Barbaro -- Champion Horse
Champion horse Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby champion wa sput to sleep on January 29, 2007 after eight months of battling laminitis and other complications caused by his near-fatal accident at the 2006 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.
See story: Kentucky Derby Champion Barbaro Euthanized.
Barbaro was an undefeated horse coming into the Kentucky Derby and was a favorite to claim the Triple Crown honors. Before conquering Churchill Downs, his 3-year-old wins included the Tropical Derby Stakes, the Holy Bull Stakes, and the prestigious $1 million Florida Derby.
The Michael Matz-trainee was thought to be the answer to the Triple Crown drought, until that fateful day at Pimlico cut short Barbaro's shining career. He was taken to the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center for treatment and stayed at the hospital until his death.
A following has grown up around Barbaro since his accident. His stall at New Bolton was decorated with cards and flowers sent in by fans. Others sent in items meant to help him recover, such as saint medallions and holy water. Barbaro's breakdown also intensified the debate over the use of artificial track surfaces at racecourses.
Barbaro was owned and bred by Gretchen and Roy Jackson's Lael Stables in West Grove, Pennsylvania. He was trained by Michael Matz at Fair Hill Training Center. During his racing career he was ridden by Edgar Prado and Jose Caraballo.
Barbaro's Racing Career Record:
| Date |
Race |
Track |
Location |
Distance |
Surface |
Condition |
Finish |
| October 4, 2005 |
>Maiden |
Delaware Park |
Wilmington, Delaware |
1 mi. |
Turf |
Firm |
1st |
| November 19, 2005 |
Laurel Futurity |
Laurel Park Racecourse |
Laurel, Maryland |
11/16 mi. |
Turf |
Firm |
1st |
| January 1, 2006 |
Tropical Park Derby |
Calder Race Course |
Miami Gardens, Florida |
11/8 mi. |
Turf |
Firm |
1st |
| February 4, 2006 |
Holy Bull Stakes |
Gulfstream Park |
Hallandale Beach, Florida |
11/8 mi. |
Dirt |
Sloppy |
1st |
| April 1, 2006 |
Florida Derby |
Gulfstream Park |
Hallandale Beach, Florida |
11/8 mi. |
Dirt |
Fast |
1st |
| May 6, 2006 |
Kentucky Derby |
Churchill Downs |
Louisville, Kentucky |
11/4 mi. |
Dirt |
Fast |
1st |
| May 20, 2006 |
Preakness Stakes |
Pimlico Race Course |
Baltimore, Maryland |
13/16 mi. |
Dirt |
Fast |
DNF, injury |