Scholarship Set Up In Horse’s Name
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HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — A Florida racetrack is honoring Barbaro by establishing a scholarship in his name.
Officials say the award will be worth at least $20,000 and will go to high-school students planning to study veterinary medicine at the University of Florida. Last year’s Kentucky Derby winner yesterday lost his fight for survival.
The horse had strong ties to the Sunshine State and a large fan base, Gulfstream Park spokesman Mike Mullaney said. Barbaro, who was euthanized Monday after complications from his gruesome breakdown at last year’s Preakness, secured his Derby spot after winning the $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream.
“The sacrifices of owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, and the enormity of their colt’s contribution to the sport, and the courage of all involved, have been inestimable,” Gulfstream Park president Bill Murphy said. “The Barbaro story went beyond racing. It held us all in its grip for eight months.”
Barbaro’s final resting place could be just a few hundred yards from the scene of his greatest triumph in the Kentucky Derby.
Officials at the Kentucky Derby Museum, located on the grounds of Churchill Downs, said yesterday that they’d be “honored” if Barbaro were buried in a garden along with four other Derby winners. The grave sites of Derby winners Sunny’sHalo (1983), Carry Back (1961), Swaps (1955), and Brokers Tip (1933) are located outside on the museum grounds.
