Barbaro's trainer encouraged by signs of stability! ESPN News 7/19 AM

Updated: July 19, 2006, 2:52 AM ET

Associated Press
Horse Racing News Wire


KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Barbaro's success was built on speed. Now, victories for Kentucky Derby winner are measured in a far different way.

The 3-year-old colt had another good day Tuesday. He was stable with normal vitals, the fifth straight day without a setback since veterinarians removed most of the hoof wall in his left rear leg due to a severe case of laminitis.

Though encouraged by the good reports on Barbaro the last few days, trainer Michael Matz understands that the colt's condition is still very tenuous.

"He could take a turn for the worse or get an infection again, you just don't know," Matz said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "It's just a slow road now. If he keeps having days like he's having now, then hopefully everything will be fine."

Both of Barbaro's hind leg casts were changed Monday, and Dr. Dean Richardson was pleased with how the colt performed under light sedation in his sling.

"The leg and the incision looked as good as we could have hoped," said the New Bolton Center's chief surgeon, referring to the right hind leg.

That's the one that shattered in three places shortly after the start of the Preakness Stakes on May 20. The left cast, he said, will be changed often so the laminitis can be treated.

Still, the odds of Barbaro's full recovery from the painful, often-fatal hoof disease and the reconstructed right hind leg are really no better than they were a week ago.

That doesn't necessarily discourage Matz because he knows his horse.

"He's a fighter. He's doing the best he can," he said. "They're doing all the best to save the horse. That's all we can do. That's all we can hope for is what's happening right now."

Richardson offered a grim reminder Monday that Barbaro was not suffering from a "routine" laminitis, and Matz was aware of all its perils.

"I've had two before with it and we lost both of them," he said.

Matz tries to visit his prized colt daily. Owners Roy and GretchenJackson are vacationing in Africa.

"You have to be prepared for anything, obviously," Matz said. "I'm optimistic because I want him to live"





This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index