(edited press release)
Bidding on acclaimed artist Susan Sommer-Luarca’s portrait “Barbaro,” a 5’ by 4’ tonal acrylic on canvas that was painted at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week this year and signed by jockey Edgar Prado, is up to $12,600 with bidding continuing on Ebay until Friday, June 1 at 10:00 a.m. (EST).
All proceeds from the winning bid will benefit the NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund.
“I tried to capture on my canvas the beauty, strength and elegance of this magnificent Kentucky Derby champion,” said Sommer-Luarca. “It was my desire to capture the magical essence of Barbaro and the magic of his movement. And I feel very fortunate that my artwork can support the NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund.”
The Barbaro Memorial Fund was created to raise awareness and money for equine health and safety research in the name of 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands winner Barbaro, whose gallant struggle to overcome a catastrophic injury captivated horse enthusiasts around the world. Monies raised by the Barbaro Memorial Fund will support equine research projects, including those that focus on laminitis, the painful and often fatal hoof disease that plagued Barbaro for so much of his recuperative period following his injury in the 2006 Preakness Stakes. Those wishing to make cash donations to the NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund may do so at www.ridingwithbarbaro.org.
The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.