Barbero's Death-Triple Crown Lost-Barbero's Spirit-Barbero's vets-Barbero's legacy

Barberospecial one, perhaps his genetics could be passed
When to let go?on, perhaps he could with great veterinary skill be
A champion, cut down at the zenith of his career.put to stud.
A horse with more heart than mere mortal manHis time was cut short so quickly, a false start in
could comprehend.the Belmont, re-gated,at that time he could have
His time was cut short so quickly, a false start inbeen fatally damaged...no one would know until
the Belmont, re-gated... he could have then, beenlater...later when his hoof slid, his leg gave out...and
damaged.he was done.
No one would know until later, when his hoof slid,But Barbero would not give up, he fought with
his leg gave out... when he was done.allof his will to go on, that is the gift and the curse
His strong jockey fought the internal fears as heofthe great Thoroughbreds.
was reining him in, what was wrong? His horseNot only did he shatter his leg, he shattered his
was damaged?heart,as he would never have allowed all of those
What happened?horsesracing away, to leave him in the dust, no
Prado could feel the horse falling apart beneathway, not him!
him.A racing legend yet unsung, he ended the
Did he know the champion was forever changed,Belmont Stakesin an ambulance- racing not for
forever damaged, maybe done for all time? Nothome, but for the best that modern veterinary
at that moment!medicine could provide.
Edgar knew Barbero was hurt and it was his jobKnow that they did their best. The doctor's
to stop him!wanted him to survive, wanted him to live well, to
What did Prado fear as he struggled to rein inhisgive his legacy to the foals yet to be born, but
brilliant horse, the horse that would not quit!alas...
Stop now!All the Kings horses and all the Kings men could
Listen to me, forget the race I need you to listennot put Barbero together again.
to me!We rejoiced in his recovery and hoped for the
Time to go against your grain, your blood, yourbest,and now we must let him go.
training,ignore the horses racing away, leaving youNo more surgeries no more restraints.
behind.No more doing what you were not bred to do.
I need you to stop...now!You were bred to run, to win and to excel.
And stop him he did.That was your mission here.
The replay of the breakdown was unbearable toWe mourn the loss of the brilliance he was.
see.We regret the legacy he could have left in his
They played it again and again... no more!wake.
I had to turn off the TV for the rest of that day.Sleep well dear one, you will not be forgotten.
The world of horse racing knew they had lost a