Barbaro Put Down

[erpowers]

I watched a story on Inside Edition which reported that Barbaro, the horse that won the Kentuckey Derby was put down earlier today. According to the report Barbaro's owners decided to put him down after he had to under yet another surgery in the last few days. If anyone wants to read a full story they could probably do so and yahoo.com or msn.com. I feel sorry for the horse, but I guess it was the right thing to do in that he should not have to go through so much pain to be kept alive.

[Justpat]

1. news from the racing magazines -

Owners discuss their decision here:

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/January/29/Kentucky-Derby-winner-Barbaro-euthanized.aspx



http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?=37320

[bread_and_roses]

2. This is so saddening

The news over the past few weeks was not good, but I think most of us following the story kept hoping against hope he'd make it and at least live out his days in relative comfort. That would have been some comfort for all the might-have-beens. Hearing this today I couldn't keep from remembering the clips of him they showed before the Preakness, looking so strong and vibrant even just romping about his outdoor pen. I am saddened too for all his connections and caregivers, who worked so hard to save him.

[bigwillq]

3. I am so upset.

:cry:

But I know it's for the best. It would be a cruel life to have him live liek that, all bruised up and all.


May he rest in peace.

[Justpat]

4. You can add your thoughts to the Blood Horse.com memorial for him here:

http://news.bloodhorse.com/BarbaroMemoriam.asp

[two gun sid]

5. Sad news....

but, I'm sure the owners and their vet thought it was time. They did a very good thing by trying to save him. And they did the right thing by not making him suffer anymore. The Jacksons and Lael Stables have been and continue to be credits to the sport.

Barbaro was a hero to a lot of folks and I'm sure his human family and friends will miss him dearly. Hopefully, the Jackson Family know how much people loved them and their horse.

[Justpat]

6. The owners will be on Larry King tonight.

They are a class act.

I understand that the dam of Barbaro is carrying a full sibling to him.
That poor horse will be the most watched horse in the country when
he gets to the races.

[two gun sid]

7. Thanks for the heads up OB....

that poor foal. Your post made me think of that Northern Dancer half to Slew that sold for so much in the '80's. Imagine the pressure on the owners and trainer for a horse like that. I sure wouldn't want to be in their shoes.

[Justpat]

8. Yes, I remember that horse.

He was by Northern Dancer out of Slew's dam.
He sold for 13 million as a yearling and couldn't run at all.
Seattle Dancer. Poor thing.

[aaronbees]

9. I always had faith they'd do right by him...

no matter what the outcome.

"One fan of Barbaro said a great statement to me this afternoon ... She said that she thought Barbaro's thoughts were 'Please finish these unfinished tasks of mine and therefore I will comfort you.' And that meant a lot to me." - Gretchen Jackson, speaking Monday at New Bolton Center.


Rest in peace, champion, and run with the greats.

[aaronbees]

10. Barbaro Cremated

Barbaro inspires idea for a museum
By Mike Jensen
Inquirer Staff Writer

Owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson are not sure about Barbaro's final resting place, but they have an idea they want to pursue.

"My son-in-law, I think, had this idea that we really ought to get some kind of museum for the horses who have run out of this area," Gretchen Jackson said in an interview last night. "That sort of sticks in my mind. You'd have to look at that before you decide where Barbaro goes."

The 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, who had been at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Kennett Square since suffering catastrophic fractures in May's Preakness Stakes, was euthanized Monday morning.

"We cremated him," Gretchen Jackson said last night. "I assume it's been done."

Source and rest of the story: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/16584064.htm

[aaronbees]

11. Neat NY Times op-ed

Op-Ed Contributor
Why We Mourn Barbaro

By JEFF NEUMAN
Published: February 1, 2007


He never talked about himself in the third person.

He didn’t trash-talk, taunt or hang on the rim. Down the stretch of the Kentucky Derby, he didn’t turn and point at Bluegrass Cat, and he didn’t somersault over the finish line. After crossing the line, he didn’t pull out a Sharpie and autograph his saddle for his business manager.

He never referred to his handlers as “my supporting cast.”

He never tried to renegotiate his contract. He never turned down an eight-figure offer by saying, “I’ve got a family to feed, man.”

Source and rest of the story: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/opinion/01neuman.html?_r=1&oref=slogin


** And people on DU and elsewhere wonder why Barbaro brought out such emotional resonance and admiration. **