Barbaro statue, ashes: Churchill Downs?

Posted: January 16, 2008

On Jan. 29, it will have been a year since 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized after being so badly injured in the Preakness.

Since Barbaro died, the colt's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, have mulled where they would like to place Barbaro's ashes. Gretchen said yesterday they are getting close to a decision, but are not ready to reveal which way they might be leaning.

Churchill Downs, where the colt was so dazzling in the Derby, is one logical destination, especially if the Jacksons want the public to have access to the site.

There will be a Barbaro statue at the site.

"We have hired some sculptors," Gretchen said.

Eventually, the Jacksons will look at some miniatures and then make a decision on a sculpture.

Gretchen expects the statue to be up sometime in 2009.

"Some of his remains will be with the statue," she said. *

- Dick Jerardi