Kentucky Derby Runner-Up Is Euthanized After Race (Update1)

By Carol Wolf

May 3 (Bloomberg) -- Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles, the first filly to run the race in nine years, was euthanized on the track after breaking both front ankles shortly after crossing the wire.

It was the first injury associated with the Triple Crown race in more than 30 years. The death was the first since the Derby began keeping records.

Eight Belles broke down in front of a Churchill Downs crowd of more than 150,000 as she was being slowed by jockey Gabriel Saez after finishing 4 3/4 lengths behind winner Big Brown. She was the first filly since 1999 to run the 1 1/4-mile Triple Crown race in Louisville, Kentucky.

The three-year old filly, who had won her last four races, was immediately euthanized because of the extent of her injuries, veterinarian Larry Bramlage of the American Association of Equine Practitioners said at a news conference at the track. He had no explanation for how the injury occurred.

``I don't have an explanation for it because I have no background to draw on, because I haven't seen anything like this before,'' Bramlage said.

Eight Belles had been pulled earlier in the week from the Kentucky Oaks, the race for fillies held the day before the Derby, so that she could compete in the first event of horse racing's Triple Crown.

``It had to be done,'' said Eight Belles trainer Larry Jones at a news conference. ``She had no way of being saved.''

The last horse to be injured during the Derby was in 1974 when Flip Sal went lame and was pulled up. In 1970, Holy Land clipped the heel of another horse midway through the second turn and fell, said John Asher, a spokesman for Churchill Downs. He was unaware of any previous deaths associated with the race.

``She went out in glory,'' Jones said, choking up with tears. ``She went out like a champion.''

To contact the reporter on this story: Carol Wolf in Cleveland at cwolf@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: May 3, 2008 21:47 EDT

It is always terrible to see and hear about these kinds of tragic things. I think more tragic are the ones we don’t hear about. We think we have to push these young horses. How much is too much. Especially with a tall filly as this one that has grown so fast. Unfortunately it is seen all too often with two-year-old reining and snaffle bit futurity horses as well. Not only do their bodies get used hard but sometimes their minds as well.
My two cent’s worth.

I agree totally.  Some of the articles I read mentioned Barbaro and said Eight Belles injury was similar to his.  I was also told a couple of years ago that horses shouldn't even be ridden until they are over 2 because their bones haven't fully gained all their strength yet, let alone raced.  I don't know for sure.  That was just from someone who had a colt.  Either way......still sad....

Sad day for horses.  I cried when I read the paper.  It seems like this is happening more and more.  It would be nice if they let these young horses fully develop before they run them like that.

pod, not in their bone and body development, it isnt.  Their joints are still not fully closed by 3 yrs of age.  A 16 yr old human has their joints fully closed