Eight Belles was euthanized after breaking her front ankles
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Both came here chasing racing history and hinting at greatness. Big Brown was undefeated and trying to become the first horse in 93 years to win the Kentucky Derby after only three lifetime races. Eight Belles had ticked off four victories, emboldening her owner to run his spirited filly against the boys in the 134th running of America's greatest horse race.
When Big Brown entered the homestretch , seemingly finding a gear only seen on sci-fi rocket ships, the 157,000 people here to celebrate the beauty of thoroughbred racing roared because they were seeing something extraordinary. When Eight Belles emerged from a pack of horses in the stretch to give determined chase, many checked their programs, "Was that really the filly?"
Big Brown hit the wire four and three quarter lengths ahead of Eight Belles, and horse lovers could hardly be disappointed. But moments later, there was heartbreak. While Kent Desormeaux was galloping out the triumphant Big Brown, rubbing the big bay's neck in congratulation, Eight Belles fell to the ground.
Eight Belles had fractured both of her front ankles, according to the Churchill Downs veterinarian, Dr. Larry Bramlage, and was euthanized on the racetrack.
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