Sudden loss
May 3rd, 2008 | Published in News and Features | 88 Comments
After a resounding victory by Big Brown, Derby Day took a cruel turn when second-place finisher Eight Belles, the only filly entered in the race, fractured both front legs and had to be euthanized.
Eight Belles’ death casts pall
It was one of the first things that came to mind when Three Chimneys president Case Clay was asked about Eight Belles, the brilliant filly born and raised on his historic farm.
“She always did what was asked of her,” Clay said softly.
On Saturday, Eight Belles lost her life after giving everyone around her all they could ask for and more. Eight Belles — the first filly to compete in the Kentucky Derby since 1999 — was euthanized moments after running a gallant second behind Big Brown in the 134th Run for the Roses.
The gray daughter of Unbridled’s Song already had finished the race and was being pulled up around the turn when she broke both front ankles.
[[AUDIO: Eight Belles Trainer Larry Jones; note: expletive deleted at 01:36.]]
[[VIDEO: Big, Big Day at the Downs]]
“She had finished the race and was around the turn at the start of the backstretch and right near one of the out riders as they were watching, he saw both front ankles just collapse,” said Dr. Larry Bramlage, the on-call veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners. “It’s obvious from the physical examination that she had fractures in the left side.
“It’s not terribly unheard of for a horse to have a problem bilaterally but normally, in my years of racing, I have never seen this happen at the end of a race or during the race.”
Like many in the crowd of 157,770 who had witnessed the brilliant exploits of the two top finishers, trainer Larry Jones was still trying to process the elation of the moment when his world was hit with the cruelest dagger.
Jones, who had gotten hung up in the crowd after the race, was on his way to the track and was receiving congratulations from fellow trainer Steve Asmussen before he found out the fate of his star filly.
“I never knew anything ever happened, and I’m walking around the track and see (jockey Gabriel Saez) riding back on the pony with Donna Barton,” a visibly shaken Jones said through a quivering voice. “That’s when he told me, so I ran on over and caught the ride on the ambulance.”
“Needless to say when I did see her, it had to be done. She had no way of being saved. It happened a quarter mile after the race. They just don’t happen there.”
Owner Rick Porter was not immediately available for comment but Jones said Porter had asked for Eight Belles to be cremated.
“He’s taking it pretty rough, I tell you,” Jones said of Porter. “We’re going to be second-guessed. There is going to be somebody who will say a filly shouldn’t have been in there.
“But it wasn’t the race. It wasn’t the fact 19 boys were in there. She never got bumped. She never did anything. She could have done this racing against Shetland ponies.”
With her chrome-colored coat and a massive, beautifully muscled frame that dwarfed many of her male competitors, Eight Belles invoked memories of Winning Colors, the last filly to win the Derby in 1988. She came into the race with as much gusto as any of her rivals, having won all four of her starts this year by a combined 301?2 lengths. When she entered the Churchill paddock and the roar of the onlookers hit her, Eight Belles remained cool and professional, pricking her ears and taking in the controlled pandemonium around her.
“She was going in the best she had ever gone into any race,” Jones said. “She ran the race of her life. She had so much confidence and wasn’t worried about anything. She went out in glory and went out like a champion.”
When questioned about whether he thought the dirt surface contributed to Eight Belles’ injury, Jones was quick to dismiss that notion.
“It’s not the track that did it on her today,” a tear-stained Jones said. “They did a great job getting the track sealed, and the track was good.”
Bred by Three Chimneys owner Robert Clay in partnership with Serengeti Stable, Eight Belles was the quintessential standout from day one, bringing a price of $375,000 at the 2006 Keeneland September yearling sale.
“She was always a straightforward and beautiful filly,” Case Clay, son of Robert Clay, said. “Our hearts go out to Rick, Larry and Eight Belles herself.”
When he left the barn, Jones said it would be a good day regardless of finish as long as she came back good. Now Jones and the rest of his crew have an empty stall that only pales in comparison to the hollowness in their hearts.
“She was our family,” Jones said, emotion cracking through his voice once more. “It’s just not supposed to happen like this.”
May 3rd, 2008at 10:22 pm(#)
I am so saddened by her loss. My heartfelt condolenses to all her connections. My prayers are that God will have her with him now. Please bury her where her fans can visit.
May 3rd, 2008at 11:19 pm(#)
I WAS SO UPSET TO SEE THIS HAPPEN AGAIN! I CANT BELIEVE SHE IS GONE!!SHE RAN THE RACE OF HER LIFE,I JUST HOPE SHE DIDNT SUFFER LONG.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH LARRY JONES AND THE PORTER FAMILY.WE WILL MISS HER VERY MUCH .I HOPE THAT SHE WILL BE BURIED WHERE WE CAN ALL VISIT AND SAY GOOD-BYE.
May 3rd, 2008at 11:29 pm(#)
We felt bad about the race from the start when we realized a filly was going to compete against the colts. Fillies don’t have the body make-up that colts have. She had a heart to win and died trying. I’m all for colts against colts and fillies against fillies.
My sympathy to those that cared for her and loved her.
May 4th, 2008at 12:23 am(#)
How many truly great horses have to die before they stop racing these beautiful babies on immature bones? Why not give them at least an extra year to grow stronger — no more triple crown for 3-year-olds! And no more dirt tracks, either. We know better now, so there is no excuse. Nothing has changed since Ruffian, and many legs have broken that the public knows nothing about. It’s time to care, and time to change.
May 4th, 2008at 2:35 am(#)
I keep grieving over the loss of all these magnificent animals. If the public knew how many horses are crippled and more often destroyed every year for our greed and pleasure, there would be many changes/restrictions placed on these races. We must push these animals as hard as possible. Think of the fame, the glory, and all the bucks that we will get if this poor dumb animal can just hold up.
Sure we want them to run as fast and as hard as possible, that’s the name of the game. If they run till their heart bursts, or like today their legs shatter, we will walk away saying…WOW this colt/filly was really great, and that’s just part of the downsides of the trade.
I have been a horse owner/breeder, shown and ridden them all my life. Loosing a horse is nearly unbearable. I hope that enough people will speak out and get the needed restrictions put on these race horse owners and trainers to stop this disgrace.
May 4th, 2008at 4:05 am(#)
My heart broke while watching the Derby on TV at home. Seeing that magnificent animal lying on the track and learning of her injury and subsequent euthanization made me cry my heart out. God Bless her sweet little soul,…what a champion!!!! My condolences to the owners and Mr. Jones, and all who knew and loved Eight Belles.
May 4th, 2008at 4:06 am(#)
I agree with Peggy Nielsen.Eight Belles was always obedient,to the point of giving her life to please others.I doubt they would have done the same for her.
May 4th, 2008at 6:44 am(#)
Hi,
I was so sad to see Eight Belles lying after her wonderful race….it really made the day miserable for me.
I am from Britain, and watched many horse races at home/Europe where they run mainly on the grass.
I have always wondered if the tracks here in USA contribute to so many breakdowns of these wonderful horses?….maybe it’s time for the US to start using grass….it is after all a ‘natural’ surface…..when they run on dirt, they ’sink in’ like treacle and I am sure this is a reason for the sad breaks of bones here………I wonder what other people feel?
May 4th, 2008at 7:32 am(#)
In addition to being extremely upset over the loss of Eight Belles, I am thoroughly disgusted at the lack of class and sensitivity shown by the NBC crew, the president of Churchill Downs, and most of all Gov. Beshear. In their effort to tout Kentucky before the world, they failed miserably. Two years ago at the Preakness, their counterparts in Maryland managed to offer sympathy and good wishes to Barbaro’s owners, trainer, and rider while still celebrating the Bernardini’s victory. At least Big Brown’s owner said a few words . I’m not surprised that Dutrow didn’t offer any condolences, but I was disappointed Desormeaux also said nothing.
