Kentucky Derby Tragedy
By Sparks
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
Regina, Saskatchewan
May 3, 2008 6:11pm CST
For those of you who live and love the sports of America, today a terrible tragedy occured at the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Now the Derby thoroughbred horse race is the first race of the Triple Crown. Every year the Derby - or the Run for the Roses, starts the formal thoroughbred horse racing season in Kentucky, U.S.A. at the Churchill Downs Racetrack. It is run on dirt and this year the field included 20 horses. A very large field indeed.
The favorite was Big Brown - a lovely big brown horse in the 20th pole position which meant that he had to cover more ground to get to the inside finish than any other horse in the race. Kent Desormeaux was his seasoned jockey and ran a great race.
Most of the horses in the Derby are males.
For the first time in 20 years a filly (female) was entered in the field in the 5th pole position. A good placement for a filly in such a large field of boys!
Well they all broke the gate and the race was on. The centre of the field bunched up quite fast and a few horses got jostled and squeezed to the back. Big Brown stayed to the outside and just galloped along like he was on a Sunday stroll.
EightBelles - the filly, broke for the lead quite quickly and worked her way to the inside rail only one out and four behind the pace setter at the lead of the field.
After coming around the final turn and along the stretch for home - or the finish line, Big Brown went into high gear and rapidly made his way to the front of the field, sweeping by everyone, including EightBelles who had also kicked into high gear and pulled away from the field.
For 6 heartstopping seconds I cheered EightBelles forward, forward, forward until she was almost abreast of Big Brown. Jumping up and down and yelling at the top of my voice I watched my horse - my Belle, that I had bet on because of our own Bella here on the lot, race her huge heart out, but alas, Big Brown had lots of energy and determination and pulled five lengths ahead to cross the line in front of EightBelles and more than a furlong ahead of the rest of the field. EightBelles didn't give up though and crossed that finish line within seconds of Big Brown.
The camera closed focus tight onto Big Ben who slowly geared down, turned and began the canter back around to the press circle to receive his blanket of Roses. Just beyond the turn he suddenly began to buck and unseated his jockey right into the dirt. What had spooked him? The camera panned out for a long shot and there in the center of the track lay EightBelles!
She was down on her side and not moving and speculation was that she had run herself into a heart attack
.
The ambulances and vets rushed in and surrounded her. Big Ben settled once he was passed Belle and Kent was able to get back in the saddle.
Belle was not so lucky. It seems that somewhere in her last sprint to the finish and beyond she had broken BOTH front ankles - snapped them just above the hoof, and she had to be put down right there on the track.
I'm gobsmacked! I'm in tears, I'm devastated. The first filly in the Derby in 20 years and she ran such a heartbreaking race that she literally killed herself doing it.
What heart! What courage! What determination to finish in spite of....
So to all you racing fans, a moment please for EightBelles, for her heart, for her courage, and to show our appreciation for the determination this LADY showed in finishing a winner.
Would that PEOPLE could have the character of a horse like this.
9 people like this
18 responses
@rev1wendy (611)
• United States
4 May 08
That is devastating. I cried when I read your post. I am not much into racing (unless it has 2 wheels!), but I am into animals especially horses and dogs. They have heart and personality that most people don't realize or have themselves. Have you read my Horse story yet?
www.helium.com/items/917255-horse-kindred-spiritspicture-eight
I would like your opinion when you get the chance.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
Wendy I have just come from your story and I do wish you would post a shortened version of it here if only to show some of us, just how intelligent horses are, how connected they are to us and how they WANT to please us and don't need to be forced to do anything, but can force us with their own little ways of communicating.
It was a lovely story and I laughed and cried and loved every word. It said exactly what I've tried to explain to some people here, and what I know to be true of horses. Thank you so much for the link. I will be going back for sure.
Is there any way I can comment on your stories there?
@rev1wendy (611)
• United States
4 May 08
Thank you. It is a true story, in case you couldn't tell. I cried writing it and I cry everytime I read it. I don't know if there is any way to comment on the stories there. Just share the link with everyone you can and get it lots of hits. Feel free to share any of my helium links with anyone at anytime. Thank you again for your kind words. If you ever know of someonr who would want to put it in print, if not I will incorporate it into my book. I have been checking into some magazines, but it is a story that I feel merits special attention.
Hugs,
The Rev
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
It never entered my mind it wasn't true Rev. I guess because it sounded so familiar, in that it resonated with my own experiences. Thanks for giving me the go ahead to share the link. I will. Have you checked out lulu.com for publishing your book?
