Barbaro first 'athlete' to appear on cover of Wheaties, inside Elmer's.

Yes, I'm going to be bucked from a horse and paralyzed for this karma, but what the hay.

ESPN.com - HORSE - Barbaro euthanized after months-long fight for survival: "Barbaro euthanized Monday morning
Associated Press

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized Monday after complications from his gruesome breakdown at last year's Preakness, ending an eight-month ordeal that prompted an outpouring of support across the country.

Barbaro's epic struggle to survive captured America's heart. But his death leaves horse racing with an opportunity to honor his legacy with some reform.

'We just reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain,' co-owner Roy Jackson said. 'It was the right decision, it was the right thing to do. We said all along if there was a situation where it would become more difficult for him then it would be time.'

A series of ailments, including laminitis in the left rear hoof and a recent abscess in the right rear hoof, proved too much for the gallant colt."