May 4th, 2008at 8:08 am(#)
Don’t fret people. It is terrible,but nothing can change things. We will not get gradification right away. There remains truths, no stone left unturned. Not in our time, but as now as forever the faith that grace will make it right.
May 4th, 2008at 9:01 am(#)
I am so, so saddened. After 45 years of enjoying thoroughbreds, I don’t think I can support this ‘sport’ any longer. A brave little girl gave her life and the governor said it was great day for Kentucky. Embarrassing and shameful. And I’m sure the breeders wouldn’t want to change direction try to infuse some stamina instead of speed, more speed into the breed. And so uplifting to see a mutual fund was in the winners circle. A completely horrible day.
May 4th, 2008at 10:07 am(#)
I have been watching the Kentucky Derby for 30 years. The increased number of horses to 20 has actually decreased the likelihood of a Triple Crown Winner. In addition, horses are put at an increased risk of injury. The Derby coverage by NBC was disgusting —more hoopla than substance.
I was devastated to see the lovely Eight Belles fall. She was a magnificent filly and will a take a place beside Ruffian and the other fillies in heaven, our hearts, and memories.
May 4th, 2008at 11:30 am(#)
We are all so sad. Such a great race. A truly wonderful horse who gave her all.
May 4th, 2008at 3:45 pm(#)
This is such a terrible loss for the world and horse racing. My heart and thoughts and prayers go out to the owners,trainer and jockey and everyone involved with EIGHT BELLES. What is it going to take for someone to stop this from happening again. I will never bet on another horse race again if something doesn’t give. She should have not lost her life this is such a tragedy. These horses are too young and their legs haven’t developed strong enough yet to run these long races. She will be sorrily missed. Rest in peace beautiful young horse.
May 4th, 2008at 5:13 pm(#)
My heart goes out to the trainers and owners of this awesome filly, I too was deeply sadden by what happen and it does show that maybe after this we as intelligent people should find a way to keep this from happening, Eight bells gave her all and too watch her fall and be in pain was unbearable, Come on folks lets wake up and either stop racing these beautiful animals or find a way to save their legs and lives.
May 4th, 2008at 5:23 pm(#)
My heart goes out to all who loved Eight Belles!
Could you save her eggs for breeding purposes? Some how a piece of her should go on.
God bless and ~ RIP ~ Eight Belles
May 4th, 2008at 5:53 pm(#)
I am so saddened by Eight Belles death. I can’t stop the tears when I am thinking or reading something about her. She was so beautiful. The vet should not have euthanized her on the track. I believe those involved should have tried to save her and somehow splinted her legs and then got her in a harness and sling that was comfortable to stay in till she healed up. Eight Belles should then have been put in a nice green pasture with other handicapped horses and loved and taken care of for the rest of her years. Horses need to be stronger and older before they race. Why do people just think of the money these beautiful creatures can make for them.
May 4th, 2008at 5:55 pm(#)
I love you Eight Belles, I will never forget you. People done wrong by you.
May 4th, 2008at 6:08 pm(#)
why are these horses bred to have such fragile legs? also, the jockey was whipping her relentlessly to get more speed. did this contribute?
May 4th, 2008at 6:15 pm(#)
I did not see the tragic loss of this beautiful horse, but it does not stop me from shedding tears for her and her owner and trainer. Horses are such beautiful beings of God’s creation. I know in my heart she is at peace and running, grazing and just plain enjoying her life with her creator. Please allow these magnificant creatures mature before they are physically ready. They are companions, friends and loved ones. God bless you, Eight Belles, you are healed..
May 4th, 2008at 7:37 pm(#)
This is a tragic event that all of us will not forget. It is time now to change the rules and require xrays and ultra sounds the day before the race. I truely believe she had a prexisitng injury that was just coming to a head. This could have been ruled out the day before the race or on race day. You can see in other films she had a head bob at different times. Note here, this mare and the winner share a lot of the same genes as other illfated horses with similar injuries and he already has some issues that have been acknowledged with his feet I wouldn’t ride as a pleasure horse much less race with. he is not done growing.
It is also time to do the genitic testing to prove or disprove a problem with the breeding. There is already speculation that Northern Dancer and Native Dancer are the causes of the problems. The horse Impressive did a lot of damage that took several years to figure out and now breeding animals are screened for this flaw. But a lot of horses died before the problem was finally acknowledged and a plan of action was taken. No more dirty little secrets….
Time to change things…..
May 4th, 2008at 7:41 pm(#)
I am sickened and saddened by this new tragedy, and I am sorry beyond measure.
May 4th, 2008at 7:52 pm(#)
Barbara - Those kind of injuries are not repairable. Look at Ruffian and Barbaro. As much as everyone tried, horses can not live with out movement. Their spirit is not designed to live with those injuries. The injuries aren’t what kills the horses or they would have died at the moment of injury. It is what happens during treatment. As careful as the vets and staff are, horses do not have the capacity to process what the possible outcome of the health care could be and their bodies are not meant to be at a stand still. Medications can’t cure everything. Horses are very sensitive to change. Their spirit can be too much for them too. They want to move. Ailment associated with medical treatments such as colic, infection, laminitis,and depression are very common and can kill them in a matter of hours.
When horses are injured that bad it is not kind to keep them immobile and put through painful treatment for our sake.
May 4th, 2008at 8:15 pm(#)
I THINK THE OWNER OF “EIGHT BELLES” SHOULD DONATE THE WINNING PROCEEDINGS FROM THE KENTUCKY DERBY TO A FOUNDATION TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER OR NOT HORSES AT THIS AGE SHOULD BE SUBJECTED TO CRUEL AND INHUMMANE TREATMENT SHOULD BE RACED AT SUCH A EARLY AGE ESPECIALLY THE FILLIES. STEP UP TO THE PLATE MR. PORTER AND SHOW THE RACING WORLD THAT IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY, FAME, AND THRILL…COME ON MR. BIG SHOT SHOW THE RACING WORLD YOUR A CARING AND KIND PERSON LIKE THE JACKSON’S WERE ABOUT BARBARO…SIR DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?????????????????????
May 4th, 2008at 8:27 pm(#)
‘PETA’ WANTS EIGHT BELLES JOCKEY SUSPENED AND A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION CONVIENED…..THIS IS WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE…I THANK PETA FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING SO THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN….GO “PETA”….I SUPPORT YOU.////
May 4th, 2008at 8:29 pm(#)
Good for you Kala and Shirley and Sue. To all the rest: Please spare me the tears you hypocritical owners, trainers, jockies and apathetic public! You’ve known for years that these horses bones are not developed enough to withstand this kind of pressure. Admit it, you’re in it for the money! You invest thousands and millions of dollars in a colt or filly and the only reason you start them so young is so you can begin realizing a return on your investment as soon as possible. Don’t pretend to care or say these babies are “your family.” The public thinks this incident is rare; but in reality hundreds of horses are killed on the track every race season. Who is responsible for governing this atrocity? Come on public, don’t be such Pollyannas. Boycott the whole industry.
May 4th, 2008at 8:35 pm(#)
I was not aware of this horse until Saturday— What a terrible tragedy–I feel so bad–it makes me want to cry for her—and I can understand the grief those close to her are feeling no matter how it happened–hopefully her accident may not be in vain and will help to prevent others-
May 4th, 2008at 8:38 pm(#)
YOU KNOW WHAT LINDA…IT’S YOUR ATTITUDE THAT REALLY IS THE “TYPICAL THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY’S PROBLEM”…I BET IF THE TRUTH WAS KNOW “YOU” ARE THE PROBLEM EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT…DO YOU HAVE “TUNNEL VISION” OR ARE YOU SO SHELTERED THAT YOUR NOT READY THE COMMENTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY…YEAH LINDA…YOUR IDEA IS GREAT…”BOYCOT THE WHOLE INDUSTRY” IF THAT IS WHAT IT TAKES TO RECTIFY WHAT HAPPENED TO “EIGHT BELLES” SATURDAY AT THE KENTUCKY DERBY…HEY LINDA…WHERE YOU THERE AND DID YOU WITTNESS THE HORRIBLE TRAGEDY???????????
