She was the daughter of Unbridled's Song (Breeder's Cup Juvenile winner and Florida Derby champion) and the grand-daughter of Unbridled (Eclipse Award winner and Kentucky Derby champion).
She had won four consecutive races coming into Saturday's 134th running of The Kentucky Derby.
Her 1/2 mile workout time on April 20 was 46:60 - the fastest of any other horse that day on the track.
On the first Saturday in May, the entire world of horse racing turned its attention to Churchill Downs in Kentucky. Eight Belles was the only girl in a field of 20 boys - champions all, with superior bloodlines, top trainers and jockeys, and visions of victory.
And she defeated all but one.
Big Brown crossed the finish-line four lengths ahead of her to take the win, but seconds later, the eyes of the racing world turned to Eight Belles yet again. She had stumbled badly and collapsed on the track, breaking both of her front ankles. The track veternarian rushed to her side, made a quick call to the owners, and a decision was made.
She was euthanized there on a stretch of Kentucky dirt, under a Southern spring sky, with millions of fans watching - and grieving - from around the world.
In nautical terms, the phrase "eight bells" means a sailor's watch is over. In everyday use, sailors use it to mean "finished".
No comments:
Post a Comment