For those of us standing trackside, near the entrance to the paddock, there was no way to see what happened near the backstrech. The fabulous filly, Eight Belles down on the ground with two broken ankles. Word quickly spread, and we abandoned our mission of talking with some of the Derby jockeys and trainers, and headed for the backside.

When I got to barn #37, you could feel the somber mood in the air. Those involved with Eight Belles looked stunned. Trainer Larry Jones is normally one of the most jovial characters at the track. But his grief was evident. There were some contentious moments, as some involved with the horse wanted the media and the cameras to go away. But this was a major news story, in the biggest horse race there is. Eventually, Jones did speak with us. He said these horses are like family. It was difficult for him to contain his grief.

Now come the questions. Did Eight Belles, racing against the boys, push herself too hard? Does Churchill Downs need to go to a synthetic racing surface? Would that have made a difference?

It's the second time in three years a horse breaks down in Triple Crown race. Does the average fan really want to watch horse racing, when these kinds of things happen?

I also wonder how many people cashed tickets on Eight Belles? Perhaps, anyone who won money on the horse, should make a donation to benefit retired horses.

Feel free to leave your comments.

1 Comments

Patricia said:

I was at the Derby in the stands near the 8 pole. You could almost hear the collective wave of relief as the horses passed the finish line one by one safe and sound. It was seconds before the horse ambulance was on its way to the other side of the track which fortunately, I could not see. Still no one can explain how/why Eight Belles died. If you listen to the trainer and the owner and the jockey, it wasn't the fact she went against the boys, the conditions of the track, or the way she was ridden....so in the absence of responsibility, they must be saying she was a defective filly, an inferior horse? Clearly, we all know that is just not possible. There is an explaination, and it lies with the owner, the trainer, the jockey and the lack of "rules" needed to protect the horses. Jones doesn't want to accept the explaination or any resposibility, but when he tries to sleep at night, he is surely haunted by the truth. It is up to the owners and trainers to change this sport to honor the horses instead of sacraficing them. Limit the distance, restrict the whipping, and improve the surface of the track. There are owners that know they need some redemtion and leading such change might let you once again live with yourself. If you don't change you will loose the fans. Remember, we only come for the Love of the horses!

May 4, 2008 11:55 PM

Leave a comment

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.