Trainer Doug O’Neill put his three Kentucky Derby hopefuls through their final major pre-Kentucky Derby works at Keeneland on Friday and expressed satisfaction with all three six-furlong works. “It was a spectacular morning; they all worked well,” said O’Neill, whose colts all worked solo and under exercise rider Tony Romero.  “Great Hunter went in 1:13 and got his last eighth in 12 (seconds) and finished full of energy. 

The veterinary clinic that treated Barbaro will receive an award this month for its efforts to save the life of the 2006 Derby winner.
The New Bolton Center will receive the Silver Horseshoe Award, an honor bestowed by the Kentucky Derby Festival to a group or individual for significant contributions or service to the thoroughbred racing industry.

The saddle worn by Kentucky Derby champion Barbaro will be sold at a charity auction in May to raise money for permanently disabled jockeys.

Edgar Prado, who used the red-and-white leather saddle to guide Barbaro to a dominating victory in last year’s Derby, also used it while winning the 2002 and 2004 Belmont Stakes.

The saddle will be auctioned off at the Mint Jubilee Gala on May 4, the night before this year’s Derby.