I don't want to get all mushy or crazy on anyone, but Barbaro should be considered for SI's sportsman of the year this year.
Like the Eclipse, the award is based on something more than stats and figures. Some of the "odd winners are: Red Sox Nation (04), Athletes who Care (87), so their is a precedent to not name the guy with the most home runs or most money earned. Like Barbaro they've named figures with similar facial features, athletes on drugs, and athletes prone to break their leg. Furthermore, for representing most of the sports world pretty evenly over the last 50 years the last horse racing person was Steve Cauthen in 1977, so the sport is due for some recognition.
Let's only spend one paragraph on what Barbaro did on the track, as I don't think that's the basis of this article and we all know we could write novels about his racing exploits. He won graded stakes on turf and dirt, won one of the most decisive Kentucky derbies in history, and was one of the most credible Triple Crown prospects in 10 years. Not to mention winning the Derby off a 5 week layoff that hadn't been done since Needles in 1956. There is no question that he was a special horse. I believe trainer Matz when he says we did not see the bottom of the horse. Agree or disagree with the above that's fine, it's not the point.
The point is that Barbaro had a much larger affect on our sport than his races indicate. It was in his injury and recovery that the nation has gone wild about Barbaro: He receives more fan mail than a lot of other sports 'heroes', in his name the UPenn Vet School has raised thousands of dollars, his owners have been championed wherever they go.
And finally, his lasting effect is that any track that switches to a synthetic surface could also be known as 'a track that Barbaro built.' I don't think it's any coincidence that we're seeing more tracks switch to a synthetic surface. True, California was already in the works, but a surface switch is now being championed by anyone attached to racing, or hoping to be attached to racing. In fact, let me rephrase, I don't think it's any coincidence that track surface switches are becoming front page news. It's no surprise that these discussions are front page news (in racing media) because people care.
Barbaro got people to care and help futher change in a sport that hasn't been cared for or changed since 1977 (if you use SI as your gauge), and that's noteworthy and deserving of the Sportsman of the Year award. |
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32 comments:
Patrick - Who are you calling a horsey-face?
- Jackie Stewart
Barbaro for Sportsman of the Year,
perfect choice, I agree with you.
This horse has shown more heart than any horse I can think of.And he has created a large fan club
across the United States and beyond.
In fact I would also vote him, 3yo of the year, Horse of the year
Barbaro has my vote!!!
This horse has made people WANT TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON! More than any human has in a long long time. So much corruption and drugs else where. He has brought so much good out in people, I think we should pay attention to his message!
Barbaro not only rocks, but he's been the catalyst for positive changes in racing and horse welfare in general. And he won't want to re-negotiate his contract based on his popularity...
cyn
It would be wonderful if Barbaro was recognized as an outstanding sportsman but he will never know that whoever makes the decision about the horse of the year, may not have the depth to understand the meaning of true "sportsmanship". Barbaro will continue to the champion of many hearts.
Barbaro has my vote for Sportshorseman of the year and for 3 y/o of the year. He's a living miracle and has taught the lesson of hope to millions....who said "never give up, never, never, never"! Hoofray to Barbaro!
Why not Team Barbaro which would be Barbaro, himself, The Jacksons,
Michael Metz and Dr. Richardson, and the staff at New Bolton)?
Absolutely hands down and hoofs down, Barbaro is the Sportsman of the Year. His story is epic, heart warming, and has made a huge impact on the world, and if that is not enough he is an AMAZING ATHLETE beyond compare. I challenge anyone to find anyone this year, human or animal to match those credentials. BIGGEST BARBARO FAN!
Barbaro and his Team have my vote!
He is A Champion for All!
Barbaro changed my mind about horse racing. I have always hated horse racing. Although I am a life long "horsewoman" (and not too young mind you) racing is not my cup of julep. But Barbaro has changed all that. Sure his bones were young and god knows the tracks are hard. But I have seen a jockey risk his life for Barbaro and owners who care about their horse. And through Tim Whoolley's website I've seen horsemen and horse lovers who are the backbone of the racing industry who I'd be proud to meet in person.
