Kentucky Derby Champion Barbaro
Michael Matz Took Dynaformer Son to Winner's Circle in 2006
Apr 28, 2009
Barbaro had everything going for him in 2006. The dark bay/brown Kentucky Derby contender hit Churchill Downs unbeaten in five romps and gunning for a favorite's position to snatch the ancient Derby title. He had been working great times for a mile and a quarter, the Derby distance.
On Barbaro's back in his campaign to the roses was veteran Edgar Prado, one of less than twenty jockeys to see the winner's circle over 5,000 times. Barbaro's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, were the exception to the rule of Thoroughbred racing. They loved their horses like their children, and they never separated their emotions from their charges.
Barbaro's Derby was destined to be a win-win-win-win performance. He was good; he had the trainer, the rider, and the owners -- a combination that should spell Derby victory.
Derby Stumble Overcome by Barbaro
Trainer Michael Matz had a theory born of experience. During his show jumping days, Matz had witnessed the affect of over-training a competitive animal. Too fine-tuned, a horse could play himself out in training and not have the reserve to perform well on his big day.
Matz gave Barbaro a light 2006 racing schedule leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The Jacksons gave Matz complete support in his handling of Barbaro. In thirteen weeks, Barbaro raced just once, winning the Florida Derby over four weeks out from the coming Run for the Roses.
When the gates full of twenty Thoroughbreds opened for the 132nd Kentucky Derby, Barbaro, perhaps over eager, stumbled. It was a brief hitch. Prado skillfully helped Barbaro re-align for the full field charge.
From a perfect fourth position, Prado set Barbaro into a next level stride. Responding with the heart of a champion on a mission, Barbaro made a huge move through the top of the stretch and swirled past his final rivals to win driving with six and a half lengths to spare.
Barbaro's triumph established the largest Kentucky Derby margin that had been seen in sixty years.
2006 Kentucky Derby Card and Finish
- No. 1 --- Barbaro, by 6-1/2 ----- Owner, Lael Stables
- No. 2 --- Bluegrass Cat, by 2 ----- WinStar Farm, LLC
- No. 3 --- Steppenwolfer, by 1 ----- Robert and Lawana Low
- No. 4 --- Jazil, (dh) ----- Shadwell Farm, LLC
- No. 5 --- Brother Derek, (dh) ----- Cecil N. Peacock
- No. 6 --- Showing Up ----- Lael Stables
- No. 7 --- Sweetnorthernsaint ----- Joseph J. Balsamo & Ted Theos
- No. 8 --- Deputy Glitters ----- Joseph LaCombe Stables, Inc.
- No. 9 --- Point Determined ----- The Robert and Beverly Lewis Estate
- No.10 --- Seaside Retreat ----- William S. Farish Jr.
- No.11 --- Storm Treasure ----- Mike McCarty
- No.12 --- Lawyer Ron ----- Estate of James T. Hines Jr.
- No.13 --- Cause to Believe ----- Peter Redekop Ltd. & Peter Abruzzo
- No.14 --- Flashy Bull ----- West Point Thoroughbreds, LLC
- No.15 --- Private Vow ----- Mike McCarty
- No.16 --- Sinister Minister ----- Lanni Fam Tr & Mercedes St. & Schiappa
- No.17 --- Bob and John ----- Stonerside Stable
- No.18 --- A.P. Warrior ----- Stan E. Fulton
- No.19 --- Sharp Humor ----- Purdedel Stable
- No.20 --- Keyed Entry ----- Starlight St. & Saylor & Luarelli
- Race Fractions: -- :22.63, :46.07, 1:10.88, 1:37.02, 2:01.36
- Weight Assignments: all horses, 126 lbs.
Barbaro Total Race Record
- 2005 --- (age two) --- 2 starts, 2 firsts, 0 seconds, 0 thirds --- Earnings, $99,000
- 2006 --- 5 - 4 - 0 - 0 --- $2,203,200
- Totals ----- 7 - 6 - 0 - 0 --- $2,302,200
- Major Career Placings: (age two) --- 1st in Laurel Futurity, Maiden (first attempt); (age three) --- 1st in Kentucky Derby, Florida Derby, Holy Bull Stakes, Tropical Park Derby
Barbaro -- Short Pedigree
Barbaro, a dark bay/brown colt, was sired by Dynaformer and foaled by La Ville Rouge.
Dynaformer was sired by Roberto and out of Andover Way. Roberto, by Hail to Reason--Bramalea. Andover way, by His Majesty--On the Trail.
La Ville Rouge was sired by Carson City and out of La Reine Rouge. Carson City, by Mr. Prospector--Blushing Promise. La Reine Rouge, by King Bishop--Silver Betsy.
