Barbaro Updates: 386
updates are now here.
Update 2462: Gloria IL, who was at Musical Horse Aid yesterday, left this comment (timestamp: 10:57pm):
Forgot to say congrats to Graham Motion too, for Galantas coming in third in the Woodbine! And congrats to Purim (wish I could have been at Arlington today).
On a different note...re: Musical Horse Aid...hmmm...maybe everyone is sleeping late today, or traveling, after the wonderful day in Wisconsin. It was great to see so many fellow FOBs there - even Linda all the way from Maine! Throughout the day, various speakers talked briefly about rescue & anti slaughter issues, including Pam Mross about her experience with a special rescue horse, and of course ShelleyA (all the way from Philly!).
One way I would describe it was "first rate" - very well planned/organized. The musical acts were outstanding, and we got to hear our very own CJ too (you must hear "The Blacksmith Blues!"). There was a wonderful group of ladies called The Rough Riders, who performed with their horses and gave quite a show. I got a short video of them and will see if I can share it somewhere. Beautiful costumes, gorgeous horses, all working together.
A highlight for me was when Debra and Shelley were each presented with a special "trophy", from an anonymous FOB, which was a simple statue figure of a horse. Each statue had an inscription thanking them for their inspiration and leadership in the fight against slaughter. They were both extremely moved by this gesture.
The silent auction contained many wonderful horse related items as well as other great finds (Harley Davidson fans were happy!). I was able to get a Barbaro Breyer and a beautiful headshot photo of Barbaro, and was thrilled all the money would go to horse charities. Laurie outbid me for a special fly mask - so Montego, get ready - you will be quite the looker!!
Laura from Wisconsin was there with her exceptional Barbaro art, and I must say, you will be missing something if you do not get one or more of her Christmas ornaments. (They are listed on a thread on the DB.)
MJ and Walt hand delivered our Winner's Circle photos from the Arlington Park day. MJ is another great organizer and communicator and dedicated FOB! It was motivating to talk with people about various rescue issues, anti-slaughter efforts, and just horses in general. And many had the chance to get up close with the little one - I can't remember his name now, was it Rambo??
T-shirts of the event, again first rate in design and quality, were given to those who purchased tickets and were available for additional sale.
I honestly believe this was the beginning of something that will grow into a signature event with national impact. While the full attendance was perhaps a bit less than hoped, all who came had to be impressed. Debra, Lori, and all who worked with them are to be commended for their vision and their extensive efforts. It was a privilege to attend. I hope others will post on the events and their impressions of the day!
Update 2461: Rags to Riches suffered a hairline fracture to her right front pastern, it will sideline her for the remainder of the year but it is not considered career-ending: Race Injury Sidelines Rags to Riches Until 2008, excerpt:
"She is expected to make a full recovery," Pletcher said. "It appears as though she sustained the injury during the stretch run. When she switched to the right lead, she came off the bridle and lugged in a bit. Though she cooled out fine following the race, she appeared to be slightly off this morning. Subsequent X-rays revealed the hairline fracture.
"She is resting comfortably and will be shipped to Ashford Stud tomorrow, where she will receive six weeks of stall rest to give the fracture time to heal. At the conclusion of her convalescence, she will be re-X-rayed to determine when she will resume training. She will not race again until 2008."
The two horses I am looking after just arrived from Fair Hill. Tiger Supreme is running in the first race tomorrow and Silk Cat is running in the first race on wednesday. They are now bedded down in their stalls, I will return in a hour or two and feed them.
Update 2460: A bit of a longer morning this morning, starting at 6 and not getting done until 11:30. Oh well, makes up for yesterday's short morning. Today I had a lot to walk and three to ride. All three were fillies and they seemed to go well. I was actually the last off the racetrack, walking off with the outrider and my trainer (Chuck Lawrence). Mary Delaney seemed in good order after her race last night in the Masters. She left at about 7 this morning to return to Kentucky.
Now time for a nap after a couple of late nights and early mornings. I have a couple of horses shipping in from Fair Hill later this afternoon which I will be taking care of. One is scheduled to run on monday and one on wednesday. I may skip the racing tonight.