May 4th, 2008at 8:42 pm(#)
While we are at it……All race entries should have a fee set aside for rescue groups that rescue these poor things from the slaughter auctions and horse brokers.In addition all race fan entry tickets should donate at least a $1 per person as well.
For those of you not in the know, animals not saved and rehomed after they can’t race any more or are not selected for breeding often endup at horse brokers that sell to the kill buyers and these horses not saved by rescues and individuals end up on dinner plates overseas. They are shipped in cramped dirty hysterical conditions to be dumped in pens and run into chutes to get clubbed, bolts in the heads ad then hung up on hooks to be bled and skinned while in shock and still alive. There are films to document and confirm this.
How about it race horse owners….help us(rescuers)with the rehab and placement of your unwanted animals by supporting a rescue/placement fee attached to your entry form. Maybe it would only be $25 per head but that adds up quick for building a fund to be divided up almong rescues for taking care of your problem animals. ps - don’t sell us your horses, just sign them over. (maybe it qualifies for a tax deduction as a donation to non profit rescues)
Hello out there….Any owner or trainer with a horse that is going to get killed for a bow, bleeding or not being fast enough or some other ailment that is not life threatening, I have room for at least 1 here maybe 2 or better yet help me buy and build the acreage adjoining my property and I’ll take at least 10.
May 4th, 2008at 8:57 pm(#)
I too am sorry to see the loss of such a beautiful animal. However every one who is posting should take a look at the horse slaughter issue, hundred of thousands of beautiful horses are losing their lives every day in the most inhumane way possible, I warn you the websites regarding this issue are graphic. Ever wonder where the mediocre thoroughbreds are going?? I used to love to watch horse racing but not anymore, I agree that they are not being bred with enough bone and are raced way too early, track surfaces are also known to increase injury rates. There are SO many inhumane issues regarding animals of all types that it breaks my heart daily. God surely has a beautiful stable of champions.
May 4th, 2008at 9:55 pm(#)
What happened to Eight Belles SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED!!!! ONCE AGAIN, IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED!!!!! This industry is DISGUSTING and should be ASHAMED OF THEIRSELVES. Over 700 horses in the United States get euthanized because of leg injuries due to racing. She was a beautiful horse who was PUSHED to her limit. I commend PETA to have an investigation in her death.
It is ALL ABOUT THE MONEY,MONEY, MONEY!!!!!
Eight Belles, run free and strong up in Heaven with Barbaro and all the others who have faced the same fate as you, sweet one.
May 4th, 2008at 10:05 pm(#)
I feel like she ran like hell - just to get to heaven…
The saddness I feel is unreal - everytime I think of this It makes me cry. To her owner - please take time to read the poem, “Over the Rainbow Bridge” - it is is a wonderful sediment to anyone whoever loses a pet.
May 4th, 2008at 10:13 pm(#)
Since Eight Belles is going to be creamated - they should have her ashes turned into one of those new man-made synthetic diamonds - it would be a beautiful way to memorialize her. God knows she was special and it would be a lovely way to show it.
May 4th, 2008at 10:28 pm(#)
We have had to have this sadden to many times, they say it is part of racing, but to the true horse lovers how can losing a member of your family be part of the business. I’ve worked with racehorses and was told repeatly don’t get attached its a business, well the h— with business we have hearts and feeling too, and this filly put her life on the line for our pleasure, and it truly break my heart for this to happen to her, we have lost some other greats over the past years, Barbaro, Ruffian and Go for Wand, Pine Island, our heart can’t take much more pain and suffering. Eight Belles may you reat in peace and know your were greatly loved by your owner, trainer and fans and may you now run in the heavens with some of the greats that have left a lasting memory in our hearts.
May 4th, 2008at 11:17 pm(#)
The misguided standard of breeding purebred horses and dogs has been a terrible thing for the animals who are the innocent victims. Dog breed registeries start with a very small number of founding sires and dams, a tiny and closed gene pool. When the descendents of these dogs are bred to one another generation after generation, bad genes are magnified and all sorts of inherited defects and weaknesses become rampant - bad hips, deformed hearts, cancer, mental and behavioral instability, and on and on.
It is unfair to breed Thoroughbreds to have powerhouse hearts and lungs and expect them to run (as they so love to do) on slender, fragile legs that cannot support the pounding. If these animals were outbred to increase bone size and density, and there were standards to determine which animals have frames sturdy enough for the track, the horses would run slower but they would run safer. Racing would still be an enjoyable sport, and the increased vigor from crossbreeding would make the horses much healthier and happier in body and mind. This is how race breeders can prove that they are in it for the love of their horses - not just the money and fame.
I hope that one day civilized societies will recognize how inhumane the intense inbreeding of domestic animals is and will abolish the practice. One day we will look back on the stud books and the kennel clubs with the abhorence we now feel for practices like dog fighting and bull-baiting.
May 4th, 2008at 11:20 pm(#)
As a fan of Barbaro, and sports in general, I have to say that I have watched my last Kentucky Derby. Until rules and regulations change I will spread the word about the way these horses are treated before a race and then after a race. I think it is outrageous and pure irony to send a horse off to slaughter when he is unable to be a winning horse no longer because of the hard training and pressures put on him. We are all God’s creatures, including horses, start treating them alike. RIP Barbaro, Eight Belle’s, too many to bear.
May 5th, 2008at 12:17 am(#)
Well I have set here since yesterday and have been so upset over Eight Belles. It has made me so upset and sick. I said after Barbaro passed I wasn’t going to set and watch another race.That alone about Killed my heart.I was brought up with Horses and Ponies. I love them like they are my family.I wanted to see if she was going to win this and she almost did. When I seen this happen to Eight Belles I was just so torn up. I hope they bury her where we can atleast visit her grave. I was praying that she was just worn out and they were keeping her down until she was able to get back up, but then came the word… Well Eight Belles you are running free now with Barbaro, Slew, and Ruffian and all of the others that had to be put down. My heart felt condoalnces goes out to Larry Jones and the owner of Eight Belles and anyone that worked with her. To all of her fans.To her the most, You will never be forgotten. I just hope that they can find a way to prevent this from happening again. We are losing to many of our heros here.And they should look into what happened to find out what happened to her. My thoughts and prayers goes out the Eight Belles and the crew, fans! I am really sorry…
May 5th, 2008at 1:26 am(#)
I don’t think anyone is to blame. The horse obviously loved to run, and that is exactly what she did and does not need people saying that it was wrong to make her do it. She did her best poor thing and i cannot believe that the reporters would be so insensitve to the trainer and owner. How could you ask someone how they feel after something very special to them had just died? She was beautiful and my sympathies go to all who worked with and cared for her.
May 5th, 2008at 1:33 am(#)
I too have watched my last horse race. This is too heartbreaking. Eight Belles was my pick, I kept a close watch on her during the race. When she passed the 4 then the 3 horse, her head went up and pulled to the right. The camera’s were aimed with a straight on shot. Did the jockey do this? Is this when her injury incurred? If so, that jockey, had he been “experieced”, should have felt it. I know of too many horse owners, trainers, jockey’s, etc. that don’t give a damn about the animal, period. These horses are being started way too young. This is too much stress and strain on a still growing body. This is a tragedy that should never have happened but will continue unless there are more people voicing their disgust over such a senseless loss. Thank you PETA for taking this “sport” to task.
May 5th, 2008at 2:47 am(#)
Wow!!! How misinformed so many of you are. It seems as though most of you watch one horse race a year - the Kentucky Derby.
I live in Kentucky (not originally), am involved in the horse business (not Thoroughbreds, but show horses), I’ve worked at the Kentucky Derby, have gone to race tracks (Keeneland, Churchill, and Arlington) for years, and I’ve visited numerous Thoroughbred farms as well as being at the track for their training.
