Tragedy At the Kentucky Derby

Big Brown made history to win the 134th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but the race finished under a dark cloud as runner-up Eight Belles broke down on the track. Eight Belles, trained by Larry Jones and ridden by 20-year-old Gabriel Saez, was trying to become just the fourth filly to win the Derby. Minutes after the race the filly fell to the ground and Saez jumped off. She was found to have broken both front ankles and was humanely destroyed on the track. With the memory of Barbaro still fresh, Eight Belles’ devastating breakdown Saturday put increasing focus on a sport already suffering a decline in popularity.
Her death has raised major issues about the industry, including whether fillies should be allowed to run with males.
In 2006, Derby winner Barbaro shattered his fight rear leg at the start of the Preakness, as thousands of people watched in horror. Barbaro was euthanized eight months later.