Barbaro Birthday Celebrations
We are organizing a celebration for Sunday April 29, to be held at Delaware Park. Sharon Crumb is organizing (sharonsfun21@yahoo.com). For late sign-up information, please e-mail alexbr.brown@gmail.com
Concurrently there will be several other events organized around the country.
Please provide your travel information: DelPark Celebration-Need Travel Info
The Delaware Park weekend schedule includes:
Saturday evening, 7 - 10pm gathering now at Delaware Park.
Sunday update:This event raised approximately $14,000
Location is New Castle Room, third floor, Delaware Park grandstand.
This will be a meet and greet, so light snacks (subs, chilly, nachos and cheese and crackers) and a fundraiser. The fundraiser is to benefit:
Thoroughbred Charities of America
Nick Martinez will unveil his new painting, a portrait depicting 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. The title of the painting is "Fearless Vision" inspired by Barbaro's fearless fighting spirit. and our vision of hope to create a better understanding of Laminitis through further research. The original oil will be donated to The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine at New Bolton Center for "The Laminitis Fund" On behalf of the University of Pennsylvania. Director of Development at New Bolton Center, Jane Simone will be present accepting the painting.
In addition Nick Martinez will be releasing the sale of the limited edition prints, of "Fearless Vision" at Delaware Park. A percent of all profit from the sale of the prints will be donated to The Laminitis Fund. Within the glare of Barbaro's eye in the painting is a surprise which will have meaning to all thoroughbred horse-racing lovers!
We hope more than 200 people will attend. Thus far about 180 have noted their attendance. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail Jennifer Duffy (jenduffy@comcast.net). A $25 fee will be charged to cover the food and bar tender. It will be a cash bar. Dress casual.
We will list items for auction shortly but have many items from FOBs. There will also be racing memorabilia donated by a variety of racing personalities.
Items include (* means e-mail bid received):
Jerry Bailey has provided a set of his racing boots, signed, which he wore on many stakes wins including some of Cigar's;
PEBs collage of Cigar (donated by the Jackson's);
16x24" print of Barbaro, by Artist Nick Martinez, winning the Derby framed;
Smaller framed print by Artist Nick Martinez of Barbaro;
20x16" Limited Edition Giclee canvas print "Barbaro Dominates in the Derby" by Artist Tom Chapman;
Christine George 11x14 print. Matted in Lael colors with Gallery frame. 16x20 finished;
Fred Stone framed "Legacy of Hope" 5x6, framed 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 matted in Lael colors;*
Stuart Haman 8x10 photo of Barbaro arriving at Pimlico, with either Eduardo or Ricardo leading him, in black frame;*
Barbaro after the finish line photo. Signed by Edgar Prado. 10x12 framed;*
2 Barbara Livingston photographs, signed by Barbaro Livingston 8 x 10, they are both headshot photos. one with his halter (and name plate) and bridle, very close-up, the other he has his head turned slightly;
x3 large Sabina Pierce photographs signed by Dr. Richardson and Sabina;*
Fair Hill sunrise photographs framed;
Two clubhouse outside box tickets to Black Eyed Susan;
Signed poster of Smarty Jones at Preakness John Servis, Stewart Elliot;
8x10 framed Ferdinand and groom at Claiborne Farm right before he left for Japan;
Two Barbaro Photographs, signed Joan Kanes and Edgar Prado;
$75 gift certificate to The Whip;
2 clubhouse seats for the Preakness (Note: Preakness is sold out; value $260);
Kentucky Derby win picture (8 x 10) signed by Mr. Mrs. Jackson, Michael Matz and Edgar Prado (contributed by the Jacksons) *
Book: Champions; revised Edition 1893 - 2004, signed Glenye Cain
Book: Homerun Horse, signed Glenye Cain
Book: Barbaro: The Horse Who Captured America's Heart, Sean Clancy (signed);
Da Hoss 8 x 12 framed photograph in paddock galloping, signed by Michael Dickinson, accompanying Da Hoss postcards, signed by Michael Dickinson and Gary Stevens (1996 Breeders' Cup) and Michael Dickinson and John Velazquez (1998 Breeders' Cup);
2 sets of 2 photos, 8 x 10 of Film Maker and Ouija Board together in a Lanes End Paddock (Alys Emson), signed Graham Motion;
1 (11 x 14) head on photo of Better Talk Now and Red Rocks finish of the 2006 Breeders' Cup Turf, signed Graham Motion (Ramon can sign on sunday at Park)
If you are unable to attend the fundraiser, but are interested in more information about an item and consider bidding, please e-mail alexbr.brown@gmail.com the item you are interested in bidding and your maximum bid. Your bid will be $10 over the next highest bid if you are the winning bid. All winning bids will be tax deductible.
