Another honor goes to Barbaro's owners and Penn

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Barbaro's recovery from his catastrophic injury in the Preakness Stakes was voted as the 2006 NTRA Moment of the Year. Roy and Gretchen Jackson, owners of the Kentucky Derby winner, and the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine will be recognized at the Eclipse Awards dinner this coming Monday.

Racing fans voted on the National Thoroughbred Racing Association website for the top moment in 2006. Of the 10 moments on the ballot, the three Barbaro entries finished one, two and three.

"The racing world keeps vigil as Barbaro fights for his life at the New Bolton Center" finished first with 29-percent of the votes. With 27-percent was "Barbaro wins the Kentucky Derby by a whopping 6 1/2 lengths" and "Barbaro is injured in the Preakness as Bernardini wins impressively" was third with 22- percent of the votes.

"The NTRA Moment of the Year award is a great way for the fans to play an active role in the Eclipse Awards ceremony," said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president of communications. "The voting affirms that, in the eyes of horse racing fans, 2006 was the year of Barbaro, and we are delighted to salute his gallant struggle to recover as the latest NTRA Moment of the Year."

"NTRA Moment of the Year" has been voted on beginning with the 1999 thoroughbred racing year.

Barbaro continues to gradually improve at the New Bolton Center. He is recovering from laminitis in his left hind hoof.

"Barbaro's comfort level is improving steadily, and we are gradually tapering off his pain medication," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "His vital signs are stable, and his appetite is good."