Barbaro makes good progress in recovery
Ten days after his awful breakdown in the Preakness, Barbaro is progressing so well even his surgeon is impressed, though he conceded the colt will have a “hitch in his giddyup.”
After initially saying the Kentucky Derby winner’s chance for survival was a “coin-toss” – 50-50 – Dr. Dean Richardson was happy to amend it.
“I was going to call a news conference to say it’s officially 51 percent,” the surgeon said in Kennett Square, Pa., smiling. “Seriously, every day that goes by is a big day.”
Though upbeat, Richardson was quick to temper his enthusiasm, adding there’s still a long way to go before Barbaro can be discharged. Even with a full recovery, still many months away, the horse will be limited in what he can do.
“Jockey Bill Boland, trainer Carl Hanford and turf champion Cougar II were elected to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame. No contemporary nominees were selected.
Auto racing
Hornish pursues goals
Sam Hornish Jr. always had a stock answer when asked about moving from open-wheel cars to the more popular and lucrative NASCAR series. He wanted to win the Indianapolis 500.
So what about now?
“I’m never going to tell you that I won’t do that,” Hornish said in Dallas, two days after winning the second-closest Indianapolis 500. “But there’s still a lot that I want to do as far as Indy cars go. I’d love to win another championship.”
Hockey
Chilliwack hires coach
The Western Hockey League expansion Chilliwack Bruins have named Jim Hiller their first head coach.
The Bruins will become the WHL’s 21st team in 2006-07 and the league is conducting an expansion draft Friday.
Hiller, 37, was head coach of his hometown Alberni Valley Bulldogs the past two seasons and prior to that was an assistant coach of the WHL’s Tri-City Americans.
Basketball
Rockets CEO resigns
Houston Rockets president and CEO George Postolos is resigning to form a company to help investment groups acquire sports franchises.
“Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder and is expected to be ready for the start of next season.
“North Carolina State center Cedric Simmons will forfeit his final two years of college eligibility to enter the NBA draft.
Miscellany
Pool icon Mizerak dies
Steve Mizerak, winner of multiple pool championships who became one of the game’s more recognizable figures by appearing in training videos, beer commercials and a movie, has died at age 61, his wife said.
Mizerak died Monday in Palm Beach County, Fla., from complications from gall bladder surgery, Karen Mizerak told the Associated Press.
“The Minnesota Vikings hired Rick Spielman as vice president for player personnel four months after passing on him for Fran Foley, who was fired.