Storm:The Death of Barbaro was in Time Magazines "Milestones" section, which is for human's only--usually.
It is a fine tribute.
<<All superior racehorses have their Secretariat moment, that brief stitch in time when they reveal the true measure of their talent, and for BARBARO that instant arose as the horses came charging to the turn for home in the 2006 Kentucky Derby. Lying dangerously close to a fiery pace, the colt rushed to the lead and--following one of the fastest final quarter miles in Derby history--won the Roses by nearly seven lengths, the longest Derby victory margin in 60 years. I had witnessed every Derby but one since 1972, and Barbaro struck me--for his sheer athleticism, his explosive speed, his unbridled joy for running--as the finest 3-year-old I had seen since Spectacular Bid in 1979. Vast ability aside, he had all the extras: a classic pedigree, a gentlemanly demeanor and a body that could be by da Vinci. Two weeks later, he shattered his right hind leg in the Preakness. Barbaro may have hobbled off the racetrack with his promise unfulfilled, but in his eight-month struggle to survive, he became the most enriching story in sports, the warm center of a high-wire drama that featured two owners who spared no expense trying to save him; a team of caregivers at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center who nursed him through surgeries and bouts of deadly laminitis; and thousands of fans around the country who sent cards, flowers, candy and prayers for his recovery. Barbaro himself endured the ordeal with fortitude and poise, with patience and even sweetness. Alas, facing yet another painful siege of laminitis last week, Barbaro was put to sleep by lethal injection, but not before he came to represent the noblest qualities of his breed--as the humans around him came to represent the best of theirs. William Nack, author of Secretariat >>
Mike, did you watch the Belmont Stakes with Secretariat??
When i am asked the 5 most thrilling moments in all my sports observing life.
i have as Number One: Secretariat winning Triple Crown in Belmont. To me it was the most superior display of horse joyously with driving verve saying NO ONE can touch me.
It was like Muhammad Ali in a triumph shouting out "I am the greatest"
The jockey said from the moment the gate swung open all he did was just hang on, he was just there for the ride.
He had to do nothing, just crouched and held knowing he was on the horse that was running from sheer joy and fire the greatest ride he would ever have in his lifetime.
He said going into the race he sensed something great was going to happen that Secretariat just had an attitude, a focus, he was going RUN LIKE THE WIND, it was his desire to do so.
A great documentary on this Mike exist. One shot shows that many in the grandstand were CRYING as Secretariat ROARED down the stretch going faster and faster. It was so stunning.
And to this day the fastest 1/2mile ever run by any horse in the history of track--the world's record still, after 34 years.
Keep forgetting by how many lengths he won, think it was either 32.5 lengths or 36.5 lengths.Max |