First of all, I was in tears watching after the Derby as this tragic accident occurred and ultimately led to Eight Belles euthanazia. NO ONE wants this to happen. I SINCERELY send my sympathies to her owner, trainers, and jockey.
This was a first in the Kentucky Derby - in 134 years. In the past, horses have “broken down” and been pulled up, but not hurt to the point that they had to be put down. This was a rare and tragic ACCIDENT. The vet at the Derby (from the American Association of Equine Practitioners) even said how extremely rare this is - he’s not a young guy, and he’s never seen it before.
Due to the severity of her injuries, Eight Belles was euthanized immediately - her trainer couldn’t even get to her in time - and it was the most humane thing that could be done - she was in an enormous amount of pain from the injuries. I have no doubt that after running in the biggest race of her life, she’s galloping peacefully along in heaven.
A horse CANNOT live with two broken legs - it’s even difficult to save one with one broken leg (i.e. Barbaro and Alydar). A horse HAS to be able to stand on it’s legs to live - pressure on the “frogs” in their hooves is necessary for their blood to flow.
Laminitis (or founder) in horses happens all the time and it can strike at any time. Regardless of how well cared for a horse is, it happens. Sometimes they don’t survive it, or end up unusable because of it.
There are 40,000 + Thoroughbreds foaled every year - the highest number of any breed, yet only 20 make it to the Derby. All Thoroughbreds HAVE to be bred “naturally” - no AI, no fresh or frozen semen. A lot of consideration goes into their breeding - to create a great race horse. Yes, it’s a big business, but thousands of them never make it to the race track or they fail at the track. Thousands of them go on to other endeavors - especially to dressage, hunter and jumper competition. Do I think this business is “perfect” - no, but what business is?
There are several “retirement” farms for Thoroughbreds in Kentucky and other states, as well as those who “adopt” former race horses.
Race horses are very pampered and extremely well cared for -better than a lot of humans are. If you think that the owners, trainers, and jockeys “don’t care” you are sadly misinformed. As far as hitting a horse with a crop, it’s about as threatening to them as a fly - you’re talking about a 1000 to 1200 lb animal with a 110-120 lb person on top of them - look at a race horse after a race - it’s doubtful you’ll see any welts. The crop is, yes, used as incentive, or to help steer them in the right direction - it’s not abuse.
Is poly track the answer?? Not necessarily - it’s still being “tested”. Supposedly it causes fewer accidents, but it has been shown that a lot of horses don’t like running on it. Horses have been running on dirt tracks for hundreds of years and with today’s efforts (thanks to modern machinery) they are made as good as they can be for horses to run on.
Many Derby winners have lived to “old” ages - Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Genuine Risk, Winning Colors, etc., etc. The “impression” that ALL Thoroughbreds die at a young age is completely wrong. In fact, race horses are probably more valuable after they’re done racing - to be bred - and they live extremely good lives.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of culls that nothing can be done with - this happens in every breed.
For those of you who don’t know, there are no longer slaughter houses for horses in the United States. I have always opposed slaughtering horses, and I would never send a horse to slaughter. But then I’ve never had a horse that died while I owned it, or a horse that was “vicious” and/or uncontrollable (they do exist) or a horse that was not suitable for anything (they exist too).
While no one WANTS to sell a horse for slaughter, unfortunately sometimes there isn’t a choice. Slaughter houses were a necessary evil - what actually NEEDED to be done was to make them more humane - including their transportation methods - but instead our politicians - who have absolutely NO IDEA what’s involved - eliminated them. I’m not trying to be cruel, just being reasonable.
If a horse is euthanized by a vet, a rendering company can’t take it because of the drugs injected - so it can’t be made into dog food, etc. So, what do you do with it?? It used to be that if a horse died, you called the rendering company and they picked it up for free - now you have to pay to have it picked up (if it’s not euthanized by a vet). Not everyone has the land available or the machinery necessary to bury them. It’s about $1000 to have a horse cremated. Are you aware that Derby winner Lil E. Tee (1992) was sold to Japan and was ultimately slaughtered there???
Now PETA has gotten into the “act.” PETA is an extremist group and their accusations are predominantly unreasonable. If PETA had their way, all horses and dogs would be running loose. How many of them do you think would show up at the barn (horses)or at their owners’ door (dogs) for their dinner???? Most of them - especially the horses.
Right now, because of the hay shortage, there are horses starving to death because their owners can’t afford to feed them, or they’re being turned loose to fend for themselves. This is happening all over America - yes, it’s happening in Kentucky.
Eight Belles’ jockey knew shortly after she crossed the finish line (there was no indication of any problem before then) that something was wrong, and he tried to pull her up. There’s only so much you can do with a horse that is going at that speed. Up until that point, she was running comfortably and her ears were up (sign of a “happy” horse). This entire accident was extremely rare - for a horse to break two legs (leading to the collapse of her ankles). Whether or not xrays or an MRI would have picked it up beforehand is unlikely. Accidents happen.
While it is rare for a filly to run in the Derby, there are those that have won - Regret (yes, she came to an unfortunate, untimely end), Genuine Risk, and Winning Colors. Eight Belles was one of those rare fillies who COULD run in the Derby - she was big - bigger than most fillies. What ultimately happened to her was RARE.
How many of those making all of the comments about the racing industry are actually involved in horses - and especially Thoroughbreds?? Do you have ANY IDEA of what it’s like to work with them? It’s not like taking a dog out on a walk - they are very strong, powerful animals.
A comment was made about dogs. Did you know that there are 10,000 human babies born every day and 70,000 puppies and kittens. I own and show dogs as well, and I am a volunteer for the local humane society. RESPONSIBLE breeders do not breed dogs to create “inferior” dogs. RESPONSIBLE breeders are breeding for a better dog, and they do test for dysplasia and/or genetic problems specific to their breed, etc. BUT, in every litter there are “pet” quality as well as “show” quality puppies. The PROBLEM is all the PET owners who don’t spay or neuter their PETS but think that they can make money breeding their PET!!! That’s why we HAVE TO HAVE HUMANE SOCIETIES!!
Then we can get to the “greed” involved in Thoroughbreds. Yes, there is some greed out there, but it’s more in the breeding than in the raising and training of a Thoroughbred. The Thoroughbred business is a rich person’s game. People buy yearlings for thousands, hundreds of thousands, and/or millions of dollars based on pedigree alone.
When a Thoroughbred is in training to race, it costs thousands of dollars a month. Only one horse wins a race, and there are very few races that have the purse that the Derby does. Most Thoroughbreds don’t “earn” as much money as it originally cost to buy them. There were 17 horses that didn’t make a dime in the Derby - do you have any idea how much it cost for them to get there???
Should this accident be the end of horse racing and all horse competitions (two horses had to be euthanized at the Rolex Three Day Event last weekend - a first since it began in 1978)?? NO!! Accidents happen on occasion. While they’re not something anyone wants to see or experience - unfortunately they happen.
There are hundreds of people who die in car accidents every day. In fact, my Father was killed by a drunk driver. Does that keep you or me from driving a car?? Doubtful.
Before you get so upset and angry about one accident, think about the hundreds of races that go on each day without one, and realize what a rare occurrence this was. No doubt we all feel sorry about what happened - it happened in the biggest and most public race of the year. It was certainly tragic, and our sympathy should be going Eight Belles, her owner, trainer and jockey. It shouldn’t be a circumstance to crucify the racing industry as a whole.
May 5th, 2008at 7:47 am(#)
Ann,
Come on…”rare” and tragic accident and you claim to be in the know. Your lengthy repsonse is falling on deaf ears for the most part. Enough defending and covering up. “Showing” horses is not the same league as the racing world. This happens on the track QUITE often and yes Linda this goes for the DRC also. To (far too many of) the owners, this is only a business. No love for the animal is involved at all. There are some compationate trainers but I’ve been involved with too many of them, that its all about the MONEY. Linda you are correct…I would say of all that are involved with the race horses the groom will take it to heart. Most have taken on that job just to be close to this wonderful animal.
