Dr. Dean Richardson, who rose to international prominence in 2006 through his efforts to save Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro after the colt suffered a severe injury in the Preakness Stakes, is recovering from surgery conducted on Tuesday following a riding accident two days earlier.
The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) issued the following statement on Wednesday:
“As many in the equine community are aware, Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Charles W. Raker Professor of Equine Surgery, was injured in a riding accident on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Dr. Richardson underwent surgery on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Legions of students, former and current residents, veterinarians, trainers and equestrians from around the world have reached out to express their love for Dr. Richardson and their profound appreciation for how he has touched their lives. The entire Penn Vet community remains positive and hopeful as Dean begins his recovery. We are making every effort to support Dr. Richardson and his family and will share updates when appropriate.”
Richardson was the chief of large animal surgery at Penn Vet's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., and led the team that reconstructed Barbaro's right hind leg, which had multiple fractures after being pulled up quickly after the start of the Preakness by jockey Edgar Prado. Along with Barbaro's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Richardson went to extraordinary lengths to explain to the public the injury, the surgical procedures and recovery process that followed in a series of press conferences, television appearances and interviews.
In the end, when Barbaro was euthanized due to the onset of laminitis in January 2007, Richardson patiently explained to the media and the public during a press conference why the decision was ultimately made. Richardson was part of “Team Barbaro” that was recognized with a Special Eclipse Award for the transparent manner in which they handled the situation from the time of Barbaro's injury until his death nearly nine months later. He's won numerous other awards and commendations for teaching, research and surgery.
Richardson received his veterinary degree from The Ohio State University in 1979 and has remained at New Bolton throughout his career after completing his internship there.
The post Dr. Dean Richardson, Who Led Efforts To Save Barbaro, Has Surgery Following Riding Accident appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