Barbaro in Feb.06, had the look of a champion, unlike any I had seen before & I have been closely watching thoroughbreds since the early 1950's. All 6 of his races were spectacular. Even more then his 6 Wins has been his recovery & Healing over the last 6+ months. Yes, in my 70 years, he is the champion of Champion's....Rest well my leige, rest well. Many Lovely Mares await you..
If SI misses the beat on this horse, and what he has accomplished on and off the track, shame on SI. For within Barbaro's heart is the true workings of a champion. A genuine sportsman. He has risen, and will continue to rise, from the ashes of despair, beat the odds, and continue to prove himself in his courage, will,and grace. And in the example of simply living his life he has sent a message to a nation in despair, that one should never give up hope. Despite his tragedy of not being able to physically prove he is the best horse on the track, Barbaro has, perhaps, done more off the track than he was more than capable of doing on the track. Big Boss Horse has the vote!
Barbaro is a TRUE CHAMPION in EVERY sense of the word, and he certainly is a TRUE athlete; Barbaro has won something much more than the Triple Crown! He has shown such charm, courage, determination, and grace, and he represents GREATNESS! The "Big Boss Horse" surely has my vote! You can see the soul in Barbaro's eyes. HOOFRAY to Barbaro! Just keep healing and squealing, "Beautiful Boy!"
What more could SI want in the Sportsman of the Year than what Barbaro and his team have to offer? And who out there can begin to compete with all the reasons why: athletic ability, sportsmanship (he never bit/kicked the opposition), behaves well in public, appreciates all he's given, adapts to life changes with dignity and strength, has loyal fans who care enough to act on their feelings in positive ways, and has been a leader for change in his sport. Pick Barbaro!
Barbaro should be Sportsman(?) of the Year. Who else has garnered so much positive attention and galvanized so many, riveted to his condition for the past six-plus months? This spectacular horse has propelled thousands to awareness of racing and all that is associated with racing, to campaign for synthetic tracks to minimize horrific injuries such as that he suffered. Who else has inspired so many to campaign vigorously to end the slaughter of his species for import to foreign "cuisine"? Who else has enlighted possibly millions to the accomplishments of those who have galloped before him, with him, and into the future? Who else has capture the hearts of millions from all over the world to race to their computers for updates of his condition? Who else has educated so many to learn what we who are life-time horse-lovers know, that a horse is a wonderful companion, a partner and friend. When the world needed a hero, we got one in a most unlikely form. One who asks only for baby carrots and peppermints and love
With his athletic ability, performance, and heart, as well as his super-hero attitude under stress, it's got to be Barbaro. Just imagine what he might have done it it were not for his injury. And just imagine what he will have done because of his injury. He is an athletic hero and has outshined them all this year...I'm sure SI will recognize him.
Barbaro is most definitely Sportsman of the Year. He's also Horse of the Year. What athlete could endure what this horse has endured? Being confined to a stall for 6 months, posing agreeably for every photo ever taken of him, learning how to be a model patient, never giving any backtalk, and so on. What a magnificent hero Barbaro is!
Of course Barbaro should be the S.I.horseman of the year. His team could be honored with him.
Even though S.I. generally ignores horseracing, who can argue with the choice of Barbaro? He is the epitome of what we say we respect in athletes and sportsmen.
His contributions will outlive us all. Bless him!!!
Hoofs down, Barbaro should get the award. Compare him to any human sports figure. Humans put him on the track and he ran with style and grace without his agent negotiating, without complaining, without asking for more money after he ran away with the derby and he didn't sue everyone and his grandmother when he got hurt. He shown more courage off the track and has done much for horse racing and uniting a nation. He continues to receive thousands of emails from within and without the US boarders and the gifts and cards continue to pour in. He was presented an American Flag that flew in Iraq by a group of solders. He has united an ever growing group, The Friends of Barbaro (FOBs) that have been instrumental in pushing the anti-slaughter bill through and campaigning for synthetic tracks. Just one look in his eyes will reveal the heart and will of a true champion. If SI has the you-know-whats, Barbaro will be Sportsman of the Year.
Barbaro has my vote! I second all the eloquent comments posted here. I like the Team Barbaro concept and would suggest adding Edgar Prado to the list.
Hands down Barbaro should be Sportsman of The Year.
This horse has accomplished more than most famous sports figures do.
He has raised awareness that tracks need to be made safer. Money has been raised in his name to rescue horses.
He has endured with style and grace injuries that usually are catastrophic. His intelligence and determination have caused people to marvel!
Looks like someone had a lot of time on their hands.
Hopefully, SI has the intelligence to name Barbaro & his Team as Sportsmen of the Year. We were blessed to witness such a spectacular rising star - A TRUE DEFINITION OF THE WORD "CHAMPION" -with a fantastic lust for life and all that has been mentioned before - courage, grace, the determination and will to keep going. Thank God for all who are on his team!! Barbaro is certainly head and shoulders above all the other possible candidates - he's in a league of his own.
This horse is a great champion, when he ran the ground shook and mere mortals parted. He has my vote.
More importantly his athletic ability and ground manners that he was shown by Michael Matz have no doubt saved his life. People who are unfamiliar with horses have NO idea how impossible Barbaro's recovery is.
To handle this horse the way he has been handled, to the sedation and surgeries, to the 6-7 pool recoveries, to the god aweful sling that he had to live in to save his life. None of this would of been possible if this horse didnt have the heart and smarts to know it was for the better.
We have lost many, Ruffian, Go For Wand, Pine Island, Gallant Secret and the list sadly goes on, Barbaro is giving us hope, he is showing us his heart and his sheer will to live. He must be honored as the true Athlete he has proven himself to be.. time and time again.
Every single hurdle this horse has had to make, has left us all covering our eyes, only to see a true Champion emerge.
Barbaro and his team should be
The Sportsmen of the Year. Not only has this fantastic horse and his team used courageous surgery techniques, they have opened a new world to other athelets facing complicated surgical procedures. Waking up in a pool of water, how relaxing and non-accident proof for the athlete. Most people don't realize that an orthopaedic Equine Surgeon and his staff undergo so much study, that their career is almost a step above a regular orthopaedic surgeon. Patients can talk - Barbaro could only communicate. And communicate he did. Yes Barbaro and his Team are the Sportmen of the Year! Barbaro Rules!!!!!
No one comes close:
BARBARO: Sportsman of the Year!
and Horse of the Year!
I can only reiterate what everyone else has already said!!! THIS HORSE DESERVES...HORSE of THE YEAR...3yr OLD of THE YEAR and YES...SPORT'S ILLUSTRATED'S SPORTSMAN of THE YEAR!!!
GO BARBARO !!!! CHAMPION of OUR HEARTS and HORSE of FOREVER!!!!!!
LUV Ya...Maribel Ontario Canada
Barbaro should be SI's "Sportman of the Year" no one else is even in his league . . . period.
I agree that SI should pick the Barbaro Team of the Big Guy, the Jacksons, Michael Matz, Dr. Richardson along with the NBC staff, but with the addition of Edgar Prado. Edgar's devotion to Barbaro, as witnessed from his leaning on Barbaro to support him, his acknowledged tears for days, and his continuing visits certainly signify an unusual bond between horse and jockey. The entire Barbaro team deserves recognition for their common concern and common goal of saving this magnificent horse. With so much inhumanity in today's world, honoring the Barbaro team as the epitome of humanity seems to be in order.
A whirlwind ride of emotion - go Barbaro!!!!! for Sportsman of the Year, from all your fans in Canada.
Not since Secretariet...has a horse simply taken our breath away...what more can we really say about him. He is simply the best.
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