Barbaro passed into immortality yesterday, a legend born not by a Kentucky Derby victory but an undaunted spirit that cheated death for eight months.
A devastating ankle injury in the opening moments of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico last May would have normally proven fatal within the hour. The ensuing laminitis should have quickly killed him, too. Ultimately, it did as doctors at the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa. euthanized the four-year-old colt following a failed weekend operation to stabilize his leg.
You had to admire Barbaro’s gameness, though. The best equine caretakers in the country thought the colt would die several times earlier.
Racing fans sent acres of carrots to the clinic along with notes, specially-written Christmas carols and well wishes. The Barbaro Fund for equine care raised $1.2 million.
A horse serving as inspirationmay seem preposterous to some, but those who love the sport often cited Barbaro for doing just that. If Barbaro can walk again, wrote one accident victim to owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, then so can I. That was just one of thousands of letters the owners received.
Barbaro was supposed to be the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. He won his first three starts on the grass — including the Laurel Futurity — before taking the dirt debut in a driving rain. Barbaro won the Derby despite just one race in 13 weeks — an unheard of break. Needles was the last Derby winner to score after a five-week layoff, and that was 50 years ago.
Everything quickly turned ugly, though. After breaking through the Preakness starting gate prematurely, the heavy 1-2 favorite suddenly became a long shot. Expending such adrenalin in a false start is always a bad omen.
Barbaro soon stumbled less than 100 yards into the race. His right rear ankle was shattered, a rare injury at the start of a race. Fans stopped watching Bernardini’s impressive win once they saw jockey Edgar Prado pull up Barbaro. They simply couldn’t believe such misfortune.
Barbaro’s 6-0 record for $2.3 million before the tragedy made him worth saving, especially with blueblood bloodlines for breeding. But in the end, the Jacksons spent tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs because it was the right thing to do.
Greatness didn’t deserve such a graceless ending. However, Barbaro will always be remembered for showing greatness and grace to the end.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
