134th Running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs … Remembering Barbaro

Why we love sporting events like The Kentucky Derby. Win, place or show … there is always a greater story told than just the outcome of the race. The race is secondary to life’s lessons learned along the way. Thank you Barbaro for reminding us what it means to fight the good fight. Barbaro … A true sports HERO!

I am not a horse big racing fan or claim to be any type of expert on the Sport of Kings; however, I am a fan of all sports. The Kentucky Derby is a spectacle beyond horse racing no different than the Indy 500 and Daytona 500 are not just car races. The events have far exceeded their sports. The sights, the sounds of the Kentucky Derby make it a must attend event at least once for any sports fanatic. The playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” just makes it a true piece of Americana.

Today is the 134th running of The Kentucky Derby … The Run for the Roses and the most exciting two minutes in sports. All eyes are on Big Brown out of the 20 horse field. However, keep your eyes on Colonel John, Eight Belles and Pyro. Did I just say 20 horses? Wow, that is going to be one hard task to get 20 horses in the starting gates and get them off cleanly.

Big Brown favored at Kentucky Derby despite post

• Kentucky Derby.com
• Kentucky Derby Selections

God works in mysterious ways … some times its through one of his beautiful creatures to remind us that caring, compassion and humanity is what is truly important in life.

However, that being said their is an affection that people have with animals that also transcends other sports. There is nothing more beautiful and majestic than a thoroughbred race horse. To see one of these horses up close is to see just what beautiful animals they truly are. When we think of the Kentucky Derby, we think of Secretariat, Mint Juleps, women in hats, and last years sad and inspiring story of Barbaro. Barbaro won the 2006 Kentucky Derby and became news as it looked like we would finally have another Triple Crown winner. However, that was not meant to be as after Barbaro won the Kentucky Derby, he was hurt the Preakness and was permanently injured.

How we face adversity, whether if we win or lose is how we are remembered.Barbaro, the horse who reminded us what it meant to be human

It was at that point a horse named Barbaro went from a race horse to a national icon and became a part of all of us. In the daily struggles of our lives, Barbaro brought out the best in all of us and reminded us what it means to be human.  Barbaro will always be remembered in Derby and horse racing lore. However, he touched so many others lives. Not so much for his winning, but the fight to survive. Then in the end after his long battle, his humane death. Certain stories transcend sports. They capture the imagination and consume the public consciousness. It is not if you win or lose, it is truly how you play the game and how one faces adversity. That will be remembered a life time.

Barbaro will always be remembered. What do we think of you Barbaro, We will always think of you and admire you. You are a Triple Crown winner of life … caring, compassion and humanity.

Thank you Barbaro for reminding us again that important lesson in life. Run free and unbridled forever into eternity watching over the Derby and all of us.

UPDATE I: Big Brown Wins the Kentucky Derby Going Away

Big Brown thundered down the stretch to win the 134th Kentucky Derby in impressive fashion. Tragedy also struck the Derby as the second place finisher, Filly Eight Belles collapsed after finishing the race. Eight Belles unfortunately had to be immediately euthenized as the horse broke bones in both front legs.

Filly Eight Belles breaks down after 2nd-place Derby finish

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Filly Eight Belles finished second behind favorite Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, then collapsed with two broken front ankles and was euthanized after crossing the wire.

UPDATE II: Hillary’s Horse

Hillary Clinton had picked filly Eight Belles to win the Kentucky Derby. Try as she might, the filly came in second; however, sadly had to be euthenized following the Derby after breaking both front ankles.

Tragedy struck the first filly in the Kentucky Derby since 1999, as Eight Belles went down on the track after her second-place finish today, broke two ankles, and was euthanized.

Showing a sisterhood with the female horse, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., during a trip to Louisville this week had said she was going to bet on Eight Belles to win, place, and show.

ABC News’ Karen Travers reports that Clinton told supporters in Jeffersonville, Ind., earlier this week, “I hope that everybody will go to the derby on Saturday and place just a little money on the filly for me. I won’t be able to be there this year — my daughter is going to be there and so she has strict instructions to bet on Eight Belles.”