@wrld_n_harmony (695)
• United States
4 May 08
Thank you so much for writing this. Your account really moved me. I was at a Kentucky Derby party, so of course we were watching. It's just so sad to me that she had to be put down. It's reasons like this that I wonder if animal racing should continue. It's just so incredibly sad.
@icyorchid (2564)
• United States
4 May 08
This was so sad. I didn't get to watch the race.
I was so sadden that they had to put the horse down. 
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
Hi icy - yes it was sad, and such a shock after such an exciting race. She will be missed.
@desertdarlene (8910)
• United States
4 May 08
Oh, I forgot this was on today! I work on Saturdays and I meant to come home and watch the race, but I forgot. I hate it when I see horses break down while running their hearts out. They seem to want to do more than their best for us. That is so sad for this promising filly.
2 people like this
@desertdarlene (8910)
• United States
4 May 08
Yeah, I've seen some terrible accidents over the year for both horses and riders. It's awful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I used to know someone who used to race horses.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
I was a dressage rider and the beauty and power, intelligence and athletic ability of horses is a constant source of wonder and joy to me. They are one of nature's most beautiful gifts to the world I think. But like all athlets, they have their weaknesses and tragedies too.
1 person likes this
@jennifer611 (2514)
• United States
4 May 08
I just heard about this early this morning and it is just so sad.
they say the owner or whoever was just heartbroken over this, and I just feel for him so bad.
I was just watching a show the other day on how these horses are treated so well, the man was showing how well they are groomed and pretty much they are spoiled horses, lol.
I'm sure this horse got as much love as the ones I seen on the news story then, and it's just horrible that this happened. she made it all the way to the finish, and in second place, she was definitely a winner and I know she will be very missed by her fans and everyone.
I know this story even touches those who aren't such big horse fans or horse racing fans.
poor girl.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
Thank you jennifer for giving a response that doesn't make me have to defend this sport!
1 person likes this
@dandj929 (423)
• United States
4 May 08
This is so sad. I was just on yahoo and the story was featured. I just read through it and then saw your post.
So sad, I forgot the Derby was on today. I normally watch it but didn't today. And I'm glad I didn't. That would have been too heart-wrenching to watch.
Belle is a winner. God bless her.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
Yes Belle is a winner. Thanks dandj.
1 person likes this
@sweetdesign (5142)
• United States
4 May 08
How horrible. I had not kept up with the derby this year as a lot of other stuff going on. This is indeed a sad tragic story.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
Yes sweet it was. A lot of the competition has now gone out of the season for this year. Very sad indeed.
@rosettaresearch (1285)
• United States
4 May 08
What a beautiful description of the race. It was so heartbreaking how the it ended. Poor, poor thing. The pain she must have been in.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
That's why they euthanized her. Horses don't come back well from these kind of injuries and it's better to put them out of their misery than to consign them to a life of pain from arthritis and other things.
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
17 May 08
I don't know of many people who would have the character of those horsee, who give everything to win the race. I don't follow those races, because I don' believe in exploiting animals the way they do.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
17 May 08
I think whether it's exploitation or not, is a matter of understanding the sport. Just because there's big money involved, doesn't always make it a situation of exploitation. But be that as it may, you are very right that there are probably few people with the character of these amazing animals.
@inked4life (4224)
• United States
4 May 08
Thanks for the info. I can't believe I missed that. I am a huge horse racing fan and the Derby is one of my fave days of the year. I watched the build up, the the race and then I switched channel...never saw the after race coverage. That really is sad. i hate to see any animal in pain like that
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
It was a tremendous loss to the filly class for the season.
I need to find a new favorite now.*sigh*
1 person likes this
@CinderInMySoul (4717)
• United States
5 May 08
oh this was a sad day. i burst out bawling when they announced they had put her down! i was hoping hoping hoping that it was just a strain or something and they were keeping her down to make sure she didnt panic and hurt herself more. as soon as they said BOTH ankles i just burst out.
what i dont understand is how a healthy young filly, who had such a great race, can suddenly fracture BOTH ankles AFTER the race was over?? they are allowed to gradually slow before they are pulled up and turned around..its not like they are stopped like a quarterhorse where they practically sit on their haunches and the front legs skid to a stop. if thats how they ended a race i could understand how she could fracture both ankles, but to be slowly pulled back? it just doesnt seem to make sense..course i dont know a whole lot about the general strength or weakness of a horses ankles either.
i also read today that PETA is calling to have the jockey put on probation (i think thats what they called it) until an investigation can be completed..they seem to think that he ignored signs of pain while pushing for the finish line.
which really isnt possible i dont think..you fracture an ANKLE and you go DOWN the next time you put weight on it...a horse at gallop goes down and over a few times from the pain and just loss of support. so she couldnt have done the damage BEFORE the finish line right?
