Barbaro progress slow and steady

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Kennett Square, PA (Sports Network) - Veterinarians continue to be happy with the progress that retired Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro shows. The three- year-old colt had the cast on his right hind leg changed last week.

"Barbaro is wearing the new cast satisfactorily," said Dr. Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "We continue to monitor him closely, and depending on how he progresses, we may change it again within the next two weeks."

In addition to recovering from the injuries he suffered in the Preakness Stakes on May 20, Barbaro is also overcoming the laminitis in his left hind foot. Dr. Richardson indicated that the thoroughbred is showing gradual improvement from the laminitis and the bandage is changed daily.

"Barbaro's appetite is great, and we take him out each day to hand graze him," said Dr. Richardson. "His vital signs remain normal, and he seems very happy."

Barbaro's owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, along with trainer Barcaly Tagg, are preparing Colonial Turf Cup winner Showing Up for his next race. The three-year-old may face older horses for the first time this Saturday at Belmont Park in the Man o'War Stakes.