Kentucky Derby Winner Stable After Preakness Accident
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, is reported to be standing and eating after having undergone nearly seven hours of surgery at Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
The Triple Crown hopeful was pulled up lame after breaking three bones around his right hind ankle in the first stages of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Maryland Saturday night.
The veterinary surgeon and trainer believed the operation to be a success that repaired the damaged area and fused the ankle, but warned that Barbaro still has a long way to go and there is the possibility of numerous complications afterwards.
To be brutally honest there is still chance enough for things to go bad, it is still a coin toss probably, even if everything went perfect, told the veterinarian. He explained that Barbaro stood up from the anesthesia without any injuries. The most important thing is that this is just the first step in any kind of injury like this. Getting the horse to stand up is a big step, but it is not the last step by any means. He added that fears about blood flow to the area of Barbaros injuries have proved unfounded.
The Dynaformer colt had recently won the Kentucky Derby in great style, scooting home by six and a half lengths, and had been a warm favorite to win the Preakness, won by the Sheikh Mohammed-owned Bernardini.
