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Categories: Horse News

Barbaro Gets his own Race

The Maryland Jockey Club has changed the name of the Sir Barton Stakes, an annual event just before the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, to the Barbaro Stakes. The Sir Barton Stakes was named after the first horse to capture the Triple Crown in 1919. But as every horse lover knows, Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, shattered his right hind leg during last year’s Preakness.

“We thought it was the right thing to do,” Maryland Jockey Club President Lou Raffetto says. “Barbaro has become the most popular racehorse in the country because of his courageous battle to overcome such a severe injury. This change will allow the next generation of race fans to reflect upon this magnificent and beloved champion during Preakness day at Pimlico.”

View Comments

  • I think Barbaro is the best racehorse of all time because of all he's been through and i think that he would have won the Triple Crown. He is mi favorite rcehorse of all time!!!!

  • It is great that Barbaro gets his own race. He deserves it. I don't think any other horse would have survived. Can't wait until that race goes off for the 1st time.

  • hi. I don't think you should change the stakes name. I mean not alot of people know Sir Barton, but he was a a real champion. I may not be totally in love with horses, but I don't know that other horse what so ever. It would seem a shame to just get rid of Sir Barton like that.

  • hi. i have one question that i really want to know. That question that i have is why did they put Barbaro down, why didn't they just put him to pasture. I mean they could of made tons of money on the colts that he would have. Plus his legacy would have gone on to his children, and become great racers like him. It's just a shame.
    So if anyone has the answer for me plz rite on the comment board plz.

  • Rilly,
    The reason that they had to put Barbaro down was that his leg was damaged beyond repair and with all the time he was standing on one hind leg it was putting intolerable amounts of stress on his other hind leg; so basically he was lame in both hind legs that could never repair, making it impossible for him to walk. Sad, I know.

  • Great idea! I'm glad this valiant horse is acknowledged -- couldn't be more appropriate, short of renaming the Preakness itself.

  • I am really happy that Barbaro has a race named after him but i think they should have chosen a different one to replace. Sir barton was a wonderful and powerful horse. He even gave the immortal Man O'War a challenge.

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