When Joy turns into a Nightmare

[jackaroo]

I watched the Preakness with anticipation of maybe another triple crown winner. Barbaro had all the qualities that would be a triple crown winner...the first in 28 years. But something made me turn away from the TV and my ears heard "he is pulling up" "he is pulling up".. Instinctivlly I knew this was bad news. And since I am from Maryland and the Preakness is very special to me, I was afraid. I knew something was very very wrong. I couldn't look at the tv. I just listened. The words rang in my ears "Barbaro has something wrong" Barbaro is limping. God...I hated to hear that.

I grew up with horseracing. It is a passion in my state. And to see such a champion limp was heartbraking to me and the rest of us here to watch the races.

Well here it is on Sunday evening and the latest news is that he "may" survive the operation which lasted 7 hours. But maybe "not".
I'm sad about this whole delema but I look at my dog Jack and hug him more closely and speak to him more softly because Barbaro may be a race horse but he is also someones pet and beloved animal.

Let's all hug our pets more closely and give them more treats because we never know what awaits them tomorrow.

Prayers go out to a wonderful champion Barbaro and his family.

Lee

 

[Renee750il]

So true, Jackaroo . . . He's a special creature. It just comes across so strongly, and it's not because he's fast. That great heart and spirit just shines like a beacon.

 

[gulliver]

I understand that feeling jackaroo, coming from Kentucky. There is certainly a strong connection that exists above and beyond the betting for most of us whether we're in the industry or not. They are just part of us.
It's goofy but you'll even hear people say things like " you know he was born over on ______ farm". Odds are good they were from here. I know I even googled Ruffian this weekend. That broke my heart when I was a kid.