THE FALL OF THE BARBARO LEGEND
Barbaro entered the 2006 racing season as one of the most promising Thoroughbreds in recent memory. Born on April 29, 2003, the bay colt by Dynaformer out of La Ville Rouge quickly established himself as an undefeated force on the track. Trained by Michael Matz and owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s Lael Stables, Barbaro compiled an impeccable record in his early races. He captured the Laurel Futurity as a two-year-old, then dominated his three-year-old campaign with decisive victories in the Tropical Park Derby, Holy Bull Stakes, and Florida Derby.
Each performance showcased his explosive speed, powerful stride, and remarkable composure under pressure. By the time the Kentucky Derby arrived on May 6, 2006, Barbaro had become the clear favorite, carrying the hopes of fans who saw in him the potential to end a long drought in Triple Crown winners.
The Kentucky Derby lived up to the hype. Under jockey Edgar Prado, Barbaro broke cleanly from the gate and settled into a stalking position before unleashing a devastating move on the far turn. He powered clear in the stretch, winning by an impressive six-and-a-half lengths over the field. It was a dominant, flawless performance that echoed the great Derby winners of the past. The racing world buzzed with excitement: here was a horse who appeared invincible, poised to chase the elusive Triple Crown.
No horse had swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes since Affirmed in 1978, and Barbaro’s effortless victory suggested he might finally break through. Media coverage intensified, fans sent thousands of get-well cards and letters in advance of the next race, and the colt’s image adorned newspapers and television screens across the country. Barbaro was not just a racehorse; he had become a symbol of perfection and possibility.
Two weeks later, on May 20, 2006, the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course carried enormous anticipation. Barbaro went off as the heavy favorite, with expectations sky-high for another commanding win that would set up a Belmont showdown. The starting gate drama began almost immediately. Barbaro lunged forward prematurely, slamming his head against the retractable doors in a false start. The gates reopened after a brief delay, and the field burst forth. But tragedy struck within seconds.
Just strides into the race—estimates place it between 50 and 100 yards after the break—Barbaro took a bad step with his right hind leg. Jockey Edgar Prado heard a sickening crack and immediately pulled the colt up, dismounting to comfort him as the rest of the field thundered past.
What followed was one of the most heartbreaking moments in modern horse racing. Barbaro’s right hind leg dangled grotesquely, the fetlock joint dislocated and bones visibly shattered. Veterinarians on site confirmed the catastrophic nature of the injury: a broken cannon bone above the ankle, a fractured sesamoid bone, a shattered long pastern bone in more than 20 pieces, and severe damage to the fetlock. The leg had essentially exploded under the force of the gallop.
Barbaro, in obvious pain but remarkably calm, was attended to on the track while an ambulance transported him to the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, one of the foremost equine veterinary facilities in the world.
Led by Dr. Dean Richardson, the surgical team performed a grueling five-hour operation on May 20. They fused two joints in the leg, inserted 27 screws, and secured a titanium plate to stabilize the fractures. The procedure was groundbreaking in its complexity; few horses survive such severe injuries, let alone recover enough to walk normally. Barbaro initially responded well, showing resilience that captured the nation’s heart. Fans flooded the hospital with flowers, toys, and messages of support. The colt became known as “America’s Horse,” a fighter whose battle inspired millions.
For months, updates on his progress dominated sports headlines, with reports of steady healing in the repaired leg offering glimmers of hope.
Yet complications mounted relentlessly. By July 2006, Barbaro developed severe laminitis in his left hind hoof—a painful inflammation often triggered by excessive weight-bearing on the opposite limb during recovery. Laminitis is notoriously difficult to treat in horses, as it involves the sensitive tissues within the hoof detaching from the bone. Surgeons had to remove nearly 80 percent of the affected hoof wall in an attempt to relieve pressure and promote regrowth. Barbaro endured the procedure stoically, continuing to eat and interact with his caregivers. Through the fall, both hind legs showed signs of improvement, though full recovery remained elusive.
The turning point came in late January 2007. An abscess formed in the right hind hoof, prompting another surgery over the weekend to insert steel pins and eliminate weight-bearing on the area. The procedure carried significant risks, and Barbaro soon exhibited new pain. Laminitis flared again, this time affecting both front hooves severely. The uneven weight distribution across his body had taken its toll, and the once-dominant colt could no longer stand comfortably. On January 29, 2007, veterinarians and owners concluded that further treatment would only prolong suffering.
Barbaro was humanely euthanized after a tranquilizer, followed by an overdose of barbiturates, allowing him to pass peacefully in his stall.
The news sent shockwaves through the racing community and beyond. Tributes poured in from fans, jockeys, trainers, and even those outside the sport who had followed his story. Barbaro’s ashes were later interred at Churchill Downs, with a bronze statue unveiled in 2009 to commemorate his legacy. His story highlighted the fragility of equine athletes, the advances in veterinary medicine, and the deep emotional bond between horses and their human supporters. Though his racing career ended prematurely with a record of six wins from seven starts and earnings of over $2.3 million, Barbaro’s impact extended far beyond statistics.
He reminded the world of the courage required in both triumph and adversity, leaving an indelible mark on horse racing history as a shining star whose light flickered out too soon.