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
5 May 08
PETA like most bleeding heart liberls with no real knowledge of what they are talking about is just making headlines for their cause.
The jockey on EightBelles rides for her trainer often, so Belle's trainer knew what he was doing when he put that jockey on her. Anyone who knows horses, knows how fragile the ankles are and that's why horses are TRAINED to run. Belle was fine up to and past the wire. Her ears were up and she was having a good ride. If she had been in pain she would have conveyed it to the jockey - you can be sure of that. And he would have known, because her ears would have been down and her head lowered. She was running like a champion and there were no signs. The track was new to her and had been rain soaked the day before. It's possible that after the wire in the 'slow down' to a canter she just brought her front legs down wrong into the chopped up dirt at the same time and her ankles snapped. We won't ever be really sure unless it was caught on tape. Belle was an athlete and to put all the blame on the jockey and suspend him and take his winnings is just all kinds of wrong. Throughbred racing is a sport the horses themselves love and to claim (like Pete has) that the horses should all be euthanized and the sport disbanded is a joke. I can tell you that the horses sure wouldn't thank you. The love and need to run and to do it, be trained for it, is as important to them as it is to us.
Thanks for your post Cinder - finally a voice of reason here.
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
4 May 08
OMG 
I was on the edge of my seat while reading your discussion you are a great writer.
I am so sorry for the horse. It is so hard to lose a horse espically one that is worth so much money and ran her heart out like that. I am so saddened for her and the owners, jockey and all who took care and loved her.
1 person likes this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
4 May 08
When we where in high school my sister lost her horse from a fall. The horse was grazing on a hillside in the hills around Yosemite National Park. A mountain lion came along and scared her. The horse spooked and fell and hung herself form her roap. It was terrible we found her she was still warm. We saw the mountail lion tracks. At least the mountain lion did not eat her yet.
To dispose of the body was the woste thing to go through. I am not sure if I am even over it yet and that was almost 35 years ago.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
5 May 08
Oh tea what a terrible story! I can well imagine it would be hard to forget. I have my share of those kinds of memories too. My thoughts are with you.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
Thank you for the compliment tea.
It was a great race, so easy to write about - I'm just sorry it ended as it did.
She was my choice for the season and it won't be the same without her.
1 person likes this
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
5 May 08
Did you hear that PETA wants to sue the jockey? It's sad what happened and anyone involved with horse racing knows the dangers involved. BTW, PETA stands for People Eat Tasty Animals.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
5 May 08
It is sad what happend. And what PETA is doing is so wrong on so many levels. See the response right above yours.
I like the way you think dude! LOL
@Marg12 (329)
• United States
4 May 08
Hi Spark, Well you wrote as usual, a wonderful write up about the Derby. I watched and was also very sad about how poor Belle ended up. And she did run her big heart out and probably was just fine until she pulled up after the finish line and who knows what happened. Thoroughbreds are born to run and all horses love to run. That is their way of escaping danger. Believe me I have been around horses all my life, and rode racehorses when I was younger and believe me, they want to run. There is no making them do it by the humans. All the humans do is try to condition them and feed them to get them ready for the races. I agree that they should wait one more year before they start running them. but money prevents that I guess. Everyone is money hungry and so some of these wonderful horses are going to get hurt. But on the whole, a race horse has a much better life than most of us. Thanks Sparky for the great write up. 8 Belles should have won the race.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
Thanks Margie for an informed response! And yes, she almost looked there for a moment as if she would overtake Big Brown - so exciting, but such a tragic end.
My heart bleeds for her owners and trainer and all those that loved her.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 May 08
Oh, I am glad I didn't watch today. I surely would have been in tears. I don't even like horses that much..or any animal for that matter. I don't want to see them hurt either though.
I know that I don't want the resposibility of taking care of one (a pet) so I choose not to have any.
That being said, this probably comes from living on a small farm for 10 years growing up. We had a pig, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, cows, horses, a sheep, ducks, geese, snakes, a baby raccoon for a minute (I admit SHE was cool!), birds...
I think watching my parents and later having to help with all of these animals soured me on wanting to ever have one of my own.
I am afraid of horses. The funny thing is, I learned to ride when I was 3 years old. My mom's first horse (she was a Morgan) could jump a stall from a stand still. But she was also one of the most gentle and smartest animals I have ever known. I would ride on her and do figure 8's. My mom never had to touch her while I rode.
