Kentucky Derby Winner Barbaro Euthanized

Last year, a horse named Barbaro seemed likely to be the next Triple Crown winner. He won the Kentucky Derby and was looking good in the Preakness Stakes. Until he shattered his right hind leg, that is.

Undefeated until this incident at the Preakness last May, Barbaro is now four years old, and has suffered for eight months due to his broken leg. Hopes have been high in this time and Barbaro seemed to be recovering from the injury. However, all this recently changed.

This past weekend, Barbaro received surgery on one of the bones in his broken leg. Two steel pins were inserted into the bone in hopes of helping it recover. Because there was too much pain for Barbaro due to a series of complications, his owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson made the final decision to free him of the pain.

Euthanasia is a Greek word meaning "good death" and has long been a subject of great controversy. Usually employed to end an animal's suffering, many feel the act is cruel and unwarranted.

Performed for the most part by veterinarians in their offices or at animal shelters, it is at the vet's discretion to determine whether euthanasia is the best possible option for the animal in question. Vets can refuse to perform if they believe it is unethical to do so.

Dr. Dean Richardson was the chief surgeon who spoke with the owners to decide Barbaro's fate. Born on the 29^th of April, 2003, Barbaro has passed earlier this morning, a few month's short of four years.

He blew the competition away at the Kentucky Derby, winning by six and a half lengths, and was on the path of former Triple Crown winners.

Barbaro has a brother along the way, and in three years' time, we may see a colt much like Barbaro in the races again.

This year's Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing begins on Saturday, the 6^th of May, with the Kentucky Derby. The race, which takes place at Churchill Downs, will begin at 5:00 p.m. EST and end at 6:30 p.m. EST.

It has been 29 years since a horse has won the Triple Crown. Since its inception over 125 years ago, only 11 horses have received this prestigious award: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirl Away (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), and Affirmed (1978).

To receive the honor of winning the Triple Crown, a horse needs to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.