The name Barbaro will forever conjure a sharp sense of tragedy. The image of the champion colt pulled up just a few strides from the starting gate in the Preakness Stakes, his back hind leg shattered as well as the hearts of everyone watching, is impossible to shake. A gut-wrenching end to a life and career that was just taking off. But Barbaro was more than a tragic victim of fate; he was an impossibly talented thoroughbred who stormed into the national conscious on the first Saturday in May, 2006.

Lost in the tragic turn of a life cut short is the sheer brilliance and utter domination Barbaro put on full display just two weeks before his demise in the 132nd Kentucky Derby. The strapping dark bay colt entered the race a perfect 5 for 5, but was up against more than 19 talented rivals; he would also need to outpace history. Barbaro had not raced since winning the Florida Derby 5 weeks prior. While such spacing is much more common for top colts today, it had been 50 years since a horse won the Kentucky Derby on more than a month of rest (Needles, 1956). He was also vying to become just the sixth undefeated Kentucky Derby winner ever.

One can’t help but imagine how this story could have—should have—ended.

History, and the 19 other rivals that day, proved to be no match for the freakishly gifted son of Dynaformer that day. After stumbling out of the gate, Barbaro settled in just a few lengths off the pace. By the time the field hit the turn for home, Barbaro surged to the lead and drew away to win by 7 resounding lengths, the largest margin of victory in the Derby since Assault in 1946. He finished the 1-1/4 miles in a dandy 2:01, without being asked.

Boom.

Pure brilliance. Jockey Edgar Prado was merely along for the ride and barely lifted a finger as this professional colt blitzed down the stretch and widened his lead with each powerful step, galloping out like he was keen for another lap.

Barbaro was truly a rare breed. Bred by Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who matched their multiple stakes placed Carson City mare La Ville Rouge with the dynamite stallion Dynaformer. Dynaformer’s progeny typically excelled on the turf, so it was no surprise Barbaro began his career as a turf sensation. He won his first three starts, all on the turf, by a combined 20 lengths.

(pedigreequery.com)

(pedigreequery.com)

 

His trainer, former Olympian showjumper Michael Matz, knew he had a rare talent on his hands and gave him a shot on the dirt early in his 3-year-old campaign. His hunch proved correct, as Barbaro racked up wins in the Holy Bull and Florida Derby before setting his sights on Churchill Downs and ultimate immortality.

One can’t help but imagine how this story could have—should have—ended. Barbaro certainly had the look of a Triple Crown winner. His push-button speed, devastating kick, intense focus and inherent stamina unquestionably would have produced a number of unforgettable moments on the track, and a host of offspring eager to shine in his shadow.

Barbaro’s legacy will always be tangled in tragedy. His shattered leg. His grieving jockey Edgar Prado and inconsolable connections. Overwhelming helplessness. The optimism and sorrow for every breakthrough and each setback during his long, ultimately unsuccessful rehabilitation.

It’s a legacy of triumph trumped by tragedy. A legacy that endures.

Barbaro's_Monument