From "Horsetalk" August 15th, 2006 NEWS!

Dr Dean Richardson takes Barbaro for some grass.

Photos: Sabina Louise Pierce/University of Pennsylvania




The almost impossible to believe in the Barbaro saga has finally happened - he has been able to take outings to a grassy area by his hospital stable. Barbaro has been grazing for a few minutes each day and enjoying the change of scenery and fresh air.

After almost three months in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn's George D. Widener Hospital, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro begun the brief outings last week.

"We felt he was ready for a change of scenery, so last week we took him outside to pick his own grass," said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery.

"He's not outside for a long time, but it's enough to let him enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If he remains this comfortable, he will be hand-grazed daily.

"I'm very pleased with his progress," said Dr. Richardson.

"His appetite remains strong, he sleeps well, and we continue to monitor him closely. He is measurably gaining weight and his overall attitude is great."

The photos show the cast on the right hind leg, which encloses the foot and extends up to just below the hock, the bandage on the left hind foot and support wraps on Barbaro's front legs.

The Tim Woolley Racing site reported earlier this week that New Bolton had released a video of Barbaro walking out to graze. "It clearly shows Bobby walking comfortably, and enjoying the great outdoors!" Alex Brown says.

The site also quotes an excerpt from Thoroughbred Times: "That's the first time he's been outside since we brought him in," said Gretchen Jackson.

"Dean took him out, and he just stood there for easily five minutes, looking at the scenery like, 'Oh my God, I'd forgotten about all of this.' He just looked around for some time before he put his head down, and then he ate away and was probably out for a good 20 minutes, enjoying himself. It was just the nurses out there and maybe a few vets and I think there were quite a few tears shed to see him do that."