A state of rigor mortis, from the looks of things. Here, from the Onion and by way of David’s American Legends sports blog, is an unforgettable, moving image of a great stallion, cut down in his prime and lying in state.

“Barbaro was a great horse, but an even better person,” said Cheryl McElroy, still visibly shaken after filing past Barbaro‘s coffin and placing a single red rose upon it. “He taught us how to triumph over adversity and how to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. He showed us that anyone could win the Kentucky Derby if they just believed in themselves—even you or I. And he proved that people can lead perfectly normal, productive lives after breaking their long pastern bone and being diagnosed with laminitis of the left hoof.”

During the ceremony, the usually festive Churchill Downs was eerily quiet, with the only sounds in the building coming from the low rumble of muffled drums, the clacking of horses’ hooves, and a dirge-like rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home” played in a minor key by the University of Louisville marching band. As they laid his casket on the bier, Elton John performed a special version of “Candle In The Wind” rewritten to describe Barbaro‘s tragically short life.

Ashes to Alpo…

del.icio.us: Barbaro lying in state
blinklist: Barbaro lying in state
furl: Barbaro lying in state
Digg it: Barbaro lying in state
ma.gnolia: Barbaro lying in state
Stumble it: Barbaro lying in state
simpy: Barbaro lying in state
newsvine: Barbaro lying in state
reddit: Barbaro lying in state
fark: Barbaro lying in state
Technorati Favorite me!