Barbaro Updates: 87
updates are now here.
Update 734: Spoke to Peter Brette (6:20 pm) who had heard from Michael, who had visited Barbaro this afterenoon. All remains well, and Barbaro remains comfortable.
I attended a retirement party for Tom, who had worked on the maintenance crew at Fair Hill since its inception (or very close to it); basically 23 years. It was held in Chevation III, which is now the maintenance barn. In the old days it was a regular 40 horse stall barn. I used to gallop horses for Patti Miller from that barn. Anyway, it was a nice event. Nice comments from Sally Goswell (Fair Hill manager) and Dr. Fisher, who basically started Fair Hill, and hired Tom. They presented Tom with a gift, a Barbaro win picture of the Kentucky Derby, signed by Michael Matz. Tom will be missed. He always had a hello for you when jogging back and past where the tractors are parked, when they were preparing to begin the track renovation.
Update 733: Rachel, from Kennett Florist, has just provided this quick update (comment timestamp: 9:02pm):
Afternoon all!
All is well at NBC this afternoon. Quiet, but I was there for just a moment, dropping off some green tops, stud muffins and nickermakers... all of Barbaro's favorites!
WE BELIEVE!!
Update 732: I just spoke to Steve Willard, Giacomo's exercise rider. I wanted to get a quick update as I think he is pointing for a race next weekend (The Goodward). He said Giacomo is doing well. He had a nice breeze a few days ago, he jogged yesterday and was galloping today (jogging a mile and a quarter warm up, and then galloping a mile and a half). Steve said his mind could not be better, very good attitude, and really wants to go out and train. A good report from Giacomo.
Update 731: As we get ready for saturday's races on ESPN (update 725) I thought I would call Joe Deegan, Perfect Drift's exercise rider, to see how he was doing coming up to his race, the Kentucky Cup Classic. He told me Perfect Drift was training really well. He galloped well this morning, will gallop again tomorrow and then ship up on saturday to run. This will be his first race on the polytrack at Turfway, although he has worked on the track once. Joe said he worked well on the track, he quickened really well on it, and should handle the track well on saturday. I asked him about his last start in the Pacific Classic. He said that he came out of the race really well. He acted like he had not really run. He just really did not fire for the race, and perhaps the pace of the race did not suite him. (Relevant article: Perfect Drift to try something new in Kentucky Cup Classic).
Talking about the polytrack at Turfway Park, I spoke to my buddy Andy Durnin last night, he is working at Hollywood Park, where they have recently installed another synthetic surface (I forget its brand name). He said the track is really riding well in the mornings. They have not had any bad weather yet, to see how it handles rain (southern california), but thus far the horseman seem to be pretty happy with it.
Update 730: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (wednesday night). I saw Michael Matz ponying Peter as I was on my second set with Chappy. They were in deep conversation, but broke their dialogue to give me the news. Michael had heard from Dr. Richardson. Another nice morning at Fair Hill, although I think it might rain a little later.
Not related to Barbaro, but I had this chance meeting last thursday, pretty cool!
Update 729: Today's morning update will be a little later today, probably about 8:30 am. In the meantime Barbaro is starting to get invitations: "Barbaro did receive a wedding invitation a couple weeks ago.":
Barbaro did receive a wedding invitation a couple weeks ago. When I first opened it, his name was on the outside envelope and I thought, no this can't be. The wedding is in September and the girl had written a note saying she really hoped he could come but she would understand if he can't. We sent the reply card back saying he wouldn't be unable to attend because he didn't have a thing to wear and he wouldn't be able to dance. And Dr. Richardson happened to be over here and he saw it, so he signed a thank-you card and sent it to her. In his note, Barbaro wished them well in their marriage, but that he didn't plan to remain monogamous.
Nice work from Anna who was able to get some good news coverage: South Texas News Segment (video link) on the slaughter issues.
Good Morning Alex, Bobby and fellow "fans of Barbaro"
Thank you for letting us know about the delay of the morning update. We won't worry needlessly.
Anna - Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are incredible.
Fellow warriors - keep up the good fight. It will happen - I know it. These slaughterhouses WILL CLOSE FOREVER.
Already sending faxes!!!!!
Janice
Posted by: Janice from Florida at September 28, 2006 10:38 AM