Replies

I couldn't believe Barbaro got hurt like he did. I really couldn't believe that they loaded him back in the starting gate after he broke through- I was expecting the race to be delayed, that they'd have to take all the horses out, have the state vet examine him, and then either scratch him or let him re-start the race.

From my viewing of the race, it looks like he wrenched the ankle when he broke through the gate before the start.( I re-viewed the image several times-it seems clear that his back leg/ankle went sort of side-ways from the exertion) . That he was able to take a few good strides afterward was possibly due to adrenaline in his system- maybe he didn't feel it at first?

I think the powers that be simply forgot that -first and foremost- racehorses are fragile animals. They assumed everything was ok. They made a tragic mistake. That said:-

Thank the Lord for the good news! But, Barbaro still has a long, long way to go. As his vet said- this is just the beginning.

While it is tragic that Barbaro sustained such a terrible injury, it is also amazing that he does have a chance to recover due to advances in veterinary medicine. This is a side of the horse racing story the public doesn't get to hear about very often.
(As a side note- you'd be surprised how often some advance/discovery in vet medicine will end up helping humans, and vice-versa)

What a terrific job his veterinary team did with the surgery- the X-ray photo's show how complex it was. These are very dedicated people.( From what I understand, the horse is at one of the best facilities in the world.)

Prayers to St. Francis of Assisi for the full recovery of Barbaro.