BARBARO PULLED UP

[Sam]

The only thing giving me a shred of hope is that it didn't break through the skin so MAYBE the blood supply isn't going to be effected.

They're going to have to try to fuse all the bones together and anchor a cast to pins through the bone/muscle/skin.

Then we'll have to see how smart the horse is and whether or not he'll take the forced inactivity to survive.

[Sam]

I'm trying to remember the stallion that had something like this happen. Exbourne?

I remember something about the full leg cast and how they had to pin the cast to his leg to take pressure off the foot/ankle so it would heal

[Heidilady]

Very bad. But he must not have fractured the sesamoids? That is good. Just pray he didn't damage the blood supply too much. the rest can be metal plated and screwed together but he needs the blood supply to heal.

Scary. Does anybody know how soon they'll know what's going on and be able to tell us?

I figured we're all operating under the rather obvious assumption that he's done on the track for sure but if that's a false assumption feel free to speak up. They all figured Seabiscuit was done but in this case I just never have heard of a horse fracturing above and below an ankle myself so I figure the deal is done. I was hoping even if he lost the race that he'd just amaze us all on one of the Grand Slam of Grass races maybe. I'm just dragging here, dunno about anybody else.

[skeenan]

Totally depressing. Deflated my mood... I think I'm going to go out to the barn to give my guys a hug... (sniff)

[ckaye]

Some insider info here: http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/sh ... 142&page=2

[Sam]

TVG just showed the replay of his breaking through the gate, being pulled up and walked back.

The foot wasn't laterally stable then. If anyone's taped it, take a look and watch the foot ... there's some slight flipping/wiggling going on there every time he picks it up.

[austique]

Barbaro will never run again. I watched him a little more closely this time after his sort of gimpy walk off in the KY Derby and he looked stiff in the paddock and as they came to the gates Prado kept looking down like maybe something wasn't right.

I hope the horse is okay. It didn't look particularly good. He was in a lot of pain.

This horse wasn't bred to be unsound. He was coddled like fine china. 2 weeks back is not that big a challenge (despite those that make it out to be) and the Derby was a relatively easy race. I guess my point is, who do you blame?

[Heidilady]

They warmed him up more than usual and more than the other horses. Do you think they figured he was stiff and just needed a little more pre-race? Before this happened I just assumed it was to get the jump in placement on Brother Derek.

[Sam]

They warmed him up more than usual and more than the other horses. Do you think they figured he was stiff and just needed a little more pre-race? Before this happened I just assumed it was to get the jump in placement on Brother Derek.

I don't think it was 'warming him up' so much as it was 'keep him moving so he doesn't freak out'.

[Thunder]

Yes, it is so sad . I don't believe it is anyone's fault. The Jockey did an excellent job when he pulled up. This is part of horseracing.

[Nancy T]

Does anyone think they should NOT have loaded him back in the gate? he could have injured it there. I know its hindsight but seems like it was not a good idea.

[RavenSuesMom1]

Dern ... I was crying .... I want to go hug my guy too!

Thanks for the link to inside information.

[ak1]

question for those with this experience...how safe is to van to new bolton with a broken hind limb? (over an hour van ride)

[Sam]

Does anyone think they should NOT have loaded him back in the gate?

Yes.

Watch the pull up and walk back after he broke through. The ankle was already starting to give way.

[StrawberryFelidos]

I guess my point is, who do you blame?

Fate.
You can do everything in your power to do the right thing, but fate is a horrible bitch. At times.