The sad but not unexpected end for Barbaro came earlier this week (prior posts here). Alas, thoroughbreds are born to race, not to convalesce. So, Barbaro was simply not able to fend off the multiple infections that increasingly afflicted his legs and hoof areas.
Although those in horse racing circles knew that the Kentucky Derby champ’s recovery was always a longshot, Barbaro’s death has generated a surprising amount of over-the-top public emotion. Thankfully, the Washington Post’s Sally Jenkins does a good job of placing Barbaro’s death in the perspective of the high-risk nature of thoroughbred racing, as does NY Times Joe Drape in analyzing the advancement in treatment of thoroughbreds that resulted from Barbaro’s attempted recovery.
But the same thing cannot be said for NY Times Select ($) columnist Harvey Araton, who is utterly overwrought in attempting to interpret the public displays of emotion over Barbaro’s death:
Maybe Barbaro, as the fallen champion, was reminiscent of a country that was seriously wounded on 9/11 and has been wobbly ever since. Maybe the horseís medical roller coaster struck a chord at a time when a great American city, ravaged by nature and neglect, still canít stand up. Maybe only in such context can we rationalize such widespread passion for the health of a horse that has exceeded that for any single American soldier killed or wounded in Iraq.
Harvey, get a grip. Sheesh!
Tom,
Any thoughts on possible reform of horse racing in light of Barbaro’s popularity? Granted, long-time followers of horse racing are familar with the risks, but the specifics of this case might push the NTRA to make some alterations to breeding programs, etc?
I claim no expertise in the NTRA’s ability to govern the sports breeders, but this is an interesting issue.
Sean, interesting question, but my sense is that any reform movement resulting from Barbaro’s death is a longshot. One of the interesting aspects about Barbaro is that he was not a heavily-raced horse — indeed, arguably the least-raced Kentucky Derby champion in history. Thus, overuse was not a factor in the injury. That, plus the exemplary manner in which the owners handled the attempt to save the horse, will likely not spur any reform movement in the racing industry.