Sunday morning
8:45 am
Open House at Fair Hill: note start time is now 8:45 am, Alex will be hosting. E-mail Sharon if you would like to attend. We just need to be able to estimate how many would be interested in such an event.
We will meet by the main Fair Hill training center entrance, off rt.213 (a quarter of a mile from the 213 / 273 intersection). Drive through the main entrance and then directly ahead to the track.
Coffee and danish will be served.
Fair Hill volunteers will be available describing the training activities. Tim Woolley is planning to breeze three sets. Other trainers will also be training.
9:30 am
We will have formal remarks from Sally Goswell (Fair Hill manager), Kathy Anderson, Michael Dickinson (inventor of Tapeta track and also conditioner of Breeders' Cup winner Da Hoss) and possibly one or two others.
10:30 am
We will relocate to Tim Woolley's barn after 10 am. At 10:30 am Tim will showcase his horses and provide commentary.
Sunday Noon, Delaware Park in the grove.
Ticket to attend this event is $35, please e-mail Sharon if you plan to attend. The ticket covers food (BBQ) and drink (beer, wine and soda).
Tentative Agenda:
Noon: It begins
12:55 pm: Welcoming Remarks, Alex and Sharon
1:00 pm: Vigil of Remebrance
2:35 - 3:15: Formal remarks
Speakers include: Mr / Mrs. Jackson; Michael Matz; Jane Simone (New Bolton Center); Dr. Kathy Anderson (Fair Hill); Jeannine Edwards (ESPN / ABc); Alex Brown; Congressman Mike Castle; Mike Rea
3:30: Seventh race "Fans of Barbaro" trophy race
10 Fans of Barbaro will participate in winner's circle celebtrations
5:00 - 6:00 pm: NBC Documentary: Barbaro: A Nation's Horse
6:30 pm: The First Saturday in May
As of April 19, about 450 FOBs have signed up, we have room for 550.
We will also have access to a TV monitor and will show Barbaro video which will include his maiden victory at Delaware Park.
Media coverage will include ESPN, Wilmington News Journal, AP, NTRA, Philadelphia Inquirer, Thoroughbred Times etc.
Sharon Clark will have 3 wristbands available for sale, benefiting the Barbaro Fund (this is one of the three and the original).
We will also be the first track to have available the RidingWithBarbaro wristbands.
We will have Barbaro hats available from Horsehats.com, both the limited edition and the regular hats.
Leonard Lusky will be in attendance doing a book signing: Kentucky Derby 132 Review Featuring Barbaro
Nick Martinez will be displaying his Barbaro artwork.
Mike Rea is coming.
Around the Country!
Concurrently FOBs around the country are planning gathering at their local racetracks and other locations. Here is a list of events being organized:
Texas: Lone Star Park
Currently there are 30 people coming to LSP on 4/29. The park is going to have a tribute to Barbaro after the seventh race at about 4:25 PM including a full replay of his Kentucky Derby win. They are also giving us, free of charge, seats on the apron at mid stretch right in front of the jumbotron. We have also been invited to view a race from the stewards stand. I could not get a catered lunch (a long story!), so we are eating at the concession stands. We will have a cake, not only for Barbaro, but for Snifters Spirit, a horse belonging to Lyn Wins a fellow FOB who will be running at Lone Star during the spring meet, and whose birthday is also 4/29. We are having an extra special door prize drawing of 2 Barbaro prints donated by Tom Chapman thanks to jock4hire. There is one more special event that is being worked on, that I cannot be revealed yet because the plans are just in the works, and may not happen.
