Barbaro - 2006 Kentucky Derby Winner

Barbaro was undefeated going to the Derby.  He was the 2nd choice for betting, that day, with odds of 6:1.  During the last turn and straightaway, he charged ahead and won by 6 1/2 lengths, making him the 6th undefeated horse to win the Derby.  Jockey, Edgar Prado, did not use the whip.  This margin win was the largest since 1946 when Triple Crown winner Assault took the Derby by 8 lengths.

The Preakness Stakes began with Barbaro crashing through the gate on a false start.  Using his nose, he disengaged the magnetically locked gate bars.  Although David G. Zipf, Maryland's Chief Veterinarian, personally attested to Barbaro's fitness, it's impossible to know if this false start was in any way responsible for the injury that would happen moments later, ending in his premature death.

There have been numous theories as to the cause of the accident, but nothing has been confirmed.  What is known, is that Barbaro broke his right hind leg in MORE than 20 places.  Jockey Edgar Prado immediately pulled Barbaro up, bringing him to a gentle stop, where he dismounted and supported him with his shoulder until track attendants arrived.

Numerous surgeries later, and many ups and downs in his progress, it was finally determined on January 29, 2007 to euthanize Barbaro rather than continue to put him through pain.