By long tradition, the Kentucky Derby has been run on the first Saturday in May. On this day, my thoughts turn always to Barbaro, the greatest racehorse of my lifetime, who ran and won the Kentucky Derby four years ago, the sixth start in his undefeated career. I don't think anyone who saw or knew of this horse doubted that he was one of those rare few horses who had the capability of winning the Triple Crown. There was a video on YouTube that compiled all of his races and with one exception where the race was close, Barbaro dusted his competition, often by humiliating lengths. In every race, he stood out, his jockey's blue shirt with the green sleeves making it easy to follow the horse who would simply refuse to not be in the lead, outrace every horse, fly like a mad glorious fool to the finish line. Every time I watch one of his films, my heart pounds with the thrill of watching him run.

In his maiden race:

At his glory, the Kentucky Derby:

At his next race, second in the Triple Crown, the Preakness, Barbaro broke his leg at the outset of the race, and despite attempts to save the horse, his owners finally decided to have Barbaro euthanized. There are hundreds of tribute videos to Barbaro posted on YouTube. Not a Kentucky Derby goes by that I don't think of the magnificent Barbaro. Barbaro was an extraordinary horse, a champion. We won't ever see his likes again.