by Mike Curry
One year ago, on his final day of life, Barbaro demonstrated his feistiness and fighting spirit by nipping his surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.
A year later, his owners and fans have carried on that trait to champion a variety of causes the beloved Dynaformer colt inspired.
When the 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner shattered his right hind leg in the opening stages of the Preakness Stakes (G1), a nation rallied around the critically injured Thoroughbred.
Barbaro’s fight for survival in the days, weeks, and months following a grueling six-hour operation to stabalize the limb led by Dean Richardson, D.V.M., chief surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school, turned him into a national icon.
Barbaro subsequently developed acute laminitis in his left hind foot in July 2006. He recovered sufficiently to graze outside and go for daily walks that fall, but his hoof wall separated from his laminitic hind hoof on January 9 and within three weeks he began to shows signs of laminitis in both of front feet. Without a healthy foot on which to stand, Barbaro was euthanized on January 29 at the New Bolton Center.
Rather than fading from public consciousness, Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s homebred Barbaro lives on through those who loved him, cared for him, and were inspired by him.
“He reached so many people and touched so many people, and that interest hasn’t really subsided,” Gretchen Jackson said. “They are still carrying on with projects and interests that Barbaro started.”
The Fund for Laminitis research was developed at New Bolton Center as was The Barbaro Gift Fund to support ongoing patient care and expansion of the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals. Through Monday, more than $2.7-million has been raised for the laminitis fund and the Barbaro Gift Fund has generated $1.3-million in donations.
“It’s really amazing how much good has come out of the whole thing, and continues to,” Roy said. “It’s going to be a long road as far as the laminitis goes, but it certainly has started out well. They’re trying to get a handle on the whole thing, and it’s going to take time. Nobody thought that it wouldn’t. We wish something incredible would happen tomorrow, but it’s going to take a lot of research and a lot of work.”
The Jacksons also committed a $3-million gift to endow a chair at the University of Pennsylvania’s school of veterinary medicine in the name of Richardson.
In the aftermath of Barbaro’s breakdown in the Preakness, racing fans, horse lovers, and well-wishers searched for information about Barbaro on the internet. Fair Hill Training Center-based trainer Tim Woolley, whose barn was located near that of Barbaro’s trainer Michael Matz, began providing regular updates on Barbaro’s condition.
Fans banded together to share their emotions, lean on each other for support, and get the latest information about Barbaro. They formed the group Fans of Barbaro (FOBs) and the same people who cried together when he was euthanized last January continue to honor his name by raising money to find a cure for laminitis, promoting anti-horse slaughter legislation, and saving horses from slaughter.
FOBs have saved more than 1,900 horses and raised more than $800,000. More information is accessible at www.alexbrownracing.com.
“I think it has been absolutely remarkable that so many of the Fans of Barbaro participate in horse rescue,” Gretchen Jackson said. “Isn’t that absolutely remarkable; just a real grassroots movement that has accomplished something, made some changes. It’s excellent; if we could just get the [anti-slaughter] bill through Congress it would be even more remarkable.”
The Jacksons still receive mail from Barbaro’s fans across the globe. Roy Jackson said they received cards or well wishes from each of the 50 states and at least 15 different countries. They got a letter from a school teacher in Virginia about an eighth-grade student whose interest in veterinary studies was encouraged by Barbaro. On Monday, Gretchen Jackson took the teacher and student on a tour of the New Bolton Center.
“Her teacher had written me about her that she was really an exceptional student, just way beyond the average child, and she would really appreciate if we could run her through New Bolton so she could see it,” Gretchen Jackson said.
Gretchen Jackson takes time each week to respond to those who took the time to write.
“I guess it brings you close to people when you share the same feelings,” Gretchen Jackson said. “I don’t know why I feel compelled to write back, I guess it’s just because their statements, thoughts, or actions are so beautiful. I couldn’t toss it in the waste basket, I have to acknowledge it. I do spend a couple of hours a week with mail, and I’m still way behind. I feel like I have to do it myself because people have been so nice and generous.”
“It makes it so much easier to see all of the good that has come out of it and all of the positive,” Roy Jackson said. “It obviously was quite a journey that we all went through and amazingly, it still continues. …The Friends of Barbaro are still at work on his legacy.”
Mike Curry is Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor