by Mike Curry

Necropsy results for Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) runner-up Eight Belles are expected within two weeks, according to Victoria Keith, a spokesperson for owner Rick Porter’s Fox Hill Farms.

The necropsy was performed on Monday at the University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in Lexington under the direction of Kentucky state veterinarian Lafe Nichols, D.V.M.

“Dr. Nichols would not call what they have told us as the preliminary results,” Keith said, referring to media reports of preliminary autopsy results. “So far they could only tell us that what they know is that the horse broke her two legs, but for final results we need to wait for cultures and a complete exam of the tissues.”

Eight Belles, who capped a four-race winning streak leading up to the Derby with a win in the Fantasy Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, was cremated Monday night and a decision likely will be made this week for her final resting place.

Both Porter and trainer Larry Jones have been bombarded with interview requests as well as expressions of sympathy since the 1 1/4-mile classic race on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

“The vast majority have been so supportive, and I wish we had a way to thank everyone for all of the kindness that’s been sent our way,” Keith said. “It has been overwhelming.

“I don’t think we realized how widespread the impact would be. We have to think about racing and not just our own feelings, even though I can tell you how tough this has been on Rick and Larry. I think they feel a responsibility to keep everyone informed.”

During a news conference at Delaware Park on Tuesday, Jones requested that Eight Belles be tested for steroids in response to accusations that Eight Belles might have been on performance-enhancing drugs. Steroid testing is not part of the initial necropsy because steroids are not illegal in Kentucky, but tests for performance-enhancing drugs can be completed after the necropsy.

“We are just hoping for any clue that we can possibly get out of the necropsy that helps us in some way and might help racing or other horses,” Keith said.

Mike Curry is Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor