Robert L. Evans, Churchill Downs Incorporated president and chief executive officer:
“Churchill Downs Incorporated and the entire Kentucky Derby family are deeply saddened by the passing of Barbaro. Our hearts and prayers are with his owners, Gretchen and Roy Jackson; trainer Michael Matz and his staff, Dr. Dean Richardson and the incredible staff at the New Bolton Center; jockey Edgar Prado and his family; and all of the people around the country and the world who have been touched by this wonderful and courageous horse.  Barbaro proved he was a remarkable horse last spring when he scored one of the most dominant victories in the 132-year history of the Kentucky Derby, but the courage he displayed in his fight for life since his injury on May 20 proved that he was more special that we could have possibly imagined on the first Saturday in May.

“We salute the Jacksons, Dr. Richardson and the entire staff at the New Bolton Center for the love, dedication and compassion they displayed in their long battle to nurse Barbaro back to health. It is our hope that the incredible effort to save Barbaro’s life, and the lessons learned and discoveries made during that work, will lead to greater understanding and new treatments for ailments such as laminitis and major injuries to the leg and foot.  It is our fondest hope that in years to come many other horses will benefit from the work performed at the New Bolton Center during Barbaro’s fight to recover. That would be a wonderful addition to the legacy of a brilliant horse that was at his best on Kentucky Derby day, when the entire world was watching him on racing’s biggest and brightest stage.”

Alex Waldrop, chief executive officer, National Thoroughbred Racing Association:
“On behalf of the Thoroughbred racing industry, we send our condolences to Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Michael Matz, Edgar Prado, and to everyone involved with Barbaro. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Dean Richardson and the team at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine for all they did to try to save him. I would also like to express condolences–and thanks–to the millions of fans whose hearts were touched by Barbaro during his brilliant racing career and throughout his gallant struggle to recover. His memory will live forever. America’s compassion and love for Barbaro speak to the incredible bond that people share with Thoroughbreds and our sport. There have been significant advances in recent years in our ability to ensure the health and safety of our equine athletes. The industry remains focused on this issue, and we will continue to work with owners, horsemen, tracks, veterinarians and researchers, as well as the foundations that support them.”

Mike Gathagan, vice president of communications, Maryland Jockey Club (operates Pimlico Racecourse, site of the Preakness Stakes):
“On behalf of the entire team at the Maryland Jockey Club, we join the Thoroughbred racing community and many world-wide Barbaro fans in expressing our sincerest and deepest sympathy on the passing of such a magnificent and beloved champion. Barbaro will never be forgotten, having touched many lives with his stirring victory in the Kentucky Derby, and his courageous battle to overcome such a severe injury.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbaro’s family of connections, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson, trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, and Dr. Dean Richardson and his superb team at the New Bolton Center, whose dedication and perseverance in the hard-fought effort to save Barbaro’s life has been truly remarkable