Barbaro By Mail

In an even more personally touching chapter in the unfolding relationship between our "Derby Line" tie and the late great champ Barbaro, I recently received a lovely postcard from the horse's owners, thanking me for the "kind words" about Barbaro in our Late Spring catalog. I'd just like to say in return that the pleasure was all mine, and I too am delighted and honored to have been a little part of the positive things that have come from his all-too-brief life.



The postcard is a reproduction of Nick Martinez' magnificent painting Barbaro (check out his site nickmartinezart.com for more).

Remembering Barbaro

Several weeks ago, a fundraiser celebration was held at Delaware Park for the late Barbaro, the beloved winner of the 2006 Kentucky Derby. A painting by Nick Martinez entitled "Fearless Vision" (inspired by Barbaro's fighting spirit) was unveiled. The painting itself was donated to The University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine at New Bolton Center's "Laminitis Fund" (Laminitis is the illness the claimed Barbaro and Secretariat), and proceeds from a limited edition of prints were also donated to the fund.


Several hundred FOB's (Fans of Barbaro) were in attendance, and I've received numerous reports that more than a few of them were sporting our Derby Line bow ties and neckties. This news was great to hear - striking a personal chord for me, given that we'd just recently introduced the tie in our Late Spring catalog as a tribute to Barbaro. We'd received many requests from our Beau Ties Guys for a "Derby" tie (especially since Barbaro's victory last year), and I'm glad to hear that this tie was not only a hit with them, but moreover that it became part of a great cause and many memories of a noble racehorse.