Kentucky Derby Champion Barbaro was euthanized in Pennsylvania today, ending his long and valiant battle to overcome injuries sustained at the Preakness last spring.

Last spring, shortly after the injury, I lamented Barbaro’s breakdown, and in October, I welcomed what seemed to be a miraculous recovery.

But horses need all four legs and all four hooves, or they die. Plain and simple. And ultimately, Barbaro’s injuries were more than even he could survive.

Nevertheless, wonder and awe are the only apt descriptors for the battle that Barbaro waged for survival. With the aid of great vets and modern medicine, he endured all. It’s natural to want to project human qualities onto our animal friends. But it’s not unfair to suggest that Barbaro showed real heart. Do horses have a will to live? I believe they do, and Barbaro’s seemed stronger than most.

More than a generation has passed since the last Thoroughbred won a Triple Crown. Horse racing, it’s been said, has been searching for champion.

Even though he only won the first leg, it’s clear that the sport has found a champion, and he will be missed.

Other coverage: Jane Smiley has an excellent piece about Barbaro and Thoroughbred racing over at the Huffington Post.

An excellent story from the Washington Post, here.