Barbaro : The Horse Who Captured America's Heart

With his breathtaking victory in the 2006 Kentucky Derby, Barbaro immediately captured racing fans'' hearts and excited hopes of finally seeing a Triple Crown winner. His story was that much more captivating for the real-life heroics of his trainer, former Olympic show jumper Michael Matz. The Pennsylvania-born horseman had survived a horrific plane crash in 1989 and saved the lives of three young children who were reunited with Matz to witness Barbaro''s Derby. But moments after the start of the Preakness, any Triple Crown hopes were dashed when jockey Edgar Prado desperately pulled Barbaro up, the colt having taken a bad step and shattering his left hind leg. In the days and weeks that followed, a concerned public anxiously watched as the talented veterinarians worked to save Barbaro''s life. Despite a grave prognosis and several setbacks, Barbaro continues to defy the odds, proving his courage and heart off the track is perhaps even greater than it was on the track.