Unfortunately the next horses and ponies in my life weren't as calm or gentle. Some of them led lives that were far from stellar when my parents purchased them. Why they thought I should ride them, I don't know! 
The ponies I believe are just stubborn with definite minds of their own!
I can't count the times I have been bitten, kicked, stepped on or thrown in my lifetime. There came a point when I was younger that I just became scared to get near a horse. I never really got over it. Like I said though, just because I am not an animal-owner type...doesn't mean I ever want to see them in pain!
Someone commented something along the lines of...They wondered if gambling stopped would there be anymore horse racing.
I can honestly say...our horses were not trained race horses; but they DID race each other. They raced out in the pastures all the time! They were not just randomly running around...they raced one another! We used to get worried that one day they wouldn't be able to stop in time and run through the fence. Thankfully they never did that! So there may not be anymore races that are bet upon, but there will always be races. Whether we want them or not.
I'm sorry that another horse lost their life today. I remember watching the Barbaro story. Those people did everything they could to save that horses life.
I didn't realize that most racehorses are male. I guess it makes sense, they are usually bigger.
I have seen a horse put down before. I was a small child. My mom used to show and I it was in one of the jumping competitions the horse lost its footing and broke its leg. It was tragic and scary and so sad.
Even though my mom's horse Ebony could jump she never did jump her for competition.
I know that I don't want the resposibility of taking care of one (a pet) so I choose not to have any.
That being said, this probably comes from living on a small farm for 10 years growing up. We had a pig, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, cows, horses, a sheep, ducks, geese, snakes, a baby raccoon for a minute (I admit SHE was cool!), birds...
I think watching my parents and later having to help with all of these animals soured me on wanting to ever have one of my own.
I am afraid of horses. The funny thing is, I learned to ride when I was 3 years old. My mom's first horse (she was a Morgan) could jump a stall from a stand still. But she was also one of the most gentle and smartest animals I have ever known. I would ride on her and do figure 8's. My mom never had to touch her while I rode.
Unfortunately the next horses and ponies in my life weren't as calm or gentle. Some of them led lives that were far from stellar when my parents purchased them. Why they thought I should ride them, I don't know! The ponies I believe are just stubborn with definite minds of their own!
I can't count the times I have been bitten, kicked, stepped on or thrown in my lifetime. There came a point when I was younger that I just became scared to get near a horse. I never really got over it. Like I said though, just because I am not an animal-owner type...doesn't mean I ever want to see them in pain!
Someone commented something along the lines of...They wondered if gambling stopped would there be anymore horse racing.
I can honestly say...our horses were not trained race horses; but they DID race each other. They raced out in the pastures all the time! They were not just randomly running around...they raced one another! We used to get worried that one day they wouldn't be able to stop in time and run through the fence. Thankfully they never did that! So there may not be anymore races that are bet upon, but there will always be races. Whether we want them or not.
I'm sorry that another horse lost their life today. I remember watching the Barbaro story. Those people did everything they could to save that horses life.
I didn't realize that most racehorses are male. I guess it makes sense, they are usually bigger.
I have seen a horse put down before. I was a small child. My mom used to show and I it was in one of the jumping competitions the horse lost its footing and broke its leg. It was tragic and scary and so sad.
Even though my mom's horse Ebony could jump she never did jump her for competition. @sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
I can understand how growing up in a 'zoo' would leave you in adulthood wanting to stay away from animals! LOL
Thanks for your story though - and you proved my point that some people don't seem to get - horses whether bred to it or not WILL race. It's in the genes.
They are natural athletes. But they can sense fear and will take advantage, just like a bully on the schoolyard! lol
1 person likes this
@moxalot (100)
• United States
4 May 08
WOW!
That was such an amazing description of a great race.
When I saw her laying on the track I really thought she had had a heart attack.
She was beautiful horse and will be missed by her connections...
Thank You for the beautiful description...
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
4 May 08
You're welcome moxalot! LOL
Thanks for your response.
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
4 May 08
Oh how sad!!!
I've never watched a horse race live or on tv, but I am reminded of a movie called "Pharlap" from years ago. At one point, that horse was running so hard, he broke one of his front legs above the ankle too. I don't think he had to be put down because of it though... I'm not sure he never raced again either. (I don't even remember if it was a true story or not).
I've never watched a horse race live or on tv, but I am reminded of a movie called "Pharlap" from years ago. At one point, that horse was running so hard, he broke one of his front legs above the ankle too. I don't think he had to be put down because of it though... I'm not sure he never raced again either. (I don't even remember if it was a true story or not).
1 person likes this
