Barbaro undergoes more surgery for injured right leg

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is being closely monitored after developing complications this week requiring more surgery and treatment of an abscess.

Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., changed Barbaro's cast twice in three days, once on Monday to replace bent screws in his shattered right hind leg and a second time Wednesday because the horse seemed uncomfortable.

On Monday, veterinarians replaced two bent screws and added three new ones across Barbaro's pastern joint.

An abscess on the uninjured left hind leg is a "minor problem" being treated topically, Dr. Dean Richardson said.

The major fracture is healing extremely well, Richardson said, but Barbaro is still not in the clear. About a week ago, he had an elevated body temperature for several days.

The horse could remain in intensive care for two more months. The colt has been at New Bolton since breaking down shortly after leaving the starting gate during the Preakness on May 20. He underwent several hours of surgery the next day.

Investigation in Illinois

The Illinois Racing Board has opened an investigation into a cluster of fatal breakdowns of horses racing at Arlington Park. In the first half of the four-month season, 16 horses suffered leg injuries during races that required them to be euthanized.

-- The Associated Press