Barbaro has 'excellent week'

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is showing continued improvement in his long recovery from a broken right hind leg and laminitis in his left hind, according to an update issued Tuesday from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.

A 3-year-old Dynaformer colt, Barbaro remains in intensive care at the center, where he has been since shattering his right hind leg in the May 20 Preakness.

"He had an excellent week," said the center's chief surgeon, Dr. Dean Richardson.

Richardson implanted more than 20 screws and a compression plate in Barbaro's right hind leg. When Barbaro's left hind leg developed severe laminitis in July, Richardson removed much of the hoof wall, which also is showing good signs of recovery, Richardson said Tuesday.

"We replaced the boot on his left hind foot with a bandage because the hoof is doing well," he said.

The release said Barbaro "continues to be comfortable" in the cast that has been on his right hind leg for three weeks.