There was some talk as 2006 ended about how New Bolton had done everything they could for Barbaro, and I even got a rumor via my old Barbaro video that he had went home. I'm sure he'll leave the hospital in 2007 as long as the laminitis keeps healing. In December Gretchen Jackson said it could be in January, and that he won't go back to Lael, but somewhere like Kentucky Horse Park. Here's today's Barbaro update.
Anyway, I read alot of articles last night and alot of speculation about breeding Barbaro, as if this was the whole point of saving his life. One reporter even asked if Barbaro would be breeding this year (2007). Gretchen Jackson was very kind and indulged this by saying "I guess it's not an absurd question," and "We don't even know if the horse can mount a mare. The first thing is getting him out of there."
So many have easily forgotten that the Jacksons are not salvaging a breeding animal, that just before Barbaro's accident they saved the life of one of their geldings (who has never won anything major, much less a Crown race). They can afford to save their horses lives and they do, out of respect and compassion. Even when Barbaro leaves the hospital his legs are going to be a major concern, indefinitely. They just want him to live the rest of life, and live it without pain. Kentucky Horse Park is not a breeding farm and said they would love to have Barbaro, but the colt might have to find a more appropriate residence if he was to breed.
As far as their next Derby hopeful, Barbaro has a full brother, born in March 2006. I think any owner would be much more excited about seeing this one's future unfold than the prospect of injuring Barbaro's legs again in a mating, which seems the most likely outcome of that in the nearest future. Because no one would have heard about the Jackson's gelding, it took a Kentucky Derby Winner from the same stable to deliver the message and remind us how strong these horses can be. I hope it's well remembered what Barbaro and racing fans have been given through saving his life -- not to race again or breed, but to let him enjoy the rest of his life and remind us that all injured race horses deserve a chance if it's possible.
