Remembering Barbaro

Ten years ago, it was a cold and dark winter in Chicago. I was locked in the deep freeze of grief as I dealt with the passing of my mom. This was a lot for a twenty year old to take in. My dad had already passed, so it was a lonely and scary time for me. Meanwhile, a bright star was being born in the Sunshine State. A stunning three year old colt named Barbaro. The Tropical Park Derby, Holy Bull Stakes, Florida Derby … he was setting them up and knocking them down one by one. The horse seemed unstoppable!

Kentucky Derby Day 2006 arrived unlike any other before. This was the first year without at least one parent by my side to share the spectacle with. However, this would soon become one of the most meaningful days of my life. Here I was down on my luck, while Barbaro was soaring. As soon as the race started, the pain and sorrow melted away. For the next two minutes, I would see one of the best Derby efforts in my life. Just as Tom Durkin said, it was sublime!

Two weeks later, I was tuned in ready to see him capture the second jewel of the Triple Crown, but it was not meant to be. The odds were against him, the road ahead looked bleak and there was much to fear. Suddenly, our stories were similar. I had been in his (horse)shoes.

Barbaro fought hard, real hard. He showed more strength in recovery than he ever could have on the track. From watching him, I grew stronger. His story inspired me and helped me find the strength to carry on. No matter what stood in front of him, he never gave up! A lesson in life brought to you by a horse.

His story came to a sad close nine years ago today, but I still think about him every day. I have his picture up in my entrance way and a little one at my desk. If I ever have a bad day or need a little bit of encouragement, all I have to do is look at these photos. Who could think that a horse could teach you so much about life? There is certainly more to racing than the race itself!