Fans of Barbaro — History of the Greatest Race Horse That Could Have Been

Martin Green
September 13, 2025

Some horses are fast. Some are strong. A rare few capture the imagination of the world. Barbaro was all three — and more. In one breathtaking Kentucky Derby, he looked like destiny itself. And in one cruel moment at the Preakness, his brilliance was stolen from us. His story remains one of triumph, tragedy, and the legend of what might have been.

🌟 Born to Run

Foaled in 2003 for Lael Stables and trained by Michael Matz, Barbaro had it all — height, power, stride, and spirit. He started his career unbeaten, conquering both turf and dirt. Every race whispered the same message: this colt is special.

🏆 The Derby Dream

On May 6, 2006, at Churchill Downs, Barbaro didn’t just win the Kentucky Derby — he demolished it. With Edgar Prado aboard, he unleashed a devastating move on the far turn and stormed home to win by 6½ lengths, the biggest margin in more than half a century.

The stands shook with excitement. This was no ordinary champion. This was a potential Triple Crown savior, and racing fans dared to believe again.

💔 Disaster at the Preakness

Two weeks later, the unthinkable happened. At the start of the Preakness Stakes, Barbaro shattered his right hind leg. Prado pulled him up instantly, but the damage was catastrophic.

In a heartbeat, the dream ended. The race that was supposed to crown his greatness instead marked the start of a desperate fight for his life.

⚔️ The Warrior’s Fight

Rushed to the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, Barbaro underwent marathon surgery with Dr. Dean Richardson and his team. The world followed every update. News stations, newspapers, and fans across the globe fixated on this one horse.

Cards, banners, and prayers poured in. Barbaro wasn’t just a racehorse anymore — he was a symbol of courage, battling against impossible odds.

🕯️ A Hero Lost

For months, hope flickered. Barbaro fought valiantly, showing glimpses of progress. But the cruel disease laminitis set in, stealing his strength day by day. On January 29, 2007, his fight ended.

The heartbreak was universal. Barbaro’s loss left millions grieving — not just fans of racing, but anyone who had cheered for the underdog who refused to quit.

🏇 Immortal Legacy

Barbaro’s Kentucky Derby remains one of the most electrifying performances in history. His courage in the aftermath inspired unprecedented support for equine health research, especially in the battle against laminitis.

Today, Barbaro rests at Churchill Downs, immortalized near the very track where his star once burned brightest. Fans still visit, still leave flowers, still remember the horse who showed them greatness — if only for a moment.

Barbaro will forever be remembered as the champion who could have been — the horse who gave us a glimpse of immortality, and whose flame, though brief, still burns in the hearts of racing fans everywhere.