(Edited press release)
After the dedication of the Barbaro memorial sculpture at Churchill Downs April 26, the Kentucky Derby Museum will open a tribute exhibit, Barbaro: The Heart of a Winner.
This exhibit will offer a multi-dimensional view of Barbaro as a champion athlete and a fighter -- a horse that rose to the top of his game by winning the 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and then struggled against long odds for survival. The exhibit will feature his racing accomplishments, his connection with fans and children, his struggle to overcome injury, and his ability to capture the hearts of many.
Barbaro affected the hearts of millions of people around the world and that affection ultimately garnered needed attention for the mysteries of laminitis. The Barbaro exhibit aims to help the more than 210,000 yearly visitors understand more about these incredible animals and their challenges. The exhibit will document his struggle with laminitis along with the extensive medical care he received.
The exhibit will showcase objects that relate to his racing career and beyond. It features interactive elements designed especially for youth.
Special features include the 2006 Kentucky Derby gold cup, racing silks, Edgar Prado’s racing saddle, fan mail, and scrapbooks. Guests will also be able to record their thoughts about Barbaro in a video booth. The digital sentiments will then be posted on youtube.com.