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Barbaro (horse)

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Barbaro
Barbaro (middle) walking to the track at the Fair Hill Training Center a week after winning the Kentucky Derby
SireDynaformer
DamLa Ville Rouge
DamsireCarson City
SexStallion
FoaledApril 29, 2003
CountryUnited States
ColourBay
BreederLael Stables
OwnerRoy and Gretchen Jackson
TrainerMichael Matz
Record7:6-0-0
Earnings$2,302,200
Major wins
Laurel Futurity (2005)
Florida Derby (2006)
Kentucky Derby (2006)
Honours
"Team Barbaro" given the Mr. Fitz Award (Nov. 2006)
Barbaro Stakes[citation needed]

Barbaro (Foaled April 29 2003 - Died January 29 2007) was an American thoroughbred that decisively won the 2006 Kentucky Derby. On May 20, 2006, he ran in the Preakness Stakes as a heavy favorite, but he fractured three bones in and around the ankle of his right hind leg shortly after the start of the race. The injury ruined any chance of a Triple Crown win and seriously threatened his life. The next day, he underwent surgery at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania for his injuries. He had several more surgeries and his prognosis swung up and down for eight months.[1] While his right leg eventually healed, both of his rear legs continued to have problems, including laminitis in his left leg. A risky last-ditch effort to use an external skeletal fixation device on his healed right leg to address an abscess proved unsuccessful because the colt developed further laminitis in both front legs. It then became clear he could not be saved, and Barbaro was euthanized on January 29 2007.[2]

2006 Kentucky Derby

Undefeated going into the race, Barbaro was sent off as the second choice of the betting public, at odds of 6:1, in a full field of 20 horses. Barbaro charged ahead during the last turn and straightaway of the race to win by 7 lengths. Barbaro's lead in the final furlong expanded even as jockey Edgar Prado did not ask for his top speed. This margin of victory at the Kentucky Derby was the largest since 1946, when Triple Crown winner Assault took the Run for the Roses by eight lengths. Barbaro's win made him only the sixth undefeated horse to win the Kentucky Derby.[3] During the gallop-out after the wire, Barbaro's lead extended to 20 lengths, which is rare during post-race gallop-outs. The manner of his Derby victory led to speculation that Barbaro might be a "superhorse,"[citation needed] the likes of which had not been seen since Affirmed and perhaps even Secretariat, arguably the greatest American thoroughbred of all time.

Barbaro is also one of the few horses to have won the "Run for the Roses" after more than a 5-week lay-off.[citation needed]

2006 Preakness Stakes and injury

Barbaro's Preakness Stakes began with a false start when he crashed through the starting gate prematurely. Barbaro had used only his nose to disengage the magnetically locked gate bars. He was led back around the gates. Maryland's Chief Veterinarian personally attested to Barbaro's fitness upon being reloaded into the gate. In retrospect, it is impossible to know whether the false start was related to the injury that would happen moments later. As the restarted race began, Barbaro had a good start and was briefly in a better position than at the same point in the Kentucky Derby.

Shortly into the race, Barbaro was clearly in distress. Many theories as to the cause of the accident have been offered, though none has been confirmed.

Barbaro broke his leg in three places; a broken cannon bone above the ankle, a broken sesamoid bone behind the ankle and a broken long pastern bone below the ankle. The fetlock joint was dislocated. In summary, it was as though broken off.

Veteran jockey Prado immediately pulled Barbaro up and brought him to a gentle stop. He dismounted and leaned his shoulder into the horse's shoulder to act as a fourth leg until track attendants arrived. Bernardini went on to win the race.

Injury aftermath

Barbaro was taken to the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania for treatment. The center is renowned for its specialized care, especially for animals needing complicated bone surgery. Its use of a heated pool fitted with a "horse raft", electronic overhead winch and monorail offers the greatest available protection against re-injury by horses coming out of sedation after surgery.[citation needed]

Barbaro's injuries were life threatening. His fracture healing depended on whether the blood supply to the ankle could be maintained. Barbaro arrived safely at New Bolton and responded well to being tranquilized. He spent Saturday night resting in a stall at the center.

The next morning, Dr. Dean Richardson performed a fusion of the fetlock and pastern joints to stabilize it and make it strong enough for Barbaro to walk on. It was a five hour procedure and was one of the toughest surgeries he had ever performed. Richardson successfully implanted a Synthes stainless steel Locking Compression Plate and 27 screws into the colt's injured leg to span the comminuted fracture and joints. Richardson elected to use the LCP because its screws thread into the plate to provide maximum strength. He is one of the first equine surgeons to implement this new technology, originally designed for humans. A fiberglass cast was placed over this to further protect the construct. Barbaro then went in the recovery pool at 7:40 pm. [4][5]

