The 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is to be buried at Churchill Downs racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky, the site of his most memorable victory.
The racehorse won the Kentucky Derby — America’s most famous race — by an impressive six and a half lengths.
Four-year-old Barbaro was put to sleep on 29 January 2007 after complications from an injury sustained two weeks after his Derby win.
In May 2006 Barbaro shattered his right hind leg in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the American Triple Crown, which marked the end of his racing career.
Despite attempts to save the colt by surgeons at the New Bolton Centre, Pennsylvania, complications including laminitis in both his front and hind legs over the next eight months led to Barbaro’s death.
His victory gained him fans all over the world and the public were devastated by his death.
According to US website thehorse.com owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson feel that Churchill Downs is the best place to honour Barbaro.
Barbaro’s ashes will be buried outside one of the entrance gates in a large elevated space enclosed by bricks. The memorial site will also include a bronze statue commissioned by the Jacksons and loaned to the track.
