After the Preakness

Fans of Barbaro (FOBs) shed more than a few tears when Chelokee flew across the finish line in the newly-renamed Barbaro Stakes, the ninth race. Chelokee and Barbaro shared trainer Michael Matz from Fair Hill Training Center. To watch as Mr. and Mrs. Jackson greeted him in the winner's circle was triumph. We felt Chelokee was running for Barbaro, Fair Hill, Michael, and all the horse causes we hold so dear. I had the privilege of seeing Chelokee work out at Fair Hill only a few days before Michael Matz decided the colt was not ready for the Kentucky Derby.

We extend out deepest condolences to the owners of Mending Fences. This handsome colt had to be euthanized after he collapsed and broke his ankle with a compound fracture during the tenth race. According to his jockey, the horse did not stumble, just collapsed. We will probably never know what caused it.

We have just learned that the Illinois legislation to ban horse slaughter in that state will not be forwarded to the Governor to sign until mid-June according to state regulations. In the meantime, the huge Illinois slaughter plant, Cavel, is ramping up to slaughter more horses per day. It normally kills on one day and ships on another. Apparently, they have hired extra help and are doing both on the same day. This is a disgrace that should not be happening in America, and we are trying to get an emergency injunction to shut down the place.

Additional efforts this week are focused on the Lone Star state. Horse slaughter in Texas is currently illegal. However, efforts are in progress to pass legislation that would make it legal again. We have 10 days to try to reverse this process.

You CAN make a difference. Go immediately to www.campaigningforbarbaro.com to see how.