Barbaro Gaining Strength on Right Hind Leg

Barbaro, winner of the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) is continuing to strengthen on his right hind leg since the cast was removed Nov. 6, according to his medical team at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

"Barbaro will need a special shoe on his right hind foot that will provide extra support for at least the next several months," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, chief of surgery.

Barbaro's medical team plans to change his right hind shoe within the next day or two. Barbaro's left hind foot, which had laminitis, continues to improve.

"The left hind foot is progressing slowly although his comfort on that foot remains acceptable," said Dr. Richardson. "Most importantly, Barbaro's overall condition is continuing to improve and he weighs more now than at any time during his hospitalization."

The 3-year-old son of Dynaformer raced as a homebred for Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Lael Stables before his career-ending injury in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).