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Barbaro
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BALTIMORE, 05-14-07---The Maryland Jockey Club today announced it will honor the late 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, his owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, his jockey Edgar Prado and his surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson at Pimlico Race Course during Preakness week.
Barbaro’s story and heroic battle to overcome enormous odds following his catastrophic injuries in last year’s Preakness held a nation transfixed for months. When he was euthanized on January 29 of this year following severe laminitis, his passing moved many who had watched for so long with hope and admiration at the indomitable spirit and will of the gallant colt who would not give up.
“Preakness 131 also introduced us to the courage and class of the champion Thoroughbred Barbaro,” said Maryland Jockey Club chief executive officer Joseph A. De Francis. “People across the country were moved by his enduring legacy. Barbaro touched our hearts and reminded us of what an incredible athlete and tremendous inspiration he was, and still is, to legions of fans world-wide.”
On December 20, 2006, the Maryland Jockey Club announced that, in honor of Barbaro, the former Sir Barton Stakes had been renamed The Barbaro Stakes, now the 9th race on the Preakness Day undercard. The mile and a sixteenth test for three-year-olds will forever carry Barbaro’s name.
"We thought it was the right thing to do," said Maryland Jockey Club president and chief operating officer Lou Raffetto. "Barbaro became the most popular racehorse in the country because of his courageous battle to try and overcome such a severe injury. Roy and Gretchen Jackson should be commended for their outstanding dedication to Barbaro. This change will allow the next generation of race fans to reflect upon this magnificent and beloved champion during Preakness day at Pimlico."
During Preakness week 2007, on Thursday, May 17, Pimlico will honor jockey Prado and Dr. Richardson with the prestigious Special Award of Merit during the annual Alibi Breakfast, the time-honored awards breakfast featuring media and horsemen in celebration of the Preakness. The award is given annually to someone who has made a positive impact on the racing industry. Past recipients have included Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim McKay, famed Daily Racing Form columnist Joe Hirsch, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and NBC Sports.
On Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 18, Pimlico will feature a book signing with Sean Clancy, author of Barbaro: The Horse Who Captured America’s Heart” and a Barbaro print signing with artist Christine George. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association will be on hand through out the week to help raise funding, through sales of special blue “Riding With Barbaro” wristbands, for the NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund, creating awareness and raising money for equine health and safety research in Barbaro's name and specifically, supporting research against laminitis. Sales of NBC’s DVD tribute, “Barbaro: A Nation’s Horse” will benefit the Barbaro Fund at the New Bolton Center.
On Preakness Day, the inaugural running of the Barbaro Stakes, Presented by the Maryland State Lottery, will take place. Prior to the Barbaro Stakes, the Wings of Blue, the United States Air Force elite parachute jump team, will perform just after the afternoon’s 7th race. One jumper will carry a flag designed with the colors of the Jackson’s Lael Stable and commemorating Barbaro, which the Air Force will present to the Jacksons in a special winner’s circle ceremony.
-MJC-