After about an hour in the pool, at around 9:00 pm EDT, Barbaro began to calmly awake from the anesthesia, got up and "practically jogged" to his stall. He then ate and was comfortably putting weight on the injured leg. The blood supply to the injury site was very good, but Dr. Richardson still gave Barbaro a 50-50 chance of survival.[6][7] The next morning Barbaro was already showing interest in some of the mares at the facility. He was walking well on his limb, walking around the stall, he was quite active for his condition; in short, his first week of recovery went well. On June 13, Barbaro had his cast replaced. On July 3, Barbaro had his cast replaced a second time. His prognosis was uncertain even though he was doing well because complications might arise at any time.[citation needed]

A bad week

In the first week of July, complications arose, and Barbaro had problems with both hind legs. He developed an abscess on his uninjured left foot, which was treated topically, but he carried a fever through the weekend and failed to put weight on his injured right foot for any significant length of time. He was visibly uncomfortable, though his appetite remained strong and he remained active. On July 11, newspapers started to report news of these problems. [citation needed]

By July 13, Barbaro had developed a severe case of laminitis in the left hind hoof, a potentially life-threatening affliction that is common in horses who shift weight to one foot for extended periods of time to keep pressure off an injured foot (in Barbaro's case, the right ankle he broke in the Preakness). A procedure called a hoof wall resection removed 80 percent of Barbaro's left rear hoof. The remaining 20 percent of his hoof wall was still attached to the coffin bone and was still living tissue, but it was unclear how much of it would ever grow back. Both rear legs were in casts. Richardson stated that he would restrict himself to aggressive but standard treatments: no experimental procedures would be used.[8][9][10][11] Barbaro was given a special support boot for his laminitic hoof and placed on painkillers; a support sling was brought into his stall to allow him to take the weight off his hooves for hours at a time.

Hopeful signs

On August 2, Dr. Dean Richardson said in a phone interview that Barbaro's broken right leg had fused to the point where they would have replaced the cast with a brace if his left leg were sound. The coronary band on his left leg (the place from which the hoof grows) appeared healthy and all signs were encouraging.[12] On the 15th it was reported that Barbaro had been allowed to graze outside for the first time since his accident.[13] Two days later Dr. Richardson announced that they had discontinued use of the support sling, since Barbaro was no longer using it to support his weight.[14] The next day, August 18th, radiographs showed that his fractured right leg was almost completely fused.[15]

On September 26, Dr. Dean Richardson's reported that Barbaro's cast would not be replaced as long as he was comfortable in it. His left hind hoof had regrown about 18 millimeters and the support shoe had been replaced with a bandage. According to Richardson, “it has to grow at least three times that, which could take more than six months."

On October 10, his cast and protective shoe were changed. His left rear hoof was "gradually" improving from laminitis. "There is good growth along the quarters (closer to the heel) but there will need to be much more healing along the front of the hoof," Richardson said in an update issued by the University of Pennsylvania's George D. Widener Hospital. "We still have many months of healing ahead of us."[16]

Barbaro reached another milestone on November 6, 2006 (almost six months after the Preakness) when his cast was removed for good and replaced with a splinted bandage.[17] Richardson and his team also evaluated his laminitic hoof at that time. The hoof showed no new problems, but several months of growth are necessary before Richardson will know how well it has recovered. About December 12, Barbaro's bandage on his right hind leg was removed completely. This was announced during a press conference on Wednesday, December 13. On Wednesday, January 3, Dr. Morrison, from Rood and Riddle, applied a cast to Barbaro's left hind lamanitic hoof. This was Dr. Morrison's second visit to Barbaro.[citation needed]

A significant setback and death

Early in January 2007, the laminitic left hoof became the source of more complications. On January 10, Dr. Richardson announced that another section of the hoof had been surgically removed.[18] Updates over the next few days revealed that the cast had been reapplied to Barbaro's right hind leg for support, and that aggressive pain management and the support sling had been resumed. Nevertheless, Richardson emphasized that the setback was not altogether unexpected and that Barbaro's condition was better than it had been the previous July.

In another setback Barbaro developed a deep abscess in his right hind foot. Additional surgery was performed on January 27 to insert two steel pins into the healed bones of Barbaro's right foot. This would allow the right foot to bear more weight, but the procedure is risky, with the major danger being that the bones might break again.[19][20]

The final turning point may have come when Barbaro's front legs, which had remained healthy throughout the ordeal, fell prey to laminitis late in the weekend. Once this had happened, Barbaro could not comfortably put his weight anywhere.

Barbaro was euthanized on January 29 2007 around 10:30 AM EST by decision of his owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who indicated that they felt that his pain was no longer manageable.[21]

Plans are now underway as to where Barbaro will be buried. Some options include Churchill Downs, not far from the scene of his greatest moment of glory at the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., and the Jacksons' Lael Farm, just a few miles away from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.[22]

Public reaction

A following had grown up around Barbaro since his breakdown in the Preakness. His stall at New Bolton was decorated with cards and flowers sent in by fans. Others sent in items meant to help him recover, such as saint medallions and holy water.

