Barbaro's future hangs in balance

It will be weeks before a decision can be made on Barbaro's future

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro's chances of survival are rated at no better than 50-50 after surgery on the leg injury he suffered in the Preakness Stakes.

It will be weeks before veterinarians can confidently whether the colt, who suffered fractures above, below and in the ankle joint, will survive.

"This horse is nowhere close to being out of the woods," said surgeon Dean Richardson after four hours of surgery.

"There is absolutely no guarantee that he will end up making it."

A plate and 23 screws were inserted into the injury which was described as being so severe that in many cases, the horse would have been destroyed.

"It's unusual to have three catastrophic injuries all together, I've never seen this fracture," said Richardson.

"I feel much more comfortable now," said trainer Michael Matz.

"I feel at least he has a chance."

Bernardini's 12-1 victory in Saturday's race at Pimlico was overshadowed by Barbaro's injury.