Barbaro – The Budding Triple Crown Probable of 2006

Barbaro’s name in Portuguese meant – Barbarian. Royally bred in Pennsylvania and trained at the Fair Hill Training Center by Michael Matz, Barbaro was probably one of the greatest horses Matz ever conditioned in his entire racing career. The bay colt was sired by Dynaformer out of Mr. Prospector’s granddaughter, La Ville Rouge.

Barbaro’s name did not suit him in the literal sense but it did seem to have some essence of what the colt’s action reflected everytime he was out racing talented colts next to him. He would seamlessly go on to eliminate all his competitors without being asked and provide his jockey with a late surge that would always catapult him into the winner’s circle from behind the stalking position in a pack.

Foaled in 2003, Barbaro was loosely linked to his generation of Triple Crown wooers including Big Brown and Fusaichi Pegasus. The colt was extremely famous and renowned for his effortless running under the guidance of jockey Edgar Prado. He remained undefeated until his most crucial race at the Kentucky Derby which he eventually won without straining a leg by six and a half lengths. This was the greatest lead in many years; the last biggest difference between the winner and the runner up was earned by Assault in 1946 and now closely matched only in 2006.

Prior to his Derby stunt, Barbaro started in 5 more races, winning each of them with an unperturbed ease and confidence, so much that the audience predicted he would be the next Triple Crown Champion.

After winning all Derby prep races, including the Florida Derby, the Holy Bull Stakes and the Tropical Park Derby, Barbaro entered the Derby as the 6-1 favourite. It was however the Preakness that abruptly put a permanent halt to Barbaro’s racing career. During the Preakness, Barbaro started the race prematurely. After having been reset and the race restarted, Barbaro made a clean opening out of the gates but soon as they approached the grand stands, the colt landed up a bad step shattering his entire right hind leg to pieces, so much that it was described as ‘dangling loose’ by news and medical authorities. With more than 20 breaks in his leg, Barbaro’s career came to a shocking end.

The colt was kept under strict medical observation for months during which his hind leg healed by his other hind leg during this time, developed laminitis, a commonly occurring disease to four legged ungulates or hoofed animals. The laminitis, characterized by inflammation in the internal membranes, later spread to his fore legs making it immensely difficult for the medical team to cure Barbaro. Eventually, the legendary starter was brought to rest and euthanized after an ordeal of more than six months.

Barbaro’s statue, as a mark of respect and homage to the great horse, was established at Churchill Downs.

Barbaro can be raced almost immortally now once again on a virtual game engine, presented by Horse Racing Simulation. The designers of the game have revived thousands of legendary thoroughbreds through simulations in 3D graphics. Players can enjoy free download, online gaming and messaging and also win real prizes. To play free racing games online, log on to www.horseracegame.com.