Barbaro doing fine day after surgery

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. – Barbaro was on his feet Monday in his 12-by-12 stall, and that’s where he’ll be for the next few days, the next few weeks and probably the next few months.

With a fiberglass cast on his right hind leg and a staff of veterinarians keeping 24-hour watch, standing around is the best thing – the only thing – the stricken Kentucky Derby winner can do.

A day after surgeons spent more than five hours pinning together the leg bones he shattered in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, the 3-year-old was adjusting to his new life as a rehab patient.

“He got through the night very well, day one and into day two is going as well as expected,” said Dr. Corinne Sweeney, executive hospital director at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. “He is standing on the leg, and with the appropriate amount of weight on it.”

Barbaro also showed interest in a few mares nearby. “He’s acting like a young colt should,” she said.

Despite the good initial reports, doctors have cautiously given Barbaro a 50-50 chance for survival. So far, his appetite and vital signs are fine.