Barbaro Updates: 149
updates are now here.
Update 1141: Another chilly start to the day this morning. The radio said it was 20 degrees (F), but it actually felt a little warmer than yesterday. Everyone once in a while you will see a new "old" face at Fair Hill. This morning it was Tom Fynn, who seemed to appear out of nowhere to be galloping for Graham Motion. Tom was a jump jockey in Ireland (TV Fynn) and has been over here probably as long as me. The last time I saw him was a couple of Breeders' Cups ago, and I thought he was in San Francisco. It turns out he has been spending considerable time in Malawi, has just returned, and is heading to Florida to work for Graham Motion.
I took Hawty Creek to the gate. She has not run for a while, had had a couple of gate "issues" when she was last in training, so I planned to stand her in the gate and get her to relax. She was actually very good. I'll probably do that one or two more times before she runs. I open galloped one on the synthetic track. He went well, the track seemed a little firmer under these colder weather conditions. Almost like a turf track just tightening up a little. That being said, it is still by far the most popular track at Fair Hill at this point.
Seven ridden, busy morning, now to wait for the Barbaro update.
Update 1140: The Bloodhorse has a great article on Takeover Target: Takeover Target Has Taken His Owner/Trainer from Obscurity to the Top. After reading this you have to root for this horse on sunday in the Hong Kong Sprint. The article also gives a little insight into how Australian racing is set up. Here is an excerpt:
In 2003 the quality of horse in his barn changed. On a sunny day, Janiak went to a tried stock sale and bought an unwanted, unraced, knock-kneed 4-year-old with ordinary breeding who, he had been told, had bad knees and wouldn't run around a bend. This of course was going to restrict him dramatically, but Janiak liked him and paid just $1,100 for him.
Janiak nicknamed him Archie and that horse, who races as Takeover Target (Celtic Swing-Shady Stream by Archregent), has changed his life.
Thoruoghbred Times announces the opening of our new track: Fair Hill opens all-weather Tapeta surface, although the article suggests Fair Hill had been closed (not the case.)
The Barbaro update this morning will again likely be late in the morning. Keep calling!
Update 1139: I just spoke to Dean McKeown (8:15 pm east coast on tuesday, some time wednesday morning in Hong Kong), Collier Hill's jockey (who is running in the Hong Kong Vase, the last big global race on the 2006 calendar). He was walking Collier Hill as I was speaking with him after his morning exercise. (I could literally hear Collier Hill's footsteps on the obviously hard surface.) Dean had just exercised him (his wednesday morning exercise). He did two seven furlong canters. Dean said he was very well and is very happy with him. Dean noted that Collier Hill flew over very well (Collier Hill has been in Hong Kong for a few days). It always takes a few days for him to "find his legs" after his travel, but Dean noted he has found his legs and is in good shape.
Collier Hill will work tomorrow, a mile. I will try to catch up with Dean the same time tomorrow to see how things are progressing.
Update 1138: Just a quick note of thanks. The $500 gift included in my birthday present has manifested into four new tires for my truck. As I was waiting for the tires to be replaced I made a couple of calls. Sabina is continuing her recovery, and seems to be progressing well. She did mention some work she had done, so she is on some kind of light work schedule at this point. I also called Peter for the first time since they left for Florida. It seems they have all settled in well and the horses are now in their new winter "digs" at Palm Meadows. He told me it was raining, I noted the clear blue sky we had up here ...
For those interested in seeing Takeover Target ahead of his sprint quest on sunday in Hong Kong, you can view two of his races on Youtube.
Update 1137: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (monday night). Mrs. Jackson just called, and she had just visited. Barbaro was laying down when Mrs. Jackson arrived. As much as she tried to be very quiet Barbaro was soon up and ready for his Lael Farm grass.
update 11:30 am, tuesday, december 5
Update 1136: This morning may really be the first winters morning. It was a "balmy" 24 degrees (F) when I arrived at Fair Hill. Six horses ridden, one horse taken care of, and four hours later, my hands are still a little "numb". Everyone galloping is pretty well wrapped up this time of year. I had seven layers of clothing on this morning. Of the three places to train (dirt track, synthetic (Tapeta) track, outback) the synthetic track was by far the busiest. I only had one on this new track but it felt great. The fields were a little hard in spots and the dirt was "ok". I hope they keep the dirt open for a while as it is a good place to take the babies now the track is quiet due to the trainers' preference for the synthetic track.
Dean McKeown (Collier Hill's jockey for the Hong Kong Vase) arrived in Hong Kong a few hours ago. He sent me a text.
Eddie Kilroy left this comment (timestamp: 12:32 pm):
Good morning Barbaro and friends. I know everyone worked extra hard yesterday for B. and friends. Let's do it again today!!! I have to brag on my listeners, they really got on the senators. I'm asking them to keep up with you guys. By the way thanks for the mail. I'm on the air now, so I'll leave you with one request. Sic'em.
Eddie Kilroy
XM Radio
Update 1135: The Barbaro update will again likely be later in the morning. As we get ready to cover the Hong Kong Vase this weekend I want to note we will also cover the Hong Hong Sprint all because of a horse called Takeover Target: 'Target' ready for Hong Kong challenge, says Janiak. This horse is another global warrior (like Ouija Board and Collier Hill) and a true rags to riches story.
Keep calling!
Hi to all,
Thank Alex for the wonderful articles. So glad to hear you went to NYC and enjoyed yourself. You deserve it! Please thank Mrs. Jackson for her kindness in getting these Barbaro reports to his most devoted fans.
I have called senators again, and I continue to pray for all of us and the hearts and minds of the senators.
My most fervent prayer however is for our Bobby. May God bless him with His Healing Touch.
Sally in Louisiana
Posted by: Sally at December 5, 2006 11:21 AM