To Hell with Barbaro...Updates
Let me say this first: I sincerely hope that Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby-winning horse, recovers from the horrific leg injury he suffered at the Preakness race two months ago. I really, honestly, truly do hope that Barbaro makes a full recovery and avoids that great glue factory in the sky.
Now that I have that out of the way, let me also say this: Who do I have to euthanize to end the daily Barbaro updates? Denver Post sports columnist Terry Frei wrote a few days ago that he is fully vested in the "how's Barbaro doing today" storyline. Here's a few tidbits from Frei's column:
On Saturday, one of the first things I did was to check if there was any word about Barbaro's condition. And I'm not embarrassed to admit it. At that point, the news from Pennsylvania was the Kentucky Derby winner still was fighting for his life... ...If it had to be expressed with words, I'd say the widespread interest in Barbaro's fate ever since would be hard to explain. Yet the explanation instead involves feelings in the pit of the stomach and the throat and, yes, even in the eyes. I don't want to turn this into a joke, but isn't the scene most of us remember from "Stripes" the semi-serious one when Bill Murray asks his new Army buddies which of them cried at the end of "Old Yeller," and they slowly and self-consciously get around to raising their hands? My hand went up, too. All those who were shaken after having to make a tough decision about a pet, raise your hands. Come on. Nobody's looking. There. That's more like it.Okay, I understand all of that. I really do. Like I said, I want to see Barbaro recover and go on to the good life of being a professional "stud." But can we please end the daily Barbaro news ticker? I can pretty much sum up the last two months since the Barbaro injury like this: Barbaro Feeling Better Barbaro Feeling Worse No, Wait, Barbaro Feeling Better No, No, Barbaro Feeling Worse Hooray! Barbaro Feeling Better Both The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News run Barbaro updates every couple of days. Frei devoted a full column to it a few days ago, and the Rocky Mountain News' Bernie Lincicome did the same today. ESPN.com has an update virtually every day. EVERY DAY! The Rocky had this headline a couple of days ago: Barbaro Stays 'Positive' Barbaro stays positive??? What??? What would be the alternative headline? Barbaro Admits to Feeling a Little Down About Broken Leg. Everyone does know that Barbaro is a horse, don't they? Did I miss the press conference where he turned into Mr. Ed? (Now that would have been a story). Barbaro broke his leg in terrifying fashion exactly two months ago today. Two months! We've been getting almost daily updates on his progress ever since. Call me callous, but I just don't care about the story of Barbaro anymore. [Careful reading alert!!!] Again, I am hopeful that Barbaro recovers, but I no longer care about the story of Barbaro. Let me know if he recovers, or let me know if he dies, but otherwise I don't want to hear about it. We don't get this kind of daily coverage when a famous statesman or political figure becomes ill, but for a horse??? I realize that Barbaro's recovery would be a great story, but he hasn't recovered yet. The media is making this a story, forcing it down our throats. Barbaro broke his leg!!! DON'T YOU CARE??? CARE!!! CAARRRRREEEEE!!! Look, this is a million-dollar horse, getting million-dollar treatment, in a veterinarian clinic that I would make my primary doctor's office if I could. They're half way to making him into some sort of bionic cyborg horse. It's not like Barbaro broke his leg and some guy in a barn was nursing him back to life. If Barbaro doesn't recover, it won't be because he wasn't courageous - it will be because modern science ran out of science. So here's to Barbaro: My thoughts are with you, and may you have a speedy recovery. But in the meantime, I don't want to hear about it.
Comments
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Submitted by Lindsey (not verified) on Thu, 2007-01-11 03:26.
I immediately thought of you and this post as soon as I saw this in the headlines: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-sp.barbaro11jan11,0,4162433.story?coll=bal-sports-horse
I just had to laugh and laugh. It never ends!
Submitted by Rose McCutcheon (not verified) on Sat, 2006-11-25 18:14.
Hows this one for you, Its almost December and I still pull for BARBARO's complete recovery. May God Bless him everyday and give him a complete recovery. I am thrilled that he has a full brother and another foal on the way. I hope they both turn out to look like ( BARBARO )
Submitted by Melissa Harden (not verified) on Mon, 2006-08-21 06:31.
Hey,
If you don't want to see the updates, just ignore them. No one is forcing a gun to your head. My website has only been up 2 weeks and I already have over 4200 visitors and the Barbaro update site has had 1.3 million. So obviously, people still care to hear about him even if you don't.
Also, I was always taught, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
Submitted by Michelle (not verified) on Sun, 2006-08-20 00:10.
Dear Jason, I just wanted to let you know in case you missed it that Barbaro ( I like his formal name) was able to get out in the fresh air every day this week! And actually be a normal horse ! He got to eat grass and maybe even think about girls??? And he does not even need his sling anymore. That should make your day!! Maybe bring a little tear to your eye?? I know I will sleep better tonight!!
Submitted by Margie in NM (not verified) on Tue, 2006-08-01 14:10.
Jason - You stated, "I don't need to know how Barbaro is doing every day."
The rest of us do!
Come outside of yourself. There are more than just YOU in the world.
