by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — BB Bunny Bell, the Precious Bunny colt who suffered a serious skull injury and nearly died before the efforts of Barb Hartman and her Miracle Farm Horse Rescue raised enough money to save his life, won a qualifier on Friday (April 20) at Northfield in 1:59.4, in line to Brett Miller.

It was just his second trip behind the gate. In his first qualifier, he was interfered with and made a break.

“He is so fast,” said Hartman. “Brett told us he did it on his own and that he is a really nice colt.”

Now 3, BB Bunny Bell never saw the pylons, getting away seventh, 12 lengths back. He was over 11 lengths back at the :59.1 half, but began rolling, moving up to third at the 1:30.1 three-quarter call. He drew away in the stretch with a :29.1 final panel to get a 7-1/4 length win. Hartman has engaged Scott White to train the colt.

BB Bunny Bell’s recovery and need for specialized surgery was covered extensively in Northeast Ohio media, where concerned individuals donated thousands of dollars to his care. A fundraiser was held for BB Bunny Bell at Northfield in the summer of 2005. The then yearling met the public, standing calmly in a makeshift stall as people took pictures.

He was found with the injury, which exposed a sinus cavity, making breathing difficult and infection likely, on the Ashtabula farm on which he was raised. He may have been kicked in the head by another horse, although it is impossible to know for sure.

BB Bunny Bell will qualify again this Friday (April 27), and if all goes well he will head to Lebanon Raceway for the first leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes.

Miracle Horse Rescue takes in unwanted horses of all kinds to be rehabilitated and retrained. Donations can be made to Miracle Horse Rescue in care of the Eaton Family Credit Union, BB Bunny Bell Account, 333 Babbitt Rd. #100, Euclid, OH 44123.