May 5th, 2008at 8:30 am(#)
She was beautiful. I thought she’d win race and then I saw her on the ground. She is in my thoughs.
May 5th, 2008at 8:44 am(#)
That beautiful creature ran the race of her life….I just know there is a special field in heaven for “pleasers” like her…May she RIP…..YOU will never be forgotten!!!
May 5th, 2008at 9:07 am(#)
I was so thrilled to see Eight Bells take second and so heartbroken to see the world lose her. Maybe if the age for racing these fine young horses was moved up to 3 or 4 years old, they wouldn’t be ridden so early and have their bones stressed before they’ve had the chance to grow all the way. The animals are more important than the winnings.
May 5th, 2008at 10:29 am(#)
Tim,
I think you’re on the wrong site! No one here, is putting more importance on a horse rather than our troops. How do you know that the people responding to THIS SUBJECT, haven’t entered another site and inputted their feelings and condolences to the families of our troops and their much deserved efforts. Good Grief!
May 5th, 2008at 10:56 am(#)
Shame, shame on you Tim W. If you aren’t interested in horses then go onto the Iraq war site. Put your efforts in something more constructive than aggrevating yourself over grieving animal lovers. You chimed in here just looking for a fight. Sorry that I took the bait.
May 5th, 2008at 11:46 am(#)
20 horses breaking out of the gate, everyone screaming out loud. The filly raced on and Big Brown on the outside keeping up with the others, stays cool and keeps his ground. the jockey says that he kept him cool through the last turn and surged him on to win the Kentucky Derby. But, a tragety happened thta day… The runner up, filly Eight Belles tried to keep up with the big horse and raced her heart out. She was behind him by 4 and 3/4 lenghts. She just couldn’t keep up, the owner said. All that I can say is that she wanted to win this so she could prove to others that fillies can be faster than colts. the owner of Eight Belles said. He says that there was nothing they could do to help his beloved friend.
May 5th, 2008at 12:55 pm(#)
Everything happens for a reason. As others have already mentioned, this loss was very tragic. She was a beautiful horse. May she be at peace.
May 5th, 2008at 1:25 pm(#)
This is such a terrible loss, how many more truly great horses have to die before they stop racing these beautiful animals on immature bones? LET THEM GROW UP!!!!
The fame, the glory, and all the bucks will still be theirs if we give them at least an extra year to grow stronger
The horse owners/breeders and trainers will say, “this colt/filly was really great and I feel really bad” but they will be back next year with yet another three year (3) old hoping this poor dumb animal can just hold up.
My heart and thoughts and prayers go out to the groom of EIGHT BELLES, that person spent a lot more time with her than any owners, trainer and jockey did, and only that person will feel the real void.
What is it going to take for someone to stop this from happening again? These horses are too young and their legs haven’t developed strong enough yet to run these races
I love horse racing and I to want them to run as fast and as hard as possible, that’s the name of the game, but let them do it as four (4) year olds.
May 5th, 2008at 1:43 pm(#)
Another point Mr Tim (Mr Ed?) What are you doing on this list…I am guessing you are a closet compassionate person who has trouble expressing your feelings…Maybe??? Anywhoo…I think you had a moment of sadness which brought you here to pay your respects to a beautiful filly, then your polarized mind decided to pick a needless fight that I felt a need to address…I am just sorry that the others on this list that wanted to do that had to read your less than compassionate rant…I appologize to the others on here, but sometimes ya just gotta say what you feel, unfortunately this isnt about Eight Belle, it became about a mad individual who wants to pick on a group of horse lovers…I have never met a horse, or any animal for fact, I didnt like…on the other hand….there are many HUMANS I cant stand….enuf said…
May 5th, 2008at 1:46 pm(#)
MY heart is broken for you 8 Belles you are a true champion. May your spirit rest in peace… You will be remembered always.
May 5th, 2008at 1:54 pm(#)
Tim, it’s over 4000.. we passed 2000 a long time ago. I think your anger is directed at the wrong audiance. I find it odd that you’re angry at liberals when a conservataive republican started this war. If you want to get angry with someone, get angry with the government that sent them there & the government that won’t take care of those who were lucky enough to return & the treatment for mental health… the suicide rates for returning soldiers is extreamly high. Maybe you should look into some anger management classes.
Eight Belles was a beautiful horse & she beat all the boys but one!
May 5th, 2008at 4:42 pm(#)
Eight Belles, Great Job…..you got them jsut like we know you would! Your owners and trainers should be proud! May you rest in peace!
May 5th, 2008at 5:25 pm(#)
I’m crying, too…I HATE it that the greedy owners race these “babies”…..even someone who knows NOTHING about horses should have enough common sense to see that that’s a VERY BIG BODY running on LITTLE THIN LEGS, and probably the older the horse, the stronger it’s legs will be.
And SHE was just gorgeous….so, so, beautiful!
May 5th, 2008at 5:32 pm(#)
Tim W, Please go elsewhere and vent your anger. In fact why dont you go to your local mental health, and please ask them for help…you sound too angry to be hanging around on a race horse comment list. It sounds like you are begging for help from a bunch of horse lovers…probably because we are so compassionate…I too have known personally 4 servicemen & one from my own family and have dealt with the reality of war, so I have a bit of experience there, life goes on and if you cannot deal with life, please ask for help and let us mourn for EB without the war protest. I and hope no one else on here will give you the satifaction of disrupting this anymore I promise not too. Please get help and leave…..Thank you…goodbye…and good luck…
May 5th, 2008at 6:31 pm(#)
Very sad! These animals, it’s not the first one, sacrifice their lives for our entertainment. Horseracing is fine, but let’s start by banning whips in the first place. A true winner runs it by itself and does not need to be whipped over the finishline. I have a Thoroughbred mare who lost her heart at the tracks because she was pushed too hard, I know first hand what it does to these animals and it’s all for our own greediness!
May 5th, 2008at 8:16 pm(#)
She was related to barberao and there grandfather had to be put down too… I think it is in her genes… But it really is to to to to bad. She could have won the thing to if her ankles werent giving out..
May 5th, 2008at 8:21 pm(#)
Pam,
Don’t let that nutcase goad you into a argument. He has a major problem and is getting his kicks off of stirring up this thread. Got caught up in it this morning and when I saw how much enjoyment he was getting from it, I backed off and he went after someone else. You’re right, what is he doing on this site if he wasn’t interested in the horse in the first place. Oh, now his interest is in saving third world children. If he wants to fight so bad I think there’s a recruiter at every mall that could help him out.
May 5th, 2008at 8:27 pm(#)
Tim w you probably dont know half the stuff I do about horses. i dont think it is right for you to talk about such an amazing filly like that. She gave her heart and soul into that race.. I will never forget her!!!! maybe you should forget horses if you dont treat them well!!!!!!!
May 5th, 2008at 9:13 pm(#)
Gabrielle…with all due respect…especially with all of the abuse Tim has been giving you ladies tonight….but their is no pedigree connection between Barbaro and Eight Belles until you go back to their Great Grandfather on their mothers side….this would be Mr. Prospector. And Mr. Prospector literally sired thousands of foals during his stud service “career”. Having two horses (at least that we know of) who had life ending injuries like this doesn’t prove that the bloodline is flawed. This is unfortunately just something that happens at times. And you know, I never thought I’d say this….but maybe three years old IS too young to put these horses into a major race such as the Derby. Perhaps they should look at changing it to four years?? I’m also one for breeding these horses to run on the turf as they do over in Europe as well as pushing to get tracks such as Churchill Downs to replace their surface with the polytrack like Keeneland has. I realize that the jury is still out on whether polytrack is safer, but it sure is looking promising at this point.
