Horse racing community won't forget Barbaro

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Arlington Park outside Chicago plans to have a synthetic surface in time for its meet opening May 4.

“There’s been an increase in racing-related injuries,” Del Mar’s president Joe Harper said. “Of course, it was all brought to light by Barbaro in the Preakness.”

During Barbaro’s plight, the Jacksons have been outspoken on horse slaughter in the United States.

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“I’m sincere in my desire to see this ended,” Gretchen Jackson said. “I didn’t realize the grotesqueness of the whole thing. I intend to be more responsible.”

An anti-slaughter bill is pending before Congress. If approved, it would shut down the three foreign-owned plants in the United States that slaughter horses and ship the meat overseas.

About 88,000 horses, mules and other equines were slaughtered in 2005, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department.

While the Jacksons are moving forward — they have about 15 horses in training and 25 mares for breeding purposes — some still question why they would spend so much money to try and save Barbaro.

Cost estimates have ranged from tens of thousands to a few million dollars, and the Jacksons have yet to see a bill. “I’ll cringe when I see it,” Gretchen Jackson said.

Dean Richardson, the chief surgeon at New Bolton who cared for Barbaro, says it’s not even “remotely productive” to discuss costs.

The Jacksons are well off and have said money was never an issue. Their first thought was to save the horse. Now, they hope others will try to do the same.

“Rich or poor, I would like to think money wouldn’t interfere with any animal if it meant doing whatever was possible to save it,” Gretchen Jackson said. “Roy and I have the same values — we treasure, we revere animals, and God forbid money should get in the way of their care. See if you can save an animal, then see about paying the bill.”

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