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Apr 29, 2007 7:04 pm US/Eastern
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Fans Gather To Honor Barbaro On His Birthday
by Meteorologist Tim Williams
WILMINGTON, Del. (WJZ) ―
On what would have been the fourth birthday of last year's Kentucky Derby winner, "Fans of Barbaro" gathered to honor the horse's memory.
At Delaware Park, where Barbaro ran his first race ever, a private party was held. Supporters and fans of the Kentucky Derby-winning colt created a tribute on his birthday to give voice to his life and celebrate his legacy.
"Barbaro was everything anybody should wish for in an athlete, in a horse. It's up to us now to make sure his legacy is pretty cool," said co-organizer Alex Brown.
Many of those gathered had never met before this day. They're from as far away as South Africa. Each, like photographer Chad Harmon, added their piece to the Barbaro picture.
"These 8x10s and 5x7s are from Barbaro going around the turn [at the Kentucky Derby]. Also, a portion of the profits go to the laminitis charity," Harmon said.
Barbaro was euthanized after complications from the hoof disease laminitis became too serious to treat.
"Everything on this hat pertains to Barbaro. He liked mints. I have carrots...all kinds of things that were his favorites in life," said Mary Anna Savage.
"He's written this about his Kentucky Derby win and his thank you to his supporters for carrying on his mission," said Cheryl Tapley.
More than 2,000 "Fans of Barbaro" continue to log onto his website just about every day. About 600 of them are here in Delaware for the celebration and they'll take away memories of the colt whose death has inspired so many lives.
So far, "Fans of Barbaro" have raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for horse welfare, research and rescue.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)