Barbaro's breakdown intensified the debate over the use of artificial track surfaces at racecourses.[citation needed]

A message board created by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine became a very popular place for well wishers to send get well and inspirational message to the horse. [1]

Barbaro, in the wake of his Preakness injury, became the object of care and affection from the public in a way only a few animals before him have. He received many thousands of "Get Well" cards and presents (including a 7ft by 72ft card from fans at the Belmont), his condition was followed by news organizations on a daily basis, and he inspired a large anonymous donation to the New Bolton Center establishing the "Barbaro Fund", to aid the treatment and care of large animals.

Connections

Barbaro was owned and bred by Gretchen and Roy Jackson's Lael Stables in West Grove, Pennsylvania. Roy Jackson grew up in Edgemont, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the son of MacRoy Jackson and Almira Geraldine (Rockefeller) Jackson Scott, who was a prominent local horsewoman. His grandfather, William Goodsell Rockefeller, was once treasurer of Standard Oil Company.

Barbaro was trained by Michael Matz at Fair Hill Training Center. During his racing career he was ridden by Edgar Prado and Jose Caraballo. Neither jockey rode him at any other time other than in his races. Peter Brette was his regular exercise rider.

Breeding

Pedigree of Barbaro
Sire
Dynaformer
dk. b/br. 1985 		Roberto
b. 1969 		Hail To Reason
br. 1958 		Turn-To
Nothirdchance
Bramalea
dk. b/br. 1959 		Nashua
Rarelea
Andover Way
dk. b/br. 1978 		His Majesty
b. 1968 		Ribot
Flower Bowl
On The Trail
b. 1964 		Olympia
Golden Trail
Dam
La Ville Rouge
b. 1996 		Carson City
ch. 1987 		Mr. Prospector
b. 1970 		Raise A Native
Gold Digger
Blushing Promise
b. 1982 		Blushing Groom
Summertime Promise
La Reine Rouge
b. 1978 		King's Bishop
b. 1969 		Round Table
Spearfish
Silver Betsy
b. 1971 		Nearctic
Silver Abbey

Racing career

Date Race Track Location Distance Surface Condition Finish
October 4 2005 Maiden Delaware Park Wilmington, Delaware 1 mi. Turf Firm 1st
November 19 2005 Laurel Futurity Laurel Park Racecourse Laurel, Maryland 11⁄16 mi. Turf Firm 1st
January 1 2006 Tropical Park Derby Calder Race Course Miami Gardens, Florida 11⁄8 mi. Turf Firm 1st
February 4 2006 Holy Bull Stakes Gulfstream Park Hallandale Beach, Florida 11⁄8 mi. Dirt Sloppy 1st
April 1 2006 Florida Derby Gulfstream Park Hallandale Beach, Florida 11⁄8 mi. Dirt Fast 1st
May 6 2006 Kentucky Derby Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky 11⁄4 mi. Dirt Fast 1st
May 20 2006 Preakness Stakes Pimlico Race Course Baltimore, Maryland 13⁄16 mi. Dirt Fast DNF, injury

Honors

See also

References

  1. ^ Smiley, Jane (2007), "Barbaro, The Heart in the Winner's Circle: Time Line", The Washington Post, 30 Jan, 2007.
  2. ^ Velin, Bob (2007), "Ordeal is over for Barbaro", USA Today, 30 Jan, p.1c
  3. ^ "Barbaro makes Derby his sixth victory in six starts". ESPN, May 7, 2006.
  4. ^ "Derby winner Barbaro undergoes surgery". AP, May 22, 2006.
  5. ^ Tim Woolley Horseracing News. Retrieved May 22, 2006.
  6. ^ "After Successful Surgery, Barbaro's Chances Remain 'Coin Toss'". The Blood-Horse, May 23, 2006.
  7. ^ "Barbaro surgery successful, Derby winner begins road to recovery". AP, May 22, 2006.
  8. ^ Barbaro May Die Due to Foot Inflamation
  9. ^ Vets lose confidence in Barbaro's recovery; laminitis hits July 13
  10. ^ "Doctors Say Barbaro's Life Is at Risk Due to an Inflammation in His Left Hind Foot" Associated Press, July 14, 2006.
  11. ^ Barbaro doing 'much better' July 14, 2006
  12. ^ Veterinarian: Barbaro's right hind leg healing well August 1, 2006
  13. ^ Barbaro goes out to graze August 15, 2006
  14. ^ Barbaro no longer needs support slingAugust 17, 2006
  15. ^ Barbaro has cast change August 28, 2006
  16. ^ Barbaro's condition gradually improving Associated Press, October 10, 2006
  17. ^ "After cast removed, Barbaro uses 'all of his legs quite well' "The Baltimore Sun", November 7, 2006
  18. ^ Barbaro suffers setback January 10, 2007
  19. ^ Barbaro has another significant setback January 28
  20. ^ Latest surgery on right hind leg marks new setback SI.com, January 29, 2007
  21. ^ Barbaro euthanized Monday morning January 29, 2007
  22. ^ Barbaro burial plans underway Columbian.com Jan 30, 1:50 PM EST, 2007
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