BARBARO (Dynaformer x La Ville Rouge) April 29, 2003 – January 29, 2007
Barbaro, winner of the 132nd Kentucky Derby last May, was laid to rest at approximately 10:30 am on Monday, January 29. More than 18,000 candles from 41 countries are lit on a virtual candle website, and people around the world are mourning the loss of one of the greatest horses in recent history. There are no regrets, only tears shed for a noble and worthy fight. Barbaro was a brave soul and never gave up, regardless of the task. He was undefeated in every race he finished, and all of his connections, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, exercise jockey Peter Brette and many others, felt he was the best horse they had ever seen. they had had. Get in touch with.
Barbarian was a hero. He was brilliant, a world class athlete, a dynamic winner and a beautiful animal. He was innocent in all the decisions that people made for him. He was silent. He was determined and showed courage in the most dire circumstances. He didn’t complain and just did the best he could, every moment of every day. He wasn’t that gentle, but he was extremely generous with his efforts. Maybe that’s why the world loves him so much…
Even in death, Barbaro is an inspiration for life. He just fought like a champion and everyone rallied behind him to support him. Barbaro’s earnings totaled more than $2,000,000, a testament to his tremendous racing talent. Disaster struck when Barbaro broke his right hind leg in several places during the early stages of the 2006 Preakness Stakes. He was skillfully stabilized and transported to the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He underwent unprecedented surgery, with 27 screws placed in the bones of his lower right hind leg, in addition to a metal plate for structural support. He recovered and began the healing process. Then, in July 2006, a severe and devastating case of laminitis struck his healthy left hind leg and life-saving surgery was performed once again. Laminitis is a very painful inflammation of the tissue that connects the foot bone to the inner wall of the hoof. Although every effort was made to keep him comfortable, eventually the laminitis was beginning to affect his healthy front legs. They all felt so much love and respect for him. It was time to let him go.
Barbarian ended his contest for life with the entire class he was born with. The tradition has been a herald for all the elite horses of the past, who have won the Kentucky Derby. If tradition is followed, some of Barbaro’s remains will be interred at Churchill Downs, home of the world famous Kentucky Derby, and his ashes scattered over Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s farm, Lael Stables, home to the devoted owners of Barbarian. He led a full life…if you can measure it by the number of people he touched, plus the races he won.
While Barbaro did not prevail on this journey, he did leave a legacy. “The Barbaro Fund”, established by a very generous anonymous donation, raised an additional $1.2 million and continues to grow. It is being used to upgrade equipment at the New Bolton Center and to help horses like Barbaro whose owners do not have the financial means for the necessary treatment. Contributions also continue to pour into “The Fund to Fight Laminitis,” a major area of research for the American Association of Equine Professionals and the US Department of Agriculture. Barbaro will always be an ambassador for the horse racing industry and will continue to inspire us all to meet whatever challenges we may face.
God bless you Barbarian. You are a legacy of hope and a noble creature. You have put up a great fight. Thanks. We express our deepest condolences to those who were so close to Barbaro, and our deepest gratitude to Dr. Dean Richardson DVM, and to the veterinary professionals and staff at the New Bolton Center.
Here’s something to think about: La Ville Rouge, Barbaro’s mother, is silently chewing hay and nonchalantly carrying Barbaro’s full brother. Yes that’s how it is. She is expecting early this spring…
For those who wish to express their condolences directly to the Jacksons, Dr. Dean Richardson, or any of Barbaro’s close connections, cards can be sent payable to (c/o):
New Bolton Center
382 West Street Rd.
Kennet Square, Pennsylvania 19348
The staff will make sure the cards get to you.