May 5th, 2008at 10:08 pm(#)
Mint juleps, wide brimmed hats and a network refusing to acknowledge the horrible incident with much greater dignity and respect for such a beautiful animal and her owners. Sunday’s race exemplified where many peoples’ priorities lie. I will never watch this or any other race exploiting these gorgeous animals out of self promotion and greed.
May 5th, 2008at 10:35 pm(#)
Eight Belles was an amazing filly that accomplished what many colts & fillies could not do. She had a lot of heart and no one could ever take that away from her!!! She will be sadly missed by her connections, but went out in a blaze of glory! She will always be a champion in the hearts of those who knew her.
BUT I find it funny that the 364 days a year when other racing goes on, no one pays attention. On Kentucky Derby day EVERYONE feels they have an opinion about horse racing and what went wrong. Eight Belles didn’t break down until AFTER the race. Its science people, things in motion tend to stay in motion. 1,000lbs trying to stop on three legs is very hard to do.
The industry is NOT perfect and there are changes that need to be made. Do know that Racing Authorities are reviewing Eight Belles Death as well as other saftey factors. For those of you that will never watch again, then so be it. This industry needs people that will stand up and support it when times are hard (I’m not talking the “greedy” people which there are, I am talking about the little -grooms, vet techs, and etc- people that do the best the can for the sake of the horse). We need people that are in it for the love, not ones who watch and turn away in disgust and say its all about the $$. ITS NOT!!! I gave up a lot to move to KY and be apart of this amazing industry! This idustry and the connections I’ve made have stepped up to save my horse when he was injured even though $$ was tight. Things I could not have done from home. I personally have handled Eight Belles when she was a yearling. It was little pay & long hours, but I got to be with her and know her and follow her career. She loved to run, she was all about the game! I also adopted an off the track thoroughbred who’s career ended because he also had a condyle fracture of the left front. BUT his owner cared for him enough to put him through rehab and realized that his career was over and gave him up for adoption. Today my OTTB is happily romping in the field with my other horse and his pasture buddies and can jump 3′ fences with ease. Most horses can find happy endings if more people make an effort to help them.
PLEASE PLEASE do NOT insult the Owner/trainer/jockey for this terrible tragedy. Larry Jones was in tears and I couldn’t even imagine his devestation when he didn’t reach Eight Belles in time before she was let go. These people DO care and I know first work in a job that allows me to see the horses often and meet the people first hand.
It makes me sad that PETA feels the need to protest. Now I’ve put them in the category of the people that protest Our beloved Solider’s death. Its not fair, but its the country we live in. Know the true facts before you judge.
May 5th, 2008at 11:09 pm(#)
Oh look Timmy speaks again (and again maybe)?????
May 6th, 2008at 1:34 am(#)
I heard on the network news that during the race season an average of 2 horses a day die as a result of their injuries. Do any of you who are close to the industry know if this is true?
May 6th, 2008at 2:04 am(#)
My condoalances to the family and trainer of eight belles.
Eight belles looked like a spirit dancer and she had a heart larger than her fragile young body.
She is a wonderful soul. That sweet side of her, the loyal and want to be loved soul must have gotten deep under your skin.
But not deep enough to want to be cautious with her and let her growth hormones give her bones more density. May be you thought more density would weigh her down and she could not fly like a weight less sprit that she did.
I am sorry that so many officials thought it was a great day. But maybe in our creators name G-D it will be and this filly will be the last to be raced at this age.
Maybe Eight Belles won for us all.
Her family
Future race horses.
Animal lovers.
and Horse racing fans.
To never see one so young
Ever Raced Again!
Eight Belles the young girl like two other in the know and countless more wasted with this push. It is a dangerous and exciting sport, we need to be human and give our fellow creatures every chance to live a beautiful life in return for all they do for us, besides it is our job GENESIS 26..
I did not bet on the race but I so enjoyed her sprit and the world is one less great living sprit and we need them more than ever.
Some have pointed out people die every day like those in the cyclone over one hundred and sixty, mothers, children, siblings, fathers, family and friends. I have been to busy
crying over Eight Belles who I watched and seen photos of
it’s eazy to love her. She gave all of her self. That is something we seldom see in man or women. She is also
an innocent animal, like innocent children dying of cancer
as I type this they are not responsable for global warming , and sickening toxic enviroments they are innocent and pure and suffer for our selfish ways that we bring them into. I
noticed there were 157,777 fans of eight belles and 7 minutes after she crossed the finish line she was euthanized
Seven is the Lords number and I believe animals have a place in G-ds home in heaven. It was the beast of burden who first lay eyes on our savior before any other man. Perhaps Eight Belles is in the loving hands of an Angel who will always lovingly care for her. The Good Lord always does work in mysterious ways. Have faith and if we have
an ounce of the spirt of Eight Belles; Laws will be made.
Her Body should NOT be cremated:
One we could learn from it.
Secondly it would be nice for her fans to visits this great little heroes resting sight.
Three any foul play could be ruled out.
May 6th, 2008at 2:07 am(#)
Thankfully there are people like Ann (comment #154) and GoneToRide - a little reason is refreshing amidst all of the rampant emotion among a group of people who I’d wager watch one to three races per year and then get on the soapbox and condemn a whole industry. If you think for one minute that the majority of people in this sport are in it for the money, you should talk to jockeys at some of the “lesser” tracks - Louisiana Downs, Turfway, Indiana Downs, etc. Ask them to show you their W-2s, then come back and post your drivel from an informed perspective. Better yet, talk to the grooms and the muckers - many of whom work some tracks just to get to spend time with these wonderful and majestic animals and perhaps get to ride a bit on the guide ponies. They love their animals, plain and simple. Horses and dogs have two things in common - heart and soul. Spend enough time with either and you will see layers deeper than you ever thought possible in a non-human.
I will grant you that the majority of the owners are wealthy, and a good portion of them don’t spend a lot of time with their horses - some of them own too many and race at a multitude of tracks to be able to. Regardless, that doesn’t make them cruel heartless people! They care about their animals and, more importantly, the people they employ to care for the animals truly love them - more than the majority of you who wax so sentimental about the one horse you watched tragically break down in the one race you watch each year.
To say that the jockey knew there was a problem and continued to “whip the horse mercilessly” (an absurd statement as anyone who has ever held a crop will tell you) to win a race is absolutely absurd. All financial incentive aside, it’s suicide! You’re in the final stretch of the Kentucky Derby - a field of 20 horses - and you’re comfortably going to place. Yes, there’s one horse ahead of you but - more important - there are 18 HORSES BEHIND YOU! If you think the horse has a leg problem you pull the horse up and get out of the way! Why? Simple - when 1000 pounds of horse goes down on the track you go down with it! In a field as large as this, if the place horse breaks down in the stretch, your odds of surviving the fall and the trampling that’s certain to come after it are - to put it mildly - not good.
For those out there that bemoan the fact that horses run on “skinny legs”, I hate to tell you that that’s the way God made them. Go to any jockey room or clubhouse at any track in America and look at the pictures of long-ago champions in long-forgotten races and you will see - SURPRISE - thick torsos on skinny legs. Obviously those champions of old aren’t around to measure, but I’d put money on the fact that the diameter of the average horse’s leg hasn’t changed appreciably in the last 134 years.
The bottom line is that this was an accident. Tragic? Certainly. Should we feel sad and mourn her loss? Naturally. However, we should be grateful that the track veterinary staff made the difficult decision to euthanize Eight Belles immediately - to do anything else would have been inhumane. When a horse breaks both legs, the outcome is a foregone conclusion - you cannot save them and any attempt to do so would only have prolonged her agony to make some people feel better about themselves.
Suspend the jockey? Ban the crop? Both absurd - why not just ban the reins too? After all, crop, reins and jockey each exist to control the horse! PETA needs to find another torch to carry, we need to mourn the loss of a great horse with a great heart and people need to come to terms with the fact that accidents happen and sometimes the outcomes are tragic.
