Front Runner

Here's a great story to remind us of what happens to those horses who travel the road to the Kentucky Derby but never make it to Churchill Downs.

Six years ago, while Barbaro was running away with all his Derby trials, there was another horse competing, named Doctor Decherd, who ended up finishing sixth behind Barbaro in the Florida Derby. Loyal fans of Barbaro followed his career and found him racing as a five year in a claiming race at Lone Star Park in Texas. It was there that he suffered a career ending injury and the Fans of Barbaro stepped in to finance his retirement.

One of those fans, Barbaro Lively, has written book about the experience. It is called Front Runner.

You can read an interview with Barbara here, and find a link to order the book. All the proceeds, by the way, aid in Dr. Decherd's continuing care.