Breath of Fresh Air for Barbaro; Gaining Weight and 'Attitude is Great'

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Edited New Bolton release
After almost three months in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn's George D. Widener Hospital, classic winner Barbaro has begun brief outings to some grassy areas adjacent to the ICU to hand graze.

"We felt he was ready for a change of scenery, so last week we took him outside to pick his own grass," said Dr. Dean Richardson, chief of surgery. "He's not outside for a long time, but it's enough to let him enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If he remains this comfortable, he will be hand-grazed daily."

"I'm very pleased with his progress," Richardson said of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner who was injured in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I). "His appetite remains strong, he sleeps well, and we continue to monitor him closely. He is measurably gaining weight and his overall attitude is great."

Photos taken of the colt outside the ICU unit show the cast on the right hind leg, which encloses the foot and extends up to just below the hock, the bandage on the left hind foot and support wraps on Barbaro's front legs.

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