All in all, we will have a great time! If anyone wants to join us, it is not too late. You can email jimwillson@comcast.net
Florida: Tampa Bay Downs
55 FOBs will travel near and far to attend 'Barbaro's Birthday Celebration at Tampa Bay Downs' on Sunday, April 29. Our festivities kick-off Saturday with an 'FOB Meet & Greet' from 5-7pm at the Holiday Inn Express. After a restful night's sleep (not!) we will saddle up and meet at Tampa Bay Downs at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate Barbaro's life together. We have two venues, the Trackside Garden Suite, a three-tier tower dramatically positioned directly on the first turn, and the Trackside Pavilion (open air picnic area). The highlight of this special day comes at 1:58 p.m. (race #4) with "The 1st Annual Barbaro Birthday Classic" race! We will have the honor to be in the winner's circle for photos and trophy presentation. During the race and presentation, Lydia Williams' stunning portrait of Barbaro will be proudly displayed on the MegaTron. Our auction will split proceeds between the NTRA 'Riding with Barbaro' Memorial Fund and the Last Chance Corral. Many wonderful items have been donated (including Big Boss Cookies!!) which we are hopeful will bring ample funds for our chosen charities. We have two photo banners, customized name tags, a signed group photo-poster we will give to Mrs. Jackson, and a commemorative celebration program which includes all attending FOBs contact information for future get-togethers. We have private TV monitors which will broadcast Delaware, Lone Star, Hollywood Park and Golden Gate live! At 1:00 p.m. EST we will participate in the 'Vigil of Remembrance for Barbaro' with a special commemoration. Afterwards we will sing 'Happy Birthday' to our handsome boy while cutting his marble with butter-cream icing birthday cake… with plenty of Kleenex in the house. Knowing that there are simul-celebrations across the Barbaro Nation makes it that much more special! If you would like to join us, please contact Susan at soozbiz@hotmail.com for the Trackside Garden Suite or Charlie at countfleet43@verizon.net for the picnic area.
California: Hollywood Park
The Fans of Barbaro in southern California are meeting at Hollywood Park on Sunday April 29, to celebrate Barbaro's life. Starting at 9:30 AM we have a "Barn Tour". One of our local FOBs is a also a racehorse owner and has generously offered to take us on backstage tour to see her horses in their barn at Hollywood Park. Then it's off to the races! It happens to be Gold Rush Day at Hollywood Park, they are all stakes races so they are not able to name a race for us, however they will bring all of us out to the winner's circle for a photo. The announcer will speak about Barbaro, mention it's his birthday and show a beautiful shot of our boy in his "sublime performance" at the Kentucky Derby last year. Admission is $6.00 and Hollywood Park is donating that to the UPENN Laminitis Fund in Barbaro's name. As of April 16, there are about 40 FOBs confirmed. All FOBs are welcome to join us. Anyone wanting more information may contact Patti at psi27@hotmail.com
California: Golden Gate Fields
We are having a small (so far ~20 people) but enthusiastic event at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday, April 29th in honor of our beloved Barbaro. The fun begins at 10:30am and we will enjoy the following: Our name on the jumbotron; Free valet parking; Trackside Court seating; BBQ lunch; race named after the FOBs with a picture of some of us in the winner's circle with the winning jockey after the race. And we will be holding a silent auction to raise funds for laminitis research. Please contact me, Sharon Laudel, at sharonlaudel@gmail.com for details.
