Richardson likes what he sees of Barbaro

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Kennett Square, PA (Sports Network) - Barbaro's surgically repaired right hind leg appears very good according to Doctor Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the George D. Widener Large Animal Hospital. The cast on the Kentucky Derby winner's leg was changed on Sunday.

"The cast was changed because there was a small crack in it," said Dr. Richardson. "Based on new radiographs that were taken, the leg looked excellent under the cast. The pastern joint looks completely fused,Richardson likes what he sees of Barbaro  and there is only a small area in the long pastern bone that has a little farther to go before we take him out of the cast completely."

Radiographs of the right hind leg show no infection.

Barbaro was under general anesthesia during the cast change and recovered well in the pool. He was returned to his stall in the intensive care unit.

The colt's left hind foot developed laminitis more than a month ago, but Barbaro seems comfortable with that foot as well. The bandage on that foot is changed every day.

"Barbaro is bright and happy this morning (Monday) with an excellent appetite," according to Dr. Richardson.

Dr. Richardson and the New Bolton Center will receive the Joe Palmer Award, named for the former New York Herald Tribune Turf Writer and presented annually for meritorious service to racing.

Meanwhile, 'Team Barbaro', the group of Barbaro himself, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, trainer Michael Matz, assistant trainer and exercise rider Peter Brette, and jockey Edgar Prado, will receive the Mr. Fitz Award during the 47th annual NTWA Awards Dinner on November 1 at The Olmstead in Louisville, Kentucky.

Bluegrass Cat, second to Barbaro in the Run for the Roses, was retired on Sunday after suffering a broken pastern bone of the right hind leg. The colt has been retired, though his injury is not as severe as Barbaro's.