BAY MINETTE, Ala. — While the Kentucky-Derby winning race horse, Barbaro, can no longer stride around the track, the author of his journey makes strides for his legacy.

Alex Brown, author of “Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and his Legacy,” recently visited Bay Minette on his way to a book signing at a Florida racetrack.

The trip came because Brown just started a 40-venue book signing tour that will cover 11 states.

According to Brown, his stops consist of staying with supporters of his project. His Bay Minette stop is no different, as five-year fan Debbie Jones welcomed Brown into her Bay Minette home during his venture.

“Debbie very kindly offered to put me up,” he said during an interview with The Times, explaining that staying with supporters helps with traveling expenses. “There’s been some wonderful Southern hospitality, and I don’t think I’ll ever be hungry again.”

According to Brown, the animal’s plight led him on his one-time project.

“I’ve never written a book before and never will again,” he said. “I had a unique opportunity and unique perspective that will never present itself again.”

A career in horses and horse racing gave Brown inside information as he asked about Barbaro’s condition while exercising the horses on the track, he said.

“In periphery, with Barbaro during the injury, I kept people updated,” he said. “Barbaro really sort of struck a chord with more people than just the horse racing niche. Horses have a history of inspiring us—and Barbaro's the most contemporary example.

While in Bay Minette, Brown donated a copy of his book to the Bay Minette Public Library.