I am also an anti me me me me me person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Incredulous (not verified) on Tue, 2006-08-01 12:48.
I agree wholeheartedly with Margaret. The last time I went to a polo match, one of the horses complained constantly and had the dilated pupils of someone who does the cocaine. I heard he later went on strike. Comparing him to Barbaro is like Lex Luthor vs. Superman, or crazy bloggers vs. sane people. Jason wouldn't know heroism if it spat in his face.
Submitted by Jason Bane (not verified) on Tue, 2006-08-01 10:39.
Wow. There's a lot of passion in some of these responses. I'd encourage you to take a closer look at what I wrote, however. I don't wish any ill on Barbaro - in fact, I went out of my way several times to say that I hope he recovers.
I just don't see why the media deemed it necessary for so long to report every other day on his condition. I don't need to know how Barbaro is doing every day.
P.S. I think you're mixing up your horror movies, but I do appreciate being compared to a character from a slasher flick. Freddy was on Elm Street, not Jason.
Submitted by June Thresher (not verified) on Tue, 2006-08-01 10:26.
Jason,
Here's hoping if you ever break a leg being FORCED to run, someone will take you out and shoot you.
Are you the same Jason that lives on Elm Street?
Submitted by Margie in NM (not verified) on Mon, 2006-07-31 09:28.
HEY JASON - go to - timwooleyracing.com and then click on 'Barbaro updates', and blog those hundreds of people about your Barbaro feelings.
Oh, and while you're at it, give them your phone number and address, if you dare.
Submitted by Michael C. Kimball (not verified) on Sun, 2006-07-30 05:55.
It make's you wonder no matter what there is alway's an asshole to be found. I truly hope Jason does not own any animal's or have any children. Truly what do horse's have to look forward to but LOVE and ATTENTION as they mainly are for the people rather it be racing, riding or working and they should be respected as much as any other animal or person. We all make choice's in life if we want children or pet's or neither. I hope Jason chose the latter. Animal's only have us to determine their destiny, when they eat, etc. It is like the dog you see tied to a little doghouse with a chain and far from the house; those people need to be locked up and have no right to have pet's. In closing Barbaro is a tradgic story as was Dale Earnhardnt but let's hope Barbaro keep's his head high and I hope to be there when he walk's out to go home. If I was the owner's I would put the Preakness raceway on notice about a gate that malfunctioned and nobody seem's to hold them accountable as Barbaro would have a Triple Crown not fighting for his life. Michael C. Kimball Jackson, Michigan
Submitted by Barb, AZ (not verified) on Fri, 2006-07-28 11:36.
I think the University (Penn) has the same feeling about daily updates. They are now limiting theirs to once or twice a week, unless the horse's condition drastically changes. I think this is appropriate.
There are other websites (Tim Woolley's, e.g.)that provide news more often.
If you don't need daily updates, please just don't read them. I don't understand the issue here.
Thanks.
Barb, AZ
Submitted by Margaret (not verified) on Fri, 2006-07-28 09:37.
I think you are jealous of all the attention that Barbaro is getting. I think you are jealous that he has owneres that are willing to put big money down to help their horse. Barbaro is fortunate to have them. He is most fortunate to have Dr Richardson for his doctor.
This horse doesn't do drugs. He doesn't go on strike because of whatever his particular issue is that day. He doesn't whine, he doesn't fight with colleagues. He doesn't punch out fans or the refs.
Barbaro is an example of what a professional athlete should be. Look to the above examples.
The only thing this horse has ever asked for is to be fed, groomed, have a few itches scratched and be allowed to run for the sheer joy of running.
I could go on but what's the sense? You've probably already scrolled by this post...
Submitted by Marie (not verified) on Fri, 2006-07-28 09:31.
I would much rather read about Barbaro than some of the crap going on, the war, the president.. all that crap.
There are too many spoiled over paid "human" athletes in this country. Finally we have one that all he cares about is eating, healing, getting massages and resting. He is not in it for the money, NOR are his owners the Jacksons. IF they were, they would have put him down and collected MILLIONS. Bravo for them to try and save this animals life. Not because he is a Kentucky Derby winner, because they are lovers of horses and animals, and will not give up until the horse says I am tired of fighting. This is NOT the first horse the Jacksons have fought for and saved from injury. They don't care if he can not be a stallion, as he will have a home to go to, no matter what happens..
That is the story, compassion and caring of people.
Submitted by Deborah A. (not verified) on Fri, 2006-07-28 09:20.
Better to read about this beautiful creature than all of the spoiled-brat athletes that we are constantly exposed to.
Submitted by Bonnie (not verified) on Thu, 2006-07-27 21:53.
I would hope through all this talk about Barbaro that in some way perhaps his tragic accident can show us the need for reform in the horse racing business. The other thing that would be wished for is that we offered as much love and support to each other as we seem to be able to do for a horse.
Submitted by Michelle Ward (not verified) on Thu, 2006-07-27 16:08.
