The 2008 season commences at Churchill Downs on May 1st as it readies for the running of Kentucky Derby 134 on May 3rd - arguably, the greatest horse racing event in the world. National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame trainer and two-time Kentucky Derby-winner Nick Zito says, “No question. There is only one race, my friend. The Kentucky Derby.”

At this year’s opening of Churchill Downs, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, owners of the 2006 Kentucky Derby-winner Barbaro, along with Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum representatives, will introduce the artist who will create a permanent bronze sculpture memorializing Barbaro. The sculpture will be located outside Churchill Downs Gate 1 - where Barbaro’s ashes will also be buried. It will be completed in 2009. Barbaro decisively won the 2006 Kentucky Derby, but shattered his leg two weeks later in the 2006 Preakness Stakes, ending his racing career and eventually leading to his death in 2007.

The announcement of a sculpture for Barbaro only signifies his potential greatness had it not been for that ill-fated day at Pimlico, which leads me to the question… who is the greatest race horse ever?
The consensus top three are Secretariat, Man ‘O War, and Citation. A poll on The Hall Of Fame Network www.HOFN.com asks which of the three is best. The debate is usually Secretariat versus Man ‘O War.

Here are my “Great 8″ race horses ever. Who makes your list?
1. Secretariat
2. Man ‘O War
3. Citation
4. Kelso
5. Seattle Slew
6. Affirmed
7. Dr. Fager
8. Spectacular Bid

However, my FAVORITE horse was owned by Allen Paulsen and, subsequently, trained by Bill Mott. In 1995-96, this stallion tied Citation’s record of 16-wins in a row.
The horse was CIGAR.