Almost a year later, the cards still are arriving at Churchill Downs. From schoolchildren, from racing fans, from casual observers touched by the valiant fight of a champion.

Even now, three months after Barbaro’s death from complications of a broken right hind leg suffered in the Preakness Stakes, the big bay colt who was so dominant during last year’s 6 1⁄2-length Kentucky Derby victory remains a powerful presence underneath the twin spires.

Letters addressed to him still arrive at the track with regularity. Hundreds of fans a day relive his greatest moment in the Kentucky Derby Museum’s stunning 360-degree theater, which replays his run to glory every half hour. Bidding remains feverish for a one-of-a-kind 24-karat gold mint julep cup with Barbaro’s name etched on it as part of a fundraiser for the Thoroughbred Charities of America.

“(The attention) still surprises me,” said co-owner Roy Jackson. “I think it’s just a connection that people have with him that’s hard to explain