Barbaro Updates: 270
updates are now here.
Update 1844: Wow, what a day (and week) for Tim. Gatornation won the first race at Atlantic City (rather easily) making it two wins today and three for the week! Congratulations to Plane Tree Farm. Here are the charts for today: Gatornation and Mediman.
I spent the afternoon with Mike Rea at Freedom Hills. Mike was very happy with all the weekend activities and excited to have met many of you. He did well today, riding Nina. We went for a trail ride, and it was simply a beautiful afternoon to do that.
Update 1843: Mediman and Jesus Bracho made easy work of the first race at Pimlico, congratulations to Equivine Farm!
Update 1842: ABC news tonight (Charles Gibson) will have a feature on synthetic tracks. It is raining at Churchill and the track was sloppy for training this morning, I wonder how many Derby horsemen would have preferred to be training at Keeneland today?
Update 1841: New York Times has a great article on Dr. Richardson: Year Later, Barbaro's Doctor Looks Back, and Moves On, excerpt:
"From a purely surgical perspective, it was extremely unsatisfying because he didn’t make it," Richardson, 53, said of Barbaro. "Professionally, I think we did the best we could. I'm not at all embarrassed by anything that was done. Personally, I'm very sad that we didn't save him. As a horseman, as someone who really wanted to save the horse, it's extremely dissatisfying."
On the other hand, he added: "Do I think we ended up doing some good things for the profession and the industry? Yes. The increased awareness of the issues of racetrack safety. People adopting horses. Even the awareness of a horse as an animal was increased. I think people became aware of the fact that sophisticated surgery can be done on horses. A lot of people knew that already; some didn't."
Update 1840: A gorgeous morning this morning at Fair Hill. Now that I have survived the wicked winter riding 7 - 8 each day, I am riding 3 - 4 a day during this lovely time of year! Only 3 today. My first 2 were for Tim. Grandma went to the Tapeta track and galloped a mile and a half in company with Tim on Nonpariel. These are a good pair and they are learning their business together. Grandma is doing very well at this point, realy starting to use her self and keep herself well balanced. My next set was Nautical Agent, and I took her out back. We jogged / hacked across the fields. It was simply a pleasure ride. Finally I had Lynda's Precious Partner, and she galloped a mile and a half on the Tapeta track. A simple morning's work. Along the way I gathered some Derby tips for you ... more tomorrow. Steve Klesaris: Curlin. Ricky (Klesaris excercise rider): Scat Daddy (only because he forgot to bet him in the Florida Derby). Mark Shuman: Curlin. Tim Woolley: Street Sense.
Tim has two runners today, Mediman at Pimlico and Gator Nation at Atlantic City.
Update 1839: Two days to go before the Derby and the atmosphere will now be building, the post position draw is complete. Barclay Tagg is now at Churchill (he typically arrives later in the week for the big events) and has always had a lot of confidence in his maturing colt: Confident Tagg Looking for Derby Encore. He would be my preference for a win. I think my pick is Curlin and I'll also snag a couple of 15-1s, Hard Spun and Tiago. To be honest, I think unless Curlin is the real deal, this race is wide open!
As Churchill prepares for their big day, they need to prepare for a guest of honour: Churchill Prepares for Visit from Queen.
For those planning visits to Kentucky horse country, Elizabeth LaBan, FOB, wrote this tour of Kentucky for the Philadelphia Inquirer: Bluegrass Bonanza.
Good morning everyone.
Rest in Peace Barbaro!
Posted by: Paul at May 3, 2007 11:19 AM