Kentucky Derby

[amayo]

I was on hand for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, and it was a mixed blessing to say the least. A brilliant effort from Big Brown--he could win the triple crown. But I fear it will be remembered for the filly Eight Belles.

I was about 150 yards away from her when she went down. The press tent on the back stretch is along the rail. I turned away for a second, and when I looked back, she was down. To the credit of the track officials, they were with her within seconds of her breakdown trying to administer aid.

The odd part is that she was cooling well about a quarter mile past the finish when it happened, in fact she was nearly at a stop. Contrary to what PETA is trying to peddle, she couldn't have been hurt during the race. An injury that's so catastrophic would rule that out. Vets think she just took a bad step.

Very sad at the press conference afterward. Big Brown's connections were subdued because of what happened, and that sucks because winning the Kentucky Derby should be a joyous moment.

On the other hand, I did some research, and in the history of the triple crown--135 years--only seven horses have broken down in those three races.

Breakdowns happen every day--there was another on Friday at Churchill during the feature. Chelokee dislocated a front leg, and threw the jockey. I'm not making excuses, but this just gets so much more attention when it happens in a high profile stakes race.

I daresay that had this horse NOT been a popular filly, and an also ran that come in 12th---this wouldn't be nearly as big a story.

One other thing--I can say that the trainers, owners, jockeys, etc...love all of these horses. They sweat, and toil to give them a pampered life, and when these things happen they hurt--a lot. I couldn't bring myself to ask her trainer Larry Jones a question when I saw him. He knew me, since I had covered 'Hard Spun' in last year's race. He just gripped my hand, and walked away in tears.

I let him go, and walked to my truck. I had a winning ticket with her name on it, and I won't cash it.

[Dr. Whiplash]

...I did some research, and in the history of the triple crown--135 years--only seven horses have broken down in those three races...

Thanks for that research and the perspective.