May 6th, 2008at 7:20 am(#)
I think this should fall under “Romeo’s Law” These people should be put in jail just like the man who tortured that dog! It is so awful to push and push and push these horses to the point of killing them. He should have just taken a gun BEFORE the race and killed her as it would have been more humane than what they did to her. Also the horses at the 3-Day Event at the Horse Park should fall under this ‘law’ also. Something needs to be done to stop the in-humane way these beautiful animals are treated. Such a sad situation that could have been prevented. It just kills me to see these horses trying to run when they have broken legs - - like Barbaro did. So inhumane treatment!
May 6th, 2008at 10:27 am(#)
Tim W.
There is a time set aside to honor our veterans and that is Memorial Day. I do that every year, I spent 20 years in the Marine Corps and I am a Vietnam Vet. I understand your anger and had many friends that did not return and I honor them.
I’m also a thoroughbred horse own and race my horse she is a beautiful horse and I would not be ashamed to shed a tear if she was to lose her life in the same way Eight Bells died.
Unless you have owned one of these beautiful animals one of God’s creatures you have no idea the grief and heartbreak that comes with losing a horse. My condolences to the group of dedicated individuals who loved and cared for her until she was called home. I will honor her knowing she died doing what God created her to do “Run like the Wind”. Rest in Peace Girl you done good.
May 6th, 2008at 10:48 am(#)
If you animal activist want to blame anybody then blame God.He wanted her to come to heaven and he took her away from us.So stop blaming the racing industry,the owner, the trainer, the jockey,and the race track.
May 6th, 2008at 10:55 am(#)
This stuff happens the jockey was not whipping the horse to much, they did nothing wrong strange things happen like this all the time and there is nothing you can do to fix it!! Apparently you all do not know what you are talking about the horse would be in to much pain even if her legs where to be fixed, she wouldnt be able to walk for a good year. Thats horrible that people would want the horse to be miserable and lay in a staul all say instead of running in the beautiful bluegrass like all the others!!
May 6th, 2008at 10:56 am(#)
all day…. sorry
May 6th, 2008at 11:13 am(#)
Everyone is devistated with the horrible loss of a great Athlete. By no means was this anyones “fault”.
These race horses are treated and cared for better than any of you could EVER know. There is no harm done to them in their training process, and there is no harm done to them during their race. They are born to race. Racing is what they live for. Their HEARTS are in the race.
Funny how everyone is criticizing the Jockey of Eight Belles for using his whip. Replay the race, can you see the jockeys in the back? Why not pound on them for whipping their mounts? I don’t agree with using them to speed up, as they are already giving their all. But if you have ever ridden an ex-racehorse, you would notice that it’s impossible to even steer them. They HAVE to use the whip as a “wall” or “barrier”, there’s no getting around that.
Everyone seems to have to put the blame on SOMEONE so you jsut throw immature notions out there in the open. Yes, it is a HUGE tragedy that horses have been lost in the act of racing. But horses have also been lost in every other discipline too.
This is no “MURDER” that has come about us. If you know the first thing about horses, you would know that they stand more than 90% of their lives. they even stand while sleeping. It would have been physically impossible to get this filly to heal without having to suffer a great deal of pain. That, my friends, would have been cruelty. Nothing could have been done. Everyone had to think fast, and their decision was the best. You cannot tell me that an owner of a horse that’s just in it for the money would have tears running from his eyes as he loses a big part of his FAMILY. You grow to love these animals, us horse people don’t see them as machines.
For you that think the trainers and owners should go to JAIL for all of this, you are crazy. They know what they are doing and they are ALL trained professionals with the racing world. There is so much more involved in this world than just puting a small guy on the back of a horse, putting them in a gate, and hauling ass around a track. There is so much money put into these athletes to get them ready for their big day. They are not overpushed. Everyone has their own opinions, but for God’s sake, and Eight Belle’s sake, have some common sence.
Belle is in a better place, with no pain. She WILL be missed by thousands of people, and most dearly from her family. She was a part of them, as they were also a part of her.
Rest in Peace Eight Belles.
You will be dearly missed by everyone.
As the wonderful PETER C. above said…
Mourn the loss of a great horse with a big heart, then get on your banwaggon of thinking you know everything about a business that these people have grown up around, expressing yourselves in the manner you have done so above.
May 6th, 2008at 11:30 am(#)
I am so said about the loss of Eight Belles. She was such a beautiful horse and so stoic. My condolences to the owners, trainers, and jockeys. I am sure you loved her. Thank you for sharing her with us for such a brief time.
May 6th, 2008at 11:30 am(#)
Gone2Ride and PeterC….at last…..two rational people respond who obviously know what they are talking about. The rest of you who feel that these horses are being mistreated and abused need to go to visit a horse park or an owner’s property such as Three Chimneys and you will learn that your information is false. If you are ever in the Lexington, KY area there are literally hundreds of farms you can go to and visit and learn about the industry. You need to make reservations for a tour but the owners love to have people visit and learn. The Kentucky Horse Park is one of the best places to learn. So please folks, before you open your mouth and put your hoof in it, please know what you are talking about first. To those of us who do know something of the sport and the industry, you just sound plain silly!!
May 6th, 2008at 12:24 pm(#)
so sad…so sad
she was so young and wild and free
i hope that you enjoyed this rhyme that was written by me
(its about eight belles)
May 6th, 2008at 5:30 pm(#)
People that are not in the horse world have no idea what goes on there. These horses are treated better than most people are ever treated. The get the best of care from the time that they are even bred for.
As far as the dirt tracks. They are trained on these and if you have not run on a track maybe you need to hold back your comments.
Whips–well they are part of that training. It is like part of the equipment a football player would use. The whip does not hurt them. It helps keep them focused on what they are doing and who to lisen too.
They jockey did everything right. It was God’s will for her to go down and the is how it needs to be looked at. She was a great filly. She proved that fillies do have their place in the race world. We should all think of her as a beautiful horse and remember that she showed the world what she was made of.
My thoughts and prayers are with her owners, trainers, jockey and caregivers. She will be missed!
May 6th, 2008at 8:04 pm(#)
I am deeply sadden by the loss of such a beautiful animal.
This has been hard for me to deal with over the past few days. may you rest in peace
May 6th, 2008at 8:33 pm(#)
It breaks my heart to hear of tragic stories of animals such as Eight Belles. A short lived life, to whom impacted many lives. Is there a lession to be learned or taught, one might ask. May God bless Eight Belles in heaven. I have cried many tears for a horse that I never knew until now.
Hopefully we will not forget about Eight Belles, a young filly, who gave all she had to give. Maybe we can all give something back to her. Rest in peace.
May 6th, 2008at 9:56 pm(#)
I am a horse owner. I love horses. I am embarrassed to say that I won money having my husband place a bet on the exacta on the race that took Eight Belles’ life. I am confident it will be the last race upon which I will ever place money. Frankly, as beautiful as Keeneland is, I can’t imagine enjoying a thoroughbred horse race again. Thoroughbred yearlings and race horses may be pampered; however, this pampering should not be mistaken as an act of love. The industry overbreeds these animals and then treats them as fungible goods if they do not win on the race track. Then we get to see someone like Bo Derek exclaiming how the industry decries horse slaughter. The hypocrisy has to stop.
May 7th, 2008at 11:40 am(#)
Many people on here dont know anything about horse racing
May 7th, 2008at 10:45 pm(#)
Eight Belles died because of the decisions made by her owner and trainer. Unfortunately, those decisions were not based on the welfare of Eight Belles but, instead, greed.
