Barbaro and Prado reunited

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Kennett Square, PA (Sports Network) - Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and jockey Edgar Prado got reacquainted Tuesday morning at the New Bolton Center, where the colt is recovering from a life-threatening injury suffered at the Preakness Stakes.

Prado came down from New York to personally see for himself how his former mount has been doing. The veteran jockey was so upset about what happened at the Preakness Stakes that he did not talk publicly for several days.

"I definitely feel a lot better," said Prado on Tuesday. "I'm still heart- broken, but seeing him doing better helps a lot."

Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery at the New Bolton Center, gave an update on Barbaro's condition and said the three-year-old "has had an incredibly good week.

"At the very best he'll have a hitch in his giddyup," stated Richardson about Barbaro's future condition. "He will not be quite right, but there are lots of horses that can walk, trot, canter, gallop, spin around and somewhat importantly mount a mare. All those things that you use your hind legs for."

Barbaro, of course, underwent a major procedure a few hours after severely injuring his right hind leg during the opening yards of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 20.

A fund has been established in honor of Barbaro. Contributions will go to a fund for the Widener Hospital and not specifically for Barbaro's care.

During his racing career, Barbaro won his first six starts, including the Tropical Park Derby, Holy Bull Stakes and Florida Derby. The Kentucky Derby win by 6 1/2 lengths was the largest margin of victory in 60 years and gave hope that Barbaro would become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.