazing, and today was certainly a lovely day to do that.
you go Barbaro!
Thanks Alex for the update!!!
XXOO
Posted by: Sally in Key West at September 17, 2006 10:57 PM