Hi to all animal lovers out there! It has been 4 days since the last Barbaro update and my week has not been the same! I sleep better at night knowing Barbaro had a good night and a good day! Crazy But at the bottom of my soul Most animals are kinder, more honest, and genuine than any human! I bet there are more of you out ther that feel the same way! Please all.... keep Barbaro in your prayers! Every prayer for Barbaro goes in the same direction as all of his Well Wishers! Straight to Heaven sooner or later!!!!
Submitted by DEBORAH (not verified) on Wed, 2006-07-26 12:22.
PREACH IT DARLA
If you don't care to don't read the updates, I want to hear about a guy with more courage, heart, and patience than any person I know. He's a hero.
Submitted by Lisa (not verified) on Wed, 2006-07-26 08:44.
The way the world is today, we need an honest, loving, trustworthy, loves unconditionally hero to escape the liars, cheaters and theives. And that hero just so happens to be a horse! Some people should have the class and grace this beautiful animal displays. I am THANKFUL for the daily updates. Thanks for listening-
Submitted by Margie Urban (not verified) on Wed, 2006-07-26 07:36.
To those of you that don't want Barbaro updates, I would like to speak to you on behalf of the racehorses. It is a very ugly business, to be sure. These horses are controlled by humans even before conception. When they don't 'work out', they are farmed off and worse. The horses that do perform are the heroes. Barbaro is a hero.
Look at what we ask of them in their lives. An article was in Sports Illustrated recently and the author was putting forth his opinion on why there is so much attention and support towards Barbaro. He thought maybe it was guilt that is driving us to root for 'Bobby'. Maybe it is.
Humans run these horses for pleasure, money, etc. The horse has no choice. Ruffian ended her career with 2 broken legs and euthanasia. Her parents were euthanized 2 years later, one month apart, both with broken legs. Seabiscuit was raced cruelly in his early career until he was rescued. Smarty Jones is now at stud in Japan being forced to breed with booked mares. They trick him into doing the deed. Giacomo was labeled a fluke, until he won a big race recently in San Diego. DelMar racetrack on the east coast has a very high serious injury and euthanasia rate, and I can only think that in each starting gate there is at least one horse who can say, "These are the last moments of my life".
Opponents of 'Bobby' updates need to look at horseracing closely to see what is driving most of us to root for 'Bobby'. To me, he stands for all the racers that went before, and all the racers yet to come.
As I am anti horseracing, and a champion for the animal, I will root for Bobby. I want to see updates on his condition, even twice a day. I want him to WIN and live, despite what we humans have asked of him and will continue to ask of him.
Maybe today, you should reach down and hug an animal and really make the CONNECTION. Then maybe you will understand a little better why we want Barbaro to survive, and that every day he does survive is a real triumph for this very intelligent horse. His medical treatments WOULD NOT WORK without his own spirit and cooperation. God bless you, Bobby!
Submitted by Darla (not verified) on Wed, 2006-07-26 05:56.
To the people who don't care....then DON'T READ the updates on Barbaro! Simple as that! For us who care, we want to see the updates and read them. There's always one idiot who has to voice his opinion just to be heard! That's you. Barbaro's condition can change at any time and the updates are good for us who care. It's better than reading about Tomcat, Bradgelina, Britney's life, ect.! We don't care about that! Go find something better to do with you time!
Submitted by Brian Roundtree (not verified) on Fri, 2006-07-21 08:17.
I certainly concede that to you: The best politicians leave their constituents hungry for the possibility, right up until the last minute. I wish he would have run...unlike Barbaro's run to the Triple Crown, Hick could have gone the distance and claimed victory in November.
Submitted by Jason Bane (not verified) on Thu, 2006-07-20 15:23.
I hear you on the Hickenlooper thing, but in my defense he absolutely did not officially rule out running for governor until he held the press conference in February.
Saying he had no plans is just something you say when you haven't made a decision - that's how many politicians play the game. If Hick had truly closed the door, it would have stayed closed. Lots of politicians give definitive 'no' answers and get the word out privately that no means no (Mark Udall did this when he announced he would not run for governor. Nobody wondered months later if he might still run, because he was definitive when he said no).
Hick never fully closed the door privately. You don't have to take my word for it, but I can say with 100% certainty that he was always considering running until the final press conference.
Submitted by Brian Roundtree (not verified) on Thu, 2006-07-20 14:43.
Adam!
Let's not get jealous that Kat gets out on the town more than you. A good deal of people live vicariously through her travels amidst the Denver nightlife and get great ideas for future nights of freedom from whatever it is that keeps our butts at home too often. Furthermore, if Kat broke her leg (a la Barbaro) you'd have to get off your butt and check out Denver and then we'd have to listen to you EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK.
Submitted by Adam (not verified) on Thu, 2006-07-20 14:03.
Updates about Barbaro are far more interesting than reading what Kat Valentine does EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK. Give me a break. We don't care about what baby shower/walk in the park/bachelorette party she attends.
Submitted by Brian Roundtree (not verified) on Thu, 2006-07-20 12:54.
I believe there was a similar feeling about a dead topic (Hickenloopers run for governor) a few months back, yet we heard from you on it everyday...even after he confirmed, more than once, that he wouldn't run. Some people just like to beat a dead horse...and forgive the pun. I too hope Barbaro recovers.
