Barbaro Fund Established To Help Other Animals
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Barbaro captured the symphaty and interest of many Americans, horse racing fan or not.
The colt suffered a life-threatening injury during Saturday’s Preakness Stakes and underwent a six-hour-long surgery. Although he came out of the operating room alive and the procedure a success, doctors say his survival is still 50-50 and infections may still occur.
His surgeon, Dr. Dean Richardson, also stressed that Barbaro’s recovery is a long-term process that will take months. But he said he was encouraged by the progress Barbaro has made so far.
“He will stay here until he is good and ready, at least for a few months,” Richardson said. “He’s not out of the woods until he’s healed. How long will that take? Months.”
The doctor also said that the injury being in his hind leg could be “problematic if he enters the breeding business if he has to mount a mare.” But owner Gretchen Jackson declared the breeding business was secondary. She repeatedly emphasized that she wanted Barbaro to have a “pain-free life.”
Meanwhile, The University of Pennsylvania announced on Tuesday that a Barbaro Fund had been established to benefit its animal hospital. According to a spokeswoman at New Bolton, the seed money was provided by an anonymous donor. The donor is believed to be the Jacksons, who have supported the hospital for years.
It was stressed during the press conference that the fund is not being used for Barbaro’s care – the Jacksons are taking care of that – but as a fund-raising mechanism for the hospital in general.
Other Web sites also encourage fans to send e-mail and good wishes to Barbaro. Here are some of the sites that has been established relating to the now beloved colt:
To send an e-mail to Barbaro at New Bolton Center:
E-Mail to Barbaro at New Bolton Center
To send an e-mail to Barbaro through the National Thoroughbred Racing Association: E-Mail to Barbaro via NTRA
To make a contribution to the Barbaro Fund:
Barbaro Fund
To send an e-mail to trainer Michael Matz and/or owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson:
United States Equestrian Federation
To send an e-mail to Barbaro at fan-based Web site:
Getwellbarbaro.com
"Barbaro Fund Established To Help Other Animals" was posted on 24 May 2006 2:56 AM under Horse Racing News, Horses, Owners & Breeders
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