Barbaro in stable condition

Barbaro's condition remained serious but stable on Saturday morning after another "very good night" on Friday, according to his surgeon, Dr. Dean Richardson.

The popular 2006 Kentucky Derby winner is being treated for severe fractures he sustained in his right hind leg during the May 20 Preakness Stakes and for laminitis in his left hind hoof. The laminitis is a potentially life-threatening complication that has resulted from excessive weight-bearing as Barbaro has shifted weight from his injured right leg onto the left.

Barbaro remains in intensive care at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center equine hospital in Kennett Square, Pa.

"His heart rate and pulse are normal, and his appetite is good," Richardson said in a release issued Saturday morning by the New Bolton Center's George D. Widener Large Animal Hospital. "He continues to respond well, looks good, and has a positive attitude."

The Associated Press also reported that Richardson had walked Barbaro in the intensive care unit on Saturday morning, a positive sign that the 3-year-old colt is able to move comfortably. He is wearing casts on both hind legs.

Barbaro underwent surgery on July 12 to remove much of his left hind hoof, which was damaged by laminitis.