Sweet dreams Barbaro

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, whose valiant battle for survival after shattering his right-hind leg in the early stages of the May 20 Preakness brought international attention unprecedented emotional support, was euthanized early today at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center, where he had been hospitalized for more than eight months.

Owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson made the painful decision after consulting with Dr. Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the New Bolton facility who had directed Barbaro's treatment throughout his hospitalization.

A deterioration of the originally injured leg required surgery on Saturday during which pins were inserted through the bone and connected to an external device. That setback, complicated by a left-hind hoof afflicted by severe laminitis, indications that the front hooves were beginning to become laminitic and Barbaro's inability to lay down for 48 hours following the last surgery led to the final decision "There was not one foot that was not affected," Gretchen Jackson told the Thoroughbred Times.

"We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain," Roy Jackson said. "It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where it would become more difficult for him then it would be time."

Barbaro battled in his ICU stall since last May. The 4-year-old colt underwent several procedures and was fitted with fiberglass casts. He spent time in a sling to ease pressure on his legs, had pins inserted and was fitted at the end with an external brace. These were all extraordinary measures for a horse with such injuries.

Roy and Gretchen Jackson were with Barbaro on Monday morning, with the owners making the decision in consultation with chief surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson.

"I would say thank you for everything, and all your thoughts and prayers over the last eight months or so," Jackson said to Barbaro's fans.