Barbaro
I am just a casual horse racing fan, but like most of the country, Barbaro captured my heart. He is the first horse (I got lucky again with Street Sense) that I chose to win the Derby who actually won. (The list of horses I chose and who subsquently lost is distingushed and includes Bet Twice, Easy Goer, Point Given, Mister Frisky). I picked him out after the Florida Derby, cheered him home in the Derby, and was shocked and saddened like the whole country by the Preakness. I followed his story carefully and mourned his death at this time last year.
Today his owners announced that he will be buried at Churchill Downs, scene of his greatest triumph. While not one to normally comment on current events such as politics (other than to say I really do think we need some sort of health care net for the uninsurable), seeing the story about Barbaro brought back a whole flood of memories. Horses are the true runners, they are bred and born to run and love it. I think Churchill Downs is a very appropriate place for Barbaro because although I admire his courage in battling for long months to recover from his shattered leg, it’s the image of him winning the Kentucky Derby that will always be in my heart.
Tags: Barbaro, horse racing, horses, Running
Jenny, we used to talk about horseracing on the AOL’s Civil War board.You talked about Ruffian and I went on and on about Bayakoa and Easy Goer.
After he overcame his health scare in the summer, I really thought Barbaro would make it.
Deej and I were very relieved to find out the good news about YOU.
Thanks Jack, and I most certainly remember you from the old AOL boards. A real shame AOL decided to kill our community. Send my regards to Deej, and I hope you’re doing well.
If you’re ever in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs is a worthwhile spot to visit. They have an exhibit on Barbaro. He definitely holds a special place in the hearts of Louisvillians.