Eight Belles, above, shown in an April 27 workout (Herald-Leader photo by Mark Cornelison) and, below, shown striding toward her second place Derby finish (photo by Rich Copley).
What a swing from our perch in the Jockey Club, watching Big Brown's big win, to entering the press room to hear that Eight Belles had been euthanized. Do people streaming out of the Downs even realize what has happened? You think you just saw a victory by a promising champion, maybe a successor to the excitement of Barbaro. But then, almost immediately, we are hit with the same emotions of the other side of the Barbaro story -- the tragedy of seeing a horse fatally injured when the whole world is watching. Wow.
Note: Originally, we were going to end this thread with accounts of the departure from the Downs: everything from the street preachers to the Mardi Gras bead hawkers to the women falling off their high heels, the bizarre aftermath of Derby Day. But after what happened to Eight Belles, the Herald-Leader staff was retained in the media room to make sure we had the story covered and I don't really think diving into drunken revelry would have been terribly appropriate. Though the sun came out and temperatures warmed up, in a way, today feels as gray as it started.
I loved Eight Belles. It sure kinda brought back memeories of Babaro in the Preakness Stakes.
She ran her heart out. She gave it all she got and what does she get?...DEATH. the only filly on the field.Big Brown ran a magnificent race by the way.
But the mememories of Eight Belles kind of washed over the excitement.You will always be in my heart,Eight Belles.Your soul and Power will always be remebered.You are a hero. You remind me alot of Black Gold.You are both courageous,brave,powerful,and you gave it all you got and placed 2nd. Eight Belles~REST IN PEACE,MY SWEET. forget about all your worries and that tragedy moment, but always,always remember you won,you're a winner in all the heart-broken racing fans(sniffle) and always,always,always treasurethe moment you crossed the finishline and the cheering crowd and fans.You can't forget how happy and marvelous you were in the KENTUCKY DERBY.The most dangerous and heart-breaking race in the world. Let you rest in heaven. You are the Filly that touched my soul, somewhere deep inside my heart.We Love You,the Brave Hearted Filly of ChurchHill Downs.
Good bye now,Eight Belle.Your spirit will always be remembered.(cry)(here's 2 song for you.)Sound The Bugle Now and It Ain't Over Yet,both by Bryan Adams.(weeping) Peaceful Harmony,Eight Belles
Posted by: Becky | September 07, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Hey horseracing a brutal sport not only for the horses but the loss of a horse who ran her heart out and that goes to Eight Belles. The filly that could and did until a tragic accident. Being in the horse world the whole sport can be brutal.
R.I.P Eight Belles
Posted by: Kelsey | June 02, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Thank you for expressing your mixed emotions so appropriate to the circumstances. I wonder how many wonderful horses like Ruffian, Barbaro and Eight Belles will have to die before they stop racing horses so young that their bones are not mature enough to match their heart and stamina. Why not make the racing age 4 or 5 instead of 3? Tradition? At the very least, ALL tracks should be upgraded to the new synthetic materials. Personally, I will no longer watch horse racing, because after seeing the last two tragedies, there is no joy or excitement left in it for me.
Posted by: kaia denham | May 04, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Very touching and bittersweet entry, Rich.
Posted by: Alison | May 03, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Unbelievable that this beautiful horse was put down after coming in #2 in the KD. Who, what, why?
Again, I am no longer a fan, supporter, watcher of this sport because of the result of the selfish greed.
Posted by: Dr. Janet Ferguson | May 03, 2008 at 08:19 PM
I am absolutey devastaed about #5, Eight Bells. She came in second and then was euthanized???
What the hell happened? There was no coverage on the tv networks.
I WILL NEVER watch or support this inhumane sport again.
I love animals and this was a cruel thing to do if you knew there was a risk because of the turf.
Posted by: Dr. Janet Ferguson | May 03, 2008 at 08:14 PM