Barbaro

**Gman1524** · January 29th, 2007, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Barbaro was euthanized Monday after complications from his breakdown at the Preakness last May.

"We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain," co-owner Roy Jackson said. "It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where it would become more difficult for him then it would be time."

Owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson were with Barbaro on Monday morning, with the owners making the decision in consultation with chief surgeon Dean Richardson.

It was a series of complications, including laminitis in the left rear hoof and a recent abscess in the right rear hoof, that proved to be too much for the gallant colt, whose breakdown brought an outpouring of support across the country.

"I would say thank you for everything, and all your thoughts and prayers over the last eight months or so," Jackson said to Barbaro's fans.

I am saddened beyond belief.

I had really hoped that he would be able to pull through this. Too many setbacks. Too many complications.

I find that it is few and far between when an animal can have such a deeply emotional impact upon the community at large. Barbaro had the ability to galvanize an entire region. I know he was just a horse, but he was much more than that. Nothing on this earth can match the sheer majesty, and magnificence of a thoroughbred horse. Few things can match the wonder of such a champion animal as a horse.

The Kentucky Derby is the most exciting spectacle in all of sports. Those two minutes are the most exciting in all of sport. Nothing can match it. It is as close to perfection in sport as anything that I can imagine. It is poetry. The sound of the hoofs pounding on the ground as the horses race towards the finish line can freeze time. It is beautiful. Those that have never witnessed an event live are missing out on one of the greatest experiences that sport has to offer.

You will be missed.

**Scarywoody** · January 29th, 2007, 07:43 PM

Having grown up and around Saratoga I have a love of horses and horse racing. I was deeply saddened by today's announcement. A great athlete is no more. Hopefully, he had the chance to sire a blood line that will live on in the sport for many years to come.

**ItalianStallion** · January 29th, 2007, 08:37 PM

this guy would have won the triple crown i believe if it wasnt for his injury...poor guy i was hoping hed make a recovery n just be able to live out rest of his life peacefully sumwhere...what a horse...sry to see him go