Writers for the magazine also get to make personal choices for the My Sportsman honor. Barbaro's veterinarian, Dr. Dean Richardson, was Franz Linz's choice, and owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson along with trainer Michael Matz were chosen by Frank Deford.
Barbaro, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), is a possible candidate for Sports Illustrated's 2006 Sportsman of the Year award. The winner will be announced Dec. 4 and featured in the Dec. 11 issue of the magazine.Although the 3-year-old colt gained national attention for his commanding Derby win, it has been his fight for survival after shattering his right hind leg in the May 20 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) that has kept him in the spotlight. He continues to improve at the New Bolton Center following the removal of his right hind leg cast Nov. 6. His left hind foot, which had laminitis, is also improving.