The 2006 Champion of the Kentucky Derby Barbaro was born in 2003 and destined for greatness. He claimed the first race of the American Triple Crown with exceptional speed and determination. With odds placed at 6 to 1 Barbaro was already a proven favorite of the public. He claimed the track with such speed that no coaxing by his jockey Edgar Prado was required. Taking the finish with over six lengths beyond the other twenty horses he was competing against Barbaro set the crowds cheering as he sped his way into the hearts of the American public.
After the winning of the Kentucky Derby Barbaro went on to compete in the Preakness in the hopes of eventually taking the American Triple Crown but a false start which led to the shattering of his hind leg on the right-hand side ended his racing career forever and finished this dream.
Numerous attempts were made to aid in Barbaro’s recovery from such a serious accident. Horses unlike smaller animals require the use of all legs in order to function properly since most of their strength is centered in and around this area. Also a horse cannot lie down to recover due to the onset of any number of fatal sicknesses not to mention the size and weight of the animal itself. Horses also retain a very sensitive immune system and are endowed with a fragile chemistry which is something one would never assume in an animal of such power and majesty.
Do to modern science and new technology the field of equine health is ever advancing forward and more can now be done for a horse that injures its legs then say maybe fifty or more years ago. This was the hope for Barbaro but after undergoing numerous surgeries he unfortunately developed laminitis in his other hind leg and further time proved the same for his forelegs as well. It was then decided that Barbaro was suffering too greatly and his owner and veterinarians were faced with making the painful decision of having him euthanized marking history with the date of January 29, 2007.
The entrance to Churchill Downs home of the Kentucky Derby is now also the final resting place of Barbaro’s remains a bronze statue has been placed in his memory marking the site. His greatness and bravery will never be forgotten by the racing world or equine lovers across the globe.
Important Wins
Of 2005 the Laurel Futurity
For 2006
The Florida Derby
The famous Kentucky Derby
The Tropical Derby
And the Holy Bull Stakes
Awards and Honors
Of 2006
The NTRA “Moment of the Year” title
And his lasting legacy;
The Barbaro Stakes located at the Pimlico Race Course
And the Barbaro Stakes held at Delaware Park