Ohio: Thistledown Race Track
Barbaro's Birthday Celebration in Ohio will begin with a tour of the Thistledown "backside" at 10:30AM on Sunday, April 29th. At Noon we will gather in the Silks restaurant for lunch followed by racing beginning at 1:05PM. The 5th race will be in Barbaro's honor sponsored by the Fans of Barbaro. After the race we will be escorted to the winner's circle for a photo. Currently 25 people are scheduled to attend. All are welcome and encouraged to join in celebrating Barbaro's life and legacy. Please contact Debbie Biller at dbiller@aol.com with questions or for more information.
Nevada: Miracle Horse Rescue
Miracle Horse Rescue holding Celebration of Life in Honor of Barbaro. Begins at 12pm at the MHR Ranch. We will host a luncheon and visit with all the horses and with one another. We will be conducting a drawing for two items as a token of our appreciation for everyone that has supported MHR, The latest DVD of Barbaro, and an 11 x 14 Framed and Matted Photograph of Barbaro, "THE EYE OF A CHAMPION" We currently have 19 in attendance thus far. Please e-mail rescue@miraclehorse.com if you would like to attend.
Nevada: Shiloh Horse Rescue
Shiloh Horse Rescue in Las Vegas will be holding a weekend long celebration of Barbaro's legacy and his influence on rescue horses. April 28-29. We have had almost 150 pepole RSVP so far!
Shiloh will be raffling off two Breyer Barbaro models, Barbaro Beanie Babies, and other Barbaro memorabilia over the two days. We will be having Barbaro birthday cake as well. All proceeds go directly into our Slaughter Fund to save more slaughter bound horses. This raffle will be in conjunction with our Annual Spring Cleaning Horse Wash held at Shiloh Ranch.
To date, from December 2006, Shiloh Horse Rescue has saved 41 slaughter bound horses with donations from the FOBs off of the TWR site. All FOB rescued horses will be decorated for the two days helping to draw attention to the fact that they were saved directly because of Barbaro and the FOBs. Please e-mail shilohhorse@aol.com if you would like to attend.
Maine: Brunswick
The small but mighty Maine delegation of FsOB will be celebrating Barbaro's birthday at Winners OTB at the Atrium at Cook's Corner in Brunswick. Start time is 12:00 noon. I will have some goodies to give away and I will gladly collect any $29 (or larger!) donations to the Laminitis Fund to be mailed to NBC. I am expecting maybe 4 of us at this point. Anyone needing more information can email me at : loveless3@usadatanet.net.
Illinois: Hillsboro
Fans of Barbaro from the greater St. Louis area will be joining crazy catlady CJ and her band(s) to celebrate Barbaro's Birthday @ Bleachers Sports Bar & Grille, a sports bar & family-friendly restaurant. Everybody orders and pays for what they want. We will be mingling and getting to know each other in person. Am expecting at least 5 - 7 people - in addition to me and my 2 bandmates. There will also be many regular patrons of the venue in attendance, and I'm sure they will get into the spirit of the occasion as well. Link to driving directions available via http://www.mythicfigs.org contact potlucky@sbcglobal.net
MA: Boston
Boston area FOB's are invited to a celebration of the life and spirit of Barbaro luncheon. The site to be determined by number of attendees in the Rt 95-24 area (Sharon-Walpole-Stoughton). Also see thread Boston area FOB's in the General section for updates. Email me direct at mlmacctg@yahoo.com All are invited!!
CO: Wellington
Our Celebration of Barbaro will be held at Colorado Thoroughbred Rescue in Wellington, Colorado, Sunday, April 29, beginning at 11:00 a.m. MDT. Loving on the horses begins then; lunch begins around 12:30 or 1:00 MDT , Barbaro documentary viewing at 3:00 p.m. MDT.
Lunch, cake and ice cream, party favors, a couple of door prizes, sweet horses (weanling, yearling, stakes winner,and an FOB rescued TB) included.
If our little group of six had so much fun getting to know each other in March, think what a great time more than 20 of us will have? Reply to shasstah@yahoo.com if you want more details ....the more the merrier!