National Ledger - Freak Accident Video: Eight Belles Kentucky Derby Tragedy, Euthanized

Top Five

Celebrities

TV Shows

Stay Up To Date

Share This \| Related Freak Accident Video: Eight Belles Kentucky Derby Tragedy, Euthanized
By Josh Hart May 4, 2008

It was a tragic and freak accident at Churchill Downs that ended the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The brilliant filly Eight Belles finished in the money and placed at the 134th annual Kentucky Derby with a gallant effort. But the joy of Derby day ended just seconds after the Eight Belles crossed the finish line. Big Brown had shown that he is a true contender for Triple Crown with his big win, and the mood was high in the crowd and for viewers watching on television screens across the country.

Eight Belles Kentucky Derby Tragedy, Euthanized (NBC)

But the day ended tragically when Eight Belles broke both ankles after she had made her way across the finish line in second place. The filly would later collapse and trainers and other emergency personnel rushed to the horse as she lay in pain. It was a horrific ending to what should have been a marvelous day of horse racing.

***

Once the equine ambulance reached her it was obvious that she would have to be put out of her obvious misery and the injuries were so extensive they could not even move her, she would have be killed right on the track. She she was euthanized by injection right on the spot.

ESPN has a video report here. Fox news reports that Dr Larry Bramlage, the track's "on call" veterinarian said that the injuries were so “catastrophic” that there was no choice but to immediately euthanize the horse. “I have never seen anything like this before at the end of a race,” he said.

Today's Most Popular Stories: