The Unlikely Horseman and the Unwanted Colt Who Conquered the Sport of Kings

In the annals of horse racing history, the name Barbaro stands tall as a testament to the indomitable spirit of both horse and human. Hailing from humble beginnings and dismissed by many as an unlikely contender, Barbaro's journey to the pinnacle of the sport, the Kentucky Derby, is a story of unwavering determination, resilience, and an unbreakable bond between a horse and its groom.

At the heart of this extraordinary tale is John Gilchrist, a former Marine with a deep affinity for horses. Fate brought him to the doorstep of Gretchen and Roy Jackson, owners of the historic Lael Stables in Versailles, Kentucky. Gilchrist's compassionate nature and gentle touch with horses impressed the Jacksons, and he was offered a job as a groom. It was here that he first encountered a gangly, awkward colt named Barbaro.

Barbaro was not the most promising racehorse at Lael Stables. He was clumsy, often tripping over his own feet, and his physique was far from ideal. Many trainers and owners dismissed him as a hopeless case. However, Gilchrist saw something special in the colt's eyes—a flicker of determination that he recognized from his own military service.

Out of the Clouds: The Unlikely Horseman and the Unwanted Colt Who Conquered the Sport of Kings

by Linda Carroll

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18980 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Gilchrist took Barbaro under his wing, dedicating countless hours to training and nurturing the young horse. He spent days on the racetrack, guiding Barbaro through his paces, and nights in the stables, tending to the colt's every need. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing day.

As Barbaro matured, his raw talent began to shine through. Gilchrist's patience and dedication paid off as the colt's speed and agility improved. He started winning races at local tracks, catching the attention of racing enthusiasts and industry experts alike.

In 2006, Barbaro embarked on the road to the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious race in American horse racing. He faced a field of seasoned champions, but Gilchrist remained steadfast in his belief in his horse. On a rain-soaked track, Barbaro surged to the lead and crossed the finish line as the victor, becoming the first undefeated horse to win the Kentucky Derby since 1978.

Barbaro's triumph was not without its challenges. In the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, he suffered a catastrophic leg injury. It was a devastating blow, not only for Gilchrist and the Jacksons but also for the entire racing community.

In the aftermath of the injury, Gilchrist refused to give up on his beloved horse. He spent countless hours at Barbaro's bedside, comforting him and administering around-the-clock care. Through Gilchrist's unwavering devotion and the expertise of world-renowned veterinarians, Barbaro defied all odds and survived the injury.

Barbaro's recovery was a testament to the resilience of both horse and groom. He became a symbol of hope and inspiration, captivating the hearts of people around the world. He spent his remaining days at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he was visited by thousands of fans who came to pay homage to the legendary racer.

In 2007, Barbaro was laid to rest at Lael Stables, his final resting place overlooking the fields where he had taken his first steps. Gilchrist was by his side until the end, honoring the bond they had forged through years of adversity and triumph.

Barbaro's legacy lives on through the Barbaro Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting injured racehorses and their caretakers. The fund provides financial assistance for veterinary care, rehabilitation, and retirement expenses, ensuring that horses like Barbaro have a chance at a second chance at life.

The story of Barbaro and John Gilchrist is a testament to the power of belief, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between a horse and its human companion. It is a tale that transcends the world of horse racing, inspiring us all to embrace our challenges, never give up on our dreams, and to always strive for greatness, no matter the obstacles that may lie in our path.

Additional Resources:

• The Barbaro Fund: https://www.thebarbarofund.org/
• Kentucky Horse Park: https://www.kyhorsepark.com/
• John Gilchrist website: https://johngilchrist.com/

Out of the Clouds: The Unlikely Horseman and the Unwanted Colt Who Conquered the Sport of Kings

by Linda Carroll

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18980 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE