(Edited press release)
Breyer Animal Creations announced Friday, March 2, that due to demand, it will produce more portrait models of Barbaro, the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner who died earlier this year.
“We have received so many calls, emails and letters from children and adults alike asking us to create more Barbaro models,” said Anthony Fleischmann, president of Reeves International, Inc., Breyer’s parent company.
The company is donating $10 from the sale of each model to the new Laminitis Fund at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, started by his owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson.
Barbaro, who was injured in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), was euthanized Jan. 29 because of complications from laminitis.
Breyer’s Barbaro portrait model will be available for purchase through 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on April 2, 2007 at Breyer’s Web site. With a limit of two per household or address, the models cost $45, plus $8 each for shipping and handling.
The model will begin shipping in July 2007 when Barbaro models will also be available from retailers.
The Barbaro model will include a certificate of authenticity signed by trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson and Fleischmann. Each model will have Barbaro’s name stamped on the belly in gold ink. It will be packed in a customized, four-color Breyer box featuring pictures and the story of his career.
To make an additional donation to the Fund to Fight Laminitis