Barry Manilow Reschedules Concerts Amid Health Concerns; Barry Geraghty Previews Major Horse Racing Events

When people hear the name Barry, it might evoke the glitter of the stage or the pounding hooves of a champion horse. This week, two Barrys made headlines in very different worlds—music and horse racing—each facing pivotal moments in their respective careers.

First, in the realm of show business, legendary singer Barry Manilow found himself battling unexpected health issues. According to Good Morning America, Manilow was rushed back to Los Angeles after complications arose from oral surgery performed earlier in the week. The 72-year-old artist had just completed a triumphant, sold-out concert in Memphis when the medical emergency struck, forcing him to postpone upcoming shows. The timing is particularly poignant: Manilow is in the midst of his “One Last Time – One Last Tour,” a farewell circuit across North America and the UK. With his latest album, ‘My Dream Duets,’ earning him a 15th Grammy nomination, fans and industry insiders alike are anxiously awaiting news on whether Manilow will be able to attend the Grammy Awards scheduled for Monday, February 15th.

The statement released on Manilow’s official channels captured both the uncertainty and determination that have marked his career: “Following a triumphant sold out concert in Memphis, Barry Manilow was rushed back to Los Angeles due to complications from emergency oral surgery that Manilow had on Monday. At this time it is unclear if Manilow will be able to attend the Grammy Awards on Monday, February 15th where he is nominated for his 15th Grammy Award for his latest album, ‘My Dream Duets.’”

This moment serves as a reminder of the fragility behind the fame. Manilow, known for hits like “Copacabana” and “Mandy,” has spoken candidly about the emotional weight of this final tour. In an earlier interview with Billboard, he described it as his last, underscoring the sense of closure and legacy that now hangs in the balance. For fans, the possibility of missing Manilow at the Grammys is more than a scheduling hiccup—it’s a potential endnote to a storied career. Yet, as always, the showman’s resilience is apparent, and supporters remain hopeful that he’ll recover in time for the music industry’s big night.

Meanwhile, in the world of horse racing, Barry Geraghty—the accomplished jockey and William Hill ambassador—is focused on strategy, form, and the thrill of competition. Geraghty’s recent blog for William Hill offers a deep dive into the upcoming super Saturday of racing at Chepstow, Kempton, and Leopardstown. His analysis is a masterclass in reading the field, weighing odds, and decoding the subtle signals that separate contenders from pretenders.

At Chepstow, Geraghty breaks down the Grade 2 Finale Juvenile Hurdle, highlighting two promising horses: Macktoad, whose debut win at Sandown was impressive, and Manlaga, a filly with strong form from France. Geraghty notes the uncertainty in form lines but favors Manlaga for her value and adaptability to soft ground. In the Welsh Grand National, Jubilee Express stands out as Geraghty’s pick, backed by a proven path to victory and a track record that matches the demanding conditions.

Kempton’s Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase sees Geraghty looking past the obvious choice, Lump Sum, instead favoring Mambonumberfive—a horse showing signs of maturity and improvement since switching to chasing. For the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase, Thistle Ask is tipped to overcome a significant handicap rise, thanks to a racing style suited to Kempton’s flat track.

Turning to Leopardstown, Geraghty is particularly bullish on Majborough in the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase. Despite a narrow defeat and some jumping issues at Cork, Geraghty predicts a stronger performance on the left-handed track. Marine Nationale, a Champion Chase winner, is identified as the main threat, but Geraghty’s confidence in Majborough’s recovery and form is clear. In the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle, Le Divin Enfant impresses with a dominant debut, while Skylight Hustle shows potential but some limitations. For the Paddy Power Chase, Weveallbeencaught is seen as a solid contender, boasting stamina and valuable experience in big fields.

Through Geraghty’s eyes, readers get an insider’s glimpse into the mental chess game that defines elite racing. His blog doesn’t just forecast winners—it conveys the intricacies, the risks, and the subtle art of reading a horse’s readiness.

In contrasting ways, both Barrys are navigating their own obstacles. For Manilow, the challenge is physical, a reminder that even icons are not immune to the unpredictable turns of fate. For Geraghty, the hurdles are literal, but also strategic, with every race an opportunity to prove that experience and intuition matter as much as raw talent.

As 2025 unfolds, the stories of Barry Manilow and Barry Geraghty offer a snapshot of perseverance, expertise, and the ever-present tension between uncertainty and hope. Whether it’s the hush before a Grammy announcement or the charged silence at a racetrack’s starting gate, both men remind us that in their worlds, the outcome is never certain—but the journey is always worth watching.

Both Manilow and Geraghty exemplify how experience, resilience, and adaptability shape outcomes in fields where the margin for error is slim and the stakes are high. Their current challenges underscore that even at the pinnacle, vulnerability is part of the story, and how one responds to setbacks often defines a legacy as much as any triumph.