BARBARO STAKES TO DEBUT AT PIMLICO NEXT MAY
The Maryland Jockey Club announced that it has changed the name of the Sir Barton Stakes to the Barbaro Stakes. The mile and a sixteenth test for three-year-olds is one of eight added-money races on the Preakness undercard.
Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, is recovering from a shattered hind leg sustained during the middle jewel of the Triple Crown and he remains in intensive care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's New Bolton Center. Owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson, the son of Dynaformer won the 2005 Laurel Futurity as a two-year old. Based in Maryland at the Fair Hill Training Center, the Michael Matz trainee won six races at five different tracks on the turf, over the slop and on fast tracks.
“We thought it was the right thing to do,” said Lou Raffetto, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Jockey Club. “Barbaro has become the most popular racehorse in the country because of his courageous battle to overcome such a severe injury. This change will allow the next generation of race fans to reflect upon this magnificent and beloved champion during Preakness day at Pimlico.”
The Sir Barton Stakes, named after the first horse to capture the Triple Crown in 1919, debuted at Pimlico in 1993. In 2002, Sarava won the Sir Barton and used it as a springboard to a victory in the Belmont Stakes three weeks later.
BARBARO EXAMINED BY PODIATRIST
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was examined this week by Dr. Scott Morrison, head of the equine podiatry service at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky. "Barbaro is stable and comfortable, although we remain concerned about the long term management of his left hind foot," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery.
According to Barbaro's medical team, Dr. Morrison did some minor work on Barbaro's left hind foot and made recommendations concerning the management of that foot. "There is no timetable at this moment concerning Barbaro's discharge from the hospital," said Dr. Richardson. "His comfort on both hind limbs is good, and his overall condition is excellent."