May 8th, 2008at 6:44 pm(#)
Eight Belles was destined for glory, otherwise she would have finished in 1st place. It’s too plain to see. Eight Belles put forth the strongest effort all the way to the finish line, fighting every step of the way. I stand proud today to have been in that number who picked
Eight Belles to win. Eight Belles is my winner and I will uphold her name in the highest respect for what she did that day. My utmost condolence goes out to Richard Porter; Fox Hill Farms, Robert N. Clay; Three Chimneys Farm, Larry Jones and Gabriel Saez. Hats off to each and every one of you.
May 9th, 2008at 1:01 pm(#)
The loss of Eight Belles should indicate to everyone that something is really really wrong. I place the blame on the Owner and the Trainer. Come on everyone this is all about the big buck. We as the general public have no idea how hard this horse had been run prior to the Derby, any medical problems it had or any vulnerabilities she might of had. Personal sources tell me that this horse was run very hard prior to the Derby. Where are the regulations to protect these animals from being run to death because a greedy owner. When they show up at the starting gate, we have no idea what so ever what has been done prior to that race. I do not blame the jockey, his life is on the line and he is hired to do his job, race that horse. I support PETA’s efforts but I think they are getting a bit carried away with this one. Stop attacking the jockey. Take a look at the TRAINER and the OWNER. This filly was a “baby”..why do we run babies for our entertainment. I hope this causes horseracing to take a hard look at what is potentially going on with these young horses. I would be glad to see horse racing, rodeos and such just disappear. I think Eight Belles did not drop out of some freak accident, I think she was worked to death prior to the Derby and her owner and Trainer should be investigated. PETA - you are going after the wrong person, you need to push for regulations regarding complete histories of all horses and the treatment of animals that are bread to race. These farms turn out horse after horse looking for that perfect runner. It’s no better than a puppy mill if you ask me. A once beautiful sport for me now takes on a very fowl taste in my mouth. It’s a barbaric sport and one I will never watch or participate in again. Where do were draw the line between “training” and abusing?
May 9th, 2008at 9:56 pm(#)
My Mother and I are saddened by about Eight Belles. It made me wish I had never watched the Derby. I am still sad. I dont know how bad her injuries was. Yet, I always think the owners make a decision to fast and not give the horse a chance to maybe recover. Horse give back so much to us. I dont think we give them enough credit and love.
One of you wondered if grass would be better. I dont know, but the US may should chance their tracks. We do not need to lose any more horses this way. We are being cruel to them. Also someone said maybe race them when they are older, so they’ll be stronger. That sounds like a great idea. An maybe have a smaller limit of horses for races. Though Eight Belles dont get bump, others did. I am glad that there was not another horse injury that day. (That we know of.)
I only knew Eight Belles for about 2 minutes and I grew to love her. I pray she will be running pride and strong in heaven. Where no bones will ever break again.
May 13th, 2008at 8:17 pm(#)
“Vivian” and every other person on here who knows nothing about horses. THINK before you post things like that. The freak accident of this filly had nothing do do with ANYONE. There is no one to blame for this tragedy. You people make it sound like the owner, trainer, and jocky pressed a button to force Eight Belles’ ankles to break. It was as big of a tragedy to THEM as it is to us. So give everyone a break and THINK before you SPEAK/TYPE!
Also, If you have ever known or been in a situation where a horse in injured, you would clearly KNOW that it is close to impossible to cure a broken leg of a 1200lb animal that stands for over 70% of its lifetime. It would have been torture for them to have tried to save this filly. So before you get all huffy puffy about the decision making and loss of the owner and trainer, do a little research.
It is nothing but frustrating to see people blurt out their opinions when they have no idea.
Everyone is devistated about the horrible loss of Eight Belles, but she raced with her heart. She raced with her life. It what she was raised to do, it’s what her heart wanted to do. She knew of nothing else. She did not suffer for long, and she is in a better place. Her owner, trainer, and jockey are all in the same amount of devistation (if not more) about this as all of us are. You have got to put yourself in their shoes; or else you just wouldnt understand.
May 21st, 2008at 12:05 am(#)
First i agree with the most part of what everyone is saying, and we are all upset in one way or another. I belong to the jockey club, my grandparents raced for over 50 years. Do I agree with racing NO!! I wrote an article after eight belles was injured, and any idiot could figure out what happened and why. Pulling back on her face, she is on the shoulder of the track in the deeper dirt. she is changing into her right lead, both feet come up, your pulling on her face and she can either go over backwards or come down in the deep dirt without 2 feet to stand on and that is why her ankles were broke. I have 3 Thoroughbreds at home with me, 2 have raced 1 is a 2 yr old and if you could see how wide open their knees and 1/2 ton animal with sticks for bones in their legs, their would never be a 2 yr old in training. Between the jockey club and the american racing association their are going to be huge changes, and for me I am glad. I would like 3 year old in training, derby at 4years, NO WHIPS ever, if your horse cant run from the 1/4 poll without a whip don’t race him/ her. All tracks need to conform to the same as everyone else, no confentional dirt. Xrays to be taken before races and in there 3 year old year no more than 7 races per year. There is a group of 7 people at the jockey club, 7 at the racing ass. and 7 within vets that have all gotten together to see what is best. I asked the vets once why do you race horses with bowed tendons? Their answer is, if we did’nt we could not fill the races. Makes ya feel warm and cozy all over huh. Big Brown has 550.00 in shoes why? because he has Quarter cracks and they get very painful, and after the belmont you will not see this horse run 1st because they can make more money breeding and 2nd his feet wont hold up.
Horses have a heart a mind, 4 limbs everything we have. If there were as many jockeys dying as horse their would not be any racing, so flip the coin until all horses that are being killed at all these tracks not just the derby, preakness or belmont, And for all that dont know there are alot more being killed after they are taken away, that they never tell you about. I am hoping for big changes and pissed off trainers and better care for the horses. I never read back to see if there is sombody who wants to argue the point so dont waste your time. to all who want change Just pray that peta and animal rights dont get in the way of change.
Liz
June 7th, 2008at 11:46 pm(#)
Who cries for Eight Belles? The beautiful grey great-granddaughter of the great Northern Dancer, winner of the Derby and sire of Derby winner Dancer’s Image and granddaughter of the 1990 Derby winner Unbridled, Granddaughter of Caro who sired Winning Colors (the last filly to win the Derby) and niece of the 1996 Derby winner Grindstone had the pedigree to win the Run for the Roses. She also had the heart of a lion and delicate crystal ankles, as all thoroughbreds do. The filly showed the world that she was the second-best 3 year old in the world on the first Saturday in May and certainly the best filly. Her nose was in Big Brown’s tail the entire way and she was running away from the field as he ran away from her. She was the best 3 year old filly in racing and if Big Brown had not been in the race, she would have joined Regret, Genuine Risk and her cousin Winning Colors as only the fourth filly to win the Run for the Roses. She ran her heart out to win because she was born and bred to run with the wind–it’s what Thoroughbreds do–what they’ve always done. I cried for Eight Belles when I saw her poor broken body on laying on the track. She ran the race of her life and in a freak accident she broke her ankles after she ran her heart out. She belonged with the big boys and showed she could run with the big dogs and she beat 18 of them but the biggest one–the best 3 year old in the world beat her fair and square. In the old days they would bring a gun out and shoot them right on the track and haul them away. They do it differently now, but Eight Belles is still gone–but the memory of how she gave it her all will remain in Derby legend and lore forever. I cried for her because I know what it’s like to lose a great horse to an injury. I know what it’s like to lose a dog you loved or a Siamese that slept under my chin every night for 19 years. I cried for Eight Belles but I know I wasn’t the only one–the people who loved her and cared for her cried with me–and longer and harder than I. PETA has no clue about most things–they are a publicity hungry terrorist organization and for them to use the death of the beautiful filly who had more heart than she had legs is reprehensible. Their crass attempt to beat the beautiful dead filly shows that they don’t have the class she showed in running for the roses and giving her life for them.
July 1st, 2008at 5:11 pm(#)
mothers who kill their babies…
How do you come up with so much material to blog with?…