NEWS
Eight Belles to be laid to rest at Derby Museum
Posted: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 11:17 AM
EIGHT BELLES
Photo by Z
by Joe Nevills
Eight Belles, the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) who was euthanized on the track after she broke down following the race, will be interred at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs.
Owner Rick Porter and the Kentucky Derby Museum made the announcement on Tuesday, adding that the La Troienne Stakes (G3), a $150,000-added race for three-year-old fillies on the Derby undercard, will be renamed in honor of the Unbridled’s Song filly.
The filly’s remains will be interred at the base of a tree in the museum’s courtyard near the gravesites of four other Kentucky Derby winners with a bronze plaque dedicating the tree to Eight Belles. An interment date has not yet been determined.
The historic Louisville track also plans to conduct an “eight bells” ceremony on Kentucky Derby Day in 2009 in the filly’s memory.
“The amazing performance by Eight Belles in Kentucky Derby 134 won’t soon be forgotten, and we are privileged to honor her efforts and her sacrifice,” Kentucky Derby Museum Executive Director Lynn Ashton said. “We hope our memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to this great filly, and remind every visitor who walks through our doors of her very special courage.”
Porter and the Churchill Downs Foundation will each donate $25,000 to the Eight Belles Memorial Fund. Established by Thoroughbred Charities of America following an outpouring of contributions in the filly’s honor, the fund sponsors research into racehorse injuries and the retraining of retired Thoroughbreds for secondary careers.
“The past month has been a time of indescribable highs and crushing lows for me and my family,” Porter said. “We are still grieving and struggling to accept her loss, but even in the midst of our sorrow, we are determined to see something positive come from her death. We are thankful for the support of Churchill Downs throughout this process, and we are glad to assist in funding the memorial efforts on behalf of our beloved filly.”
Joe Nevills is a Thoroughbred Times editorial intern
