Sunday, February 1, 2009

Barbaro Satue To Be Unveiled

A week before this year's Kentucky Derby, Barbaro will be honored when a statue of him in full stride, will be unveiled at Churchill Downs. The Jacksons made the announcement on the second anniversary of Barbaro's death.

The statue, by sculptor Alexa King, depicts Barbaro with Edgar Prado aboard, pulling away from the field at the sight of his greatest triumph. It is believed that some of Barbaro's ashes will be interred in the base of the statue.

The unveiling and dedication will take place on April 26. Churchill Downs opens for racing on the 25th.

It is surely no coincidence that the dedication date was announced on the second anniversary of Barbaro's passing. The Jacksons also published a letter in the Thoroughbred Daily News on the same day, noting the occasion, and acknowledging the work of the Fans of Barbaro that continues to this day. "We want to say thank you to all involved and encourage you to keep Barbaro's legacy strong and flourishing," they wrote.

Once again, I continue to be amazed at the longevity of the Barbaro story, all due to the love and loyalty of his fans who keep his memory and his legacy alive.

No comments: