Keeping Barbaro Shining at Churchill Downs

Barbaro's memory is honored as volunteers polish his statue each year before the Kentucky Derby. (Photos courtesy of Julie June Stewart)
At the entrance to Churchill Downs is the Barbaro statue with Edgar Prado up, where every year a small group of volunteers gather in his shadow. They do not come to see the Kentucky Derby but to honor the memory of one of the most beloved Derby winners of recent times. They lovingly and painstakingly clean every inch so that Barbaro is in perfect flight when he greets Kentucky Derby attendees.
In 2006 when Barbaro won the run for the roses, he vaulted into the heart of horse racing history. His beautiful stride, his photogenic head and his unique and memorable name won him fans from all walks of life. He was on the Triple Crown trail. He was the one that we believed would be able to do the impossible. He had the talent, the courage, the stride, the speed and the wind in his mane when he ran.
This beloved Derby winner was not to win another race. Tragically, his injury at the Preakness is seared on the hearts and minds of many. One of our racing royalty had to fight for his life. And fight he did. Month after month after agonizing month, he tried to live. Social media was a new frontier and his fans used technology to share frequent updates. Groups were founded to support him and various equine charitable organizations were created. Horses were rescued in his name. Websites and message boards abound. Friendships and alliances were formed. And this groundswell of goodness continued long after he lost his battle.
VOLUNTEERS POSE WITH BARBARO'S STATUE

The group in the Churchill Downs courtyard arrives once a year to honor his memory. In addition to cleaning the statue, they bring flowers from fans across the country in memoriam.  They have full support from the statue’s sculptor, Alexa King.
“Happily a new tradition has been started at the Barbaro statue,” King said. “As the sculptor I greatly appreciate the generosity of the Friends of Barbaro volunteers who make Barbaro shine today as he has in the past.”
Using soft rags, Johnson Paste Wax No. 2 and panty hose (to remove the wax), they are very respectful and mindful that this is also Barbaro’s gravesite.
WALT REMONDINI POLISHES BARBARO'S SADDLE CLOTH

I asked several of them what this annual journey meant to them. They travel here from the Midwest and Florida. Mary Remondini from Milwaukee said that she senses Barbaro’s spirit because the statue is so realistic. Her husband Walt was carefully shining Barbaro’s hooves and saddle cloth. He turned around and shared that Barbaro’s journey brought them all together. As a group, the volunteers share a passion for the welfare of all animals, including horses, and their annual get-together is a way to celebrate and remember. Claire Noble from Florida was up on a ladder gently wiping down Barbaro’s face. She said that to her Barbaro represented “courage, power and the indomitable spirit to run.”
The second shift of volunteers arrived and assisted with completing the cleaning. As they cleared away the ladder and rags, they pulled out boxes of flowers: red roses for the Derby winner and white roses for the memory of his spirit. Each rose had a message from a Barbaro fan. Quietly, they fanned out the roses on the base of his grave. Nestled next to a small Barbaro sculpture was a single red rose and a small stuffed horse. It grew quiet as each volunteer gently positioned the flowers in the shadow of Barbaro and his jockey Edgar Prado.
Kathy Anders from Toledo, Ohio said that Barbaro embodied the best qualities of the Thoroughbred: “talent, heart, courage and intelligence,” while Laura Cieslak from Springfield, Mo. agreed, finding inspiration and courage in his memory. 
The group comes from all walks of life and yet is united in their love and care for Barbaro’s memory. As the afternoon sunlight started to fade, there was a special glow about Barbaro.  Their work was done and it was time to head home.
ROSES ADORN BARBARO'S MEMORIAL

Barbaro will continue to inspire from his midflight aerie. With Edgar Prado forever memorialized on his back, he has flown from the track into the heart of the nation. He will be honored by many during Derby week. Peppermints, carrots and roses will be laid on his grave. 
Thousands of photos will be taken by Derby week attendees. Lines will form and the horse racing fans will step forward politely one group at a time, for this is the one photo that they want. It symbolizes that they were at the Kentucky Derby.
When the sun sets behind the grandstand, the last fans will trickle away from Churchill Downs. They will have the memories of witnessing the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby. But they will have Barbaro forever in their heart.