Edited press release
In response to Monday’s death of Barbaro, Gulfstream Park president and general manager Bill Murphy announced the establishment of the “Barbaro Foundation,” which will oversee an annual scholarship program for future veterinarians.
“The sacrifices of owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, and the enormity of their colt’s contribution to the sport, and the courage of all involved, have been inestimable,” Mr. Murphy said. “The Barbaro story went beyond racing. It held us all in its grip for eight months. On behalf of Magna Entertainment and chairman Frank Stronach, we at Gulfstream Park will proudly honor the people who tried so hard to create a better ending than the one we received.
“The entire Barbaro team -- the Jacksons, trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, the veterinary staff and his fans throughout the world -- deserve recognition after this experience.”
Barbaro, who won the Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park before his Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) triumph, suffered catastrophic injury in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico May 22. Murphy, a long time executive with MEC, witnessed the injury up-close at the MEC track and was there to help put Barbaro in an ambulance.
Murphy said details of the Barbaro Foundation and its scholarship program will be forthcoming.
