Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized Monday after complications from his last year's breakdown at Preakness.

Barbaro's death ended an eight-month ordeal that prompted an outpouring of support across the country.

The 4-year-old colt underwent several procedures and was fitted with fiberglass casts. He was suffering from a number of injuries and complications including laminitis in the left rear hoof, an abscess in the right rear hoof, as well as new laminitis in both front feet.

"This horse was a hero," said David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. "His owners went above and beyond the call of duty to save this horse. It's an unfortunate situation, but I think they did the right thing in putting him down."