Dissatisfaction on the Marches

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Readers complained that the death of racehorse Barbaro was overplayed, with a Page 1 news story, a Style appreciation and Sports columns by Sally Jenkins and Andrew Beyer -- especially compared with the handling of the death of the Rev. Robert Drinan, Jesuit priest, law professor and former member of Congress. His obituary was inside the Metro section. Several were upset that Barbaro got top billing in Style.

Bob Bernstein of Bethesda wrote: "When I looked at the front page of the Style section this morning, I couldn't believe my eyes. In the top-left lead position were two "Appreciations" . . . and the priority, the top story, complete with picture, went to a horse! That the death of a horse is more important news than that of a well-known politician would be ludicrous under virtually any circumstances. But in this instance the person happened to be a notably grand, distinguished, and unusually newsworthy (as the very fine story by Colman McCarthy makes clear) religious and political leader, Father Robert Drinan. Are we supposed to laugh or cry at this absurd journalistic travesty?"

Steve Reiss, Style deputy assistant managing editor, said that Barbaro's death was more recent and that author Jane Smiley's piece was exceptionally good.

Drinan's death should have been at least mentioned on Page 1, not the Metro front. And his appreciation should have been on top. That said, the death of Barbaro was a compelling story. I read to the end of all the Barbaro pieces (Jenkins's was a knockout), and I haven't been a horse lover since one lay down in a river with me on its back.

Deborah Howell can be reached at 202-334-7582 or at ombudsman@washpost.com.