Barbaro Recovering After Surgery

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is reported to be standing and eating after undergoing around seven hours of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

The Triple Crown hopeful was pulled up by Edgar Prado after breaking three bones around his right hind ankle in the early stages of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Saturday night.

Veterinary surgeon Dean Richardson and trainer Michael Matz believe the operation to repair the damaged area and fuse the ankle was a success, but warned that Barbaro still has a long way to go as there is the possibility of numerous complications.

'To be brutally honest, there's still enough chance for things going bad he's still a coin toss probably, even after everything went well,' Richardson told www.bloodhorse.com.

A device called a locking compression plate was used to stabilise the fetlock joint with 23 screws used on the 16-hole plate. A cast was then fitted on the leg, enclosing the hoof and running up to just below the hock.

Richardson explained: 'He got up from anaesthesia without any injuries. The most important thing to emphasise is that this is just the absolute first step in any kind of case like this.

'Getting the horse up is a big step, but it is not the last step by any means.'

Richardson added that fears about the blood flow to the area of Barbaro's injuries had proved unfounded.

The Dynaformer colt had won the Kentucky Derby in great style, scooting home by six and a half lengths, and was a warm favourite for the Preakness, won by the Sheikh Mohammed-owned Bernardini.

(C) PA Sport