Update 2459: Miss Macy Sue won the Masters at Presque Isle Downs. The horse I ran, Mary Delaney, finished fifth after tiring down the lane: Miss Macy Sue Masters Tapeta at Presque Isle. Graham Motion won an earlier stake with Independent George, unfortunately Super Frolic broke down in that race.
John Henry has been suffering from dehydration this week: John Henry undergoing dehydration treatments.
Update 2458: Rags to Riches was second in her comeback race: Lear's Princess Dethrones Queen 'Rags in Gazelle, excerpt:
Todd Pletcher, trainer of Rags to Riches, was philosophical about the loss. He referred to the missed works and fevers that kept the filly away from the races since the Belmont and indicated those missteps had an impact in the Gazelle.
"[That] hurt us inside the 16th pole," Pletcher said. "The filly got beat a neck, giving (Lear's Princess) seven pounds, and she hasn't run in three months. I would never be discouraged with the filly. I still think she is the best 3-year-old filly in the country. I think she is one of the best we have seen in a long time."
Update 2457: More on The Green Monkey's race: The Green Monkey Finishes Third at Belmont, excerpt:
Todd Pletcher, The Green Monkey's trainer, watched the race with the 3-year-old's co-owner, Michael Tabor. As Pletcher left the box area following the race, he said, "I didn't think he ran that badly. He got a good position even though it took him a few strides to get there. No real excuse. Obviously, he is a first-time starter and these horses have run before. He didn't do anything wrong; he just couldn't quite get there."
Off to Presque Isle Downs for the track's biggest night of racing of this short meet.
Update 2456: The Green Monkey made his long anticipated debut this afternoon at Belmont Park, and finished third, beaten seven lengths. They went 3/4s in 1:09.1. Here is the chart.
Update 2455: A quick update from Sue McMullen from across the pond:
Lucarno today flew the flag for Barbaro's sire Dynaformer, taking the final Classic of the season, the St Leger at Doncaster, in fine style and giving jockey Jimmy Fortune his first taste of Classic success.
Fourth to Authorised in the Epsom Derby, Lucarno went on to take the Great Voltigeur at York, a typical St Leger trial, and then demonstrated real class here at Doncaster. Trained by John Gosden, who won this race with Shantou back in 1996, Lucarno very nearly didn't run as Gosden wasn't sure he would stay a mile and six furlongs. They needn't have worried as Lucarno certainly showed he stayed every inch having to come with a late run off a very fast pace set by Aiden O'Brien's Mahler, who held on to finish runner up under a bold front running bid by Mick Kinane. Described by Fortune as a 'real professional' the Dynaformer colt also beat another O'Brien runner, the favourite Honolulu, into third place.
John Gosden says Lucarno will now finish for the season and will be back in training next year. Nice to see Jimmy Fortune bag a Classic.
Update 2454: Rain, rain, rain, rain, walk, walk, walk, walk. That was my morning at Presque Isle Downs. I walked for a solid 2 1/2 hours! At one stage I was following Miraculous Miss who arrived in our shed row yesterday. I saw Steve Klesaris and he is anxious to see how she runs on the Tapeta surface tonight. Mary Delaney is also in our barn and she also looked well. The weather is looking to be clearing up a little bit but it's still quite chilly. Hopefully the weather will cooperate for the big races tonight. And the Masters looks to be a great race!
Update 2453: Another pleasant evening spent at Presque Isle Downs. I ran one in the third race for trainer John Rupert from Michigan. Free Enterprise finished second after setting the pace, falling back round the turn and then coming on late to try to take it all. Very exciting. Fair Hill (Billy Entenmann) had one in the seventh, Blue Finally, who unfortunately did not run his race. I caught up with Gerry, who was from Fair Hill and is now an assistant trainer for Eddie Kenneally, he has Mary Delaney in the feature today--the $400,000 Masters.
Frank Stronach, who runs Magna Entertainment, is looking at reducing the debt associated with racetrack investments: Magna plan worries industry.
Equine Influenza continues to be a major problem in Australia and is wreaking havoc with their breeding industry: Australians Seek American Help in Fight Against Equine Influenza.
Good morning FOB's.
Good morning Barbaro.
Stay strong Tiz Wonderful Haven't heard any news - I hope you are doing OK.
Posted by: Paul at September 15, 2007 11:09 AM