(Edited press release)
The NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund will benefit from a painting of Barbaro created on Kentucky Derby Day in the Churchill Downs paddock by Susan Sommer-Luarca. The item is now for sale on eBay.
The artist, who allowed Derby Day patrons to watch as she recreated the colt, arranged for Barbaro’s jockey, Edgar Prado, to sign the portrait, which was donated to the NTRA to be auctioned to aid the Barbaro Memorial Fund.
The current highest bid for the 5' by 4' tonal acrylic on canvas, which went up for auction May 22, is $7,300 with eight days left before the listing ends. The starting bid was $5,000.
"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. 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 funds for equine health and safety research in the name of the late 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner, whose struggle to overcome a catastrophic injury captivated horse enthusiasts around the world.
Those wishing to make cash donations to the NTRA Charities - Barbaro Memorial Fund may do so at www.ridingwithbarbaro.com.