EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled’s Song), the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby (G1) who
was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic injury moments after the race,
will be laid to rest at the Kentucky Derby Museum. In addition, Churchill Downs
will rename the $150,000 La Troienne S. (G3) in honor of Eight Belles.
Owner Rick Porter and Churchill Downs also announced a series of charitable
contributions and initiatives that will honor the ill-fated filly.
“Churchill Downs and the entire Kentucky Derby family were devastated by the
fatal injury to Eight Belles, and the shock of her tragic loss continues to
resonate through our company and our industry as a whole,” Churchill Downs Inc.
Executive Vice President Steve Sexton said. “Since her death, we have been
exploring ways to pay tribute to her memory while supporting positive changes
that will improve the health, safety and overall welfare of all racehorses. We
are proud to announce these initiatives today in honor of the courage and
brilliance that Eight Belles displayed in the Kentucky Derby, and we are
committed to continued efforts on her behalf and on behalf of all of our equine
athletes.”
The Churchill Downs Foundation and Porter will each contribute $25,000 to the
Eight Belles Memorial Fund, established by Thoroughbred Charities of America,
for continued research into racehorse injuries and toward the retraining of
retired Thoroughbreds for secondary careers.
The La Troienne, a 7 1/2-furlong stakes race for three-year-old fillies, will
be renamed in honor of Eight Belles. The race will continue to be run on the
Kentucky Derby Day undercard in 2009. Churchill Downs also plans to conduct an
“eight bells” ceremony on Kentucky Derby Day in 2009 in the filly’s memory, with
details to be announced at a later date.
“The past month has been a time of indescribable highs and crushing lows for
me and my family,” Porter said. “We watched Eight Belles run the race of her
life in the Kentucky Derby, and that should have been our proudest moment as
well as hers. Instead, it all changed in an instant. We’re 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 are glad to assist in
funding the memorial efforts on behalf of our beloved filly. We’re very grateful
for the short time we had her in our lives.”
The Kentucky Derby Museum will inter Eight Belles’ remains at the base of a
tree to be planted in the filly’s honor. The memorial, located within the
Museum’s courtyard near the gravesites of four Kentucky Derby winners, will
include a bronze plaque dedicating the tree to Eight Belles’ memory. An interment date has not yet been determined.
“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.”