Connections of Filly Eight Belles Saddened by Her Loss
Big Brown, who is headed for the 2008 Preakness Stakes, made Kentucky Derby history as he became the first horse since the filly Regret in 1915 to win off just 3 career starts and the second to win from post position number 20. The joyous event, however, was marred because of the tragedy which occured when runner-up Eight Belles broke down after crossing the finish line and had to be euthanized on the track.
Eight Belles jockey in the 2008 Kentucky Derby, Gabriel Saez, said Monday he was unaware that anything was wrong with Eight Belles prior to her going down in the Run for the Roses.
“I remain heartbroken over Eight Belles, and I want to let her many fans know that she never gave me the slightest indication before or during the race that there was anything bothering her,” jockey Gabriel Saez said in a statement Monday.
“I was so proud of her performance, and of the opportunity to ride her in my first Kentucky Derby, all of which adds to my sadness.”
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called for Saez to be suspended, contending he should have noticed an injury and pulled the filly Eight Belles up rather than applied the whip.
Horse trainer Larry Jones said Monday jockey Gabriel Saez handled the filly Eight Belles properly and said Saez applied the whip only to prevent Eight Belles from crashing into the rail.
“This filly in every race has tried to drift toward the rail,” Jones said. “It’s her comfort zone, and Gabriel knows this. This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they’re wanting to jump down his throat. He did not try to abuse that horse to make her run faster. He knew he was second best, that she wasn’t going to catch Big Brown.”
Larry Jones added that he has watched the race from various angles and found that not only did Saez do nothing wrong, but everything right.
“We’re putting him on multimillion-dollar horses, and I think this kid represented our business as professionally as could be run,” he said. “If I were to run in the Derby tomorrow, I’d put him right back on my horse.”
PETA also announced plans to protest the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority on Tuesday, arguing for major changes, including a ban on using the whip or racing horses younger than 3.
Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) executive director Lisa Underwood said Monday that racing stewards found no evidence of wrongdoing by Saez. The authority also released a statement responding to PETA’s proposals, arguing that many of them were premature or unnecessary.
“Forcing a jockey to give up a whip would be like forcing a NASCAR driver to give up his steering wheel,” Alex Waldrop, president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, said.
The 20-year-old native of Panama, jockey Gabriel Saez, is a frequent rider for Jones, who won Friday’s Kentucky Oaks with Proud Spell.
May 14th, 2008 at 7:39 am
I feel awful that people are blaming the trainer and jockey for the Eight Belles tragedy. I personally don’t blame either of them. I think Gabriel Saez gave the filly a great ride, and that the filly had an awesome race. Second place in the Derby! Go Eight Belles! As for Larry Jones, the bond between him and Eight Belles was noticeable in the clips shown before the race. I know he loved that filly - and I am so sorry for his loss. I truly believe Eight Belles ran a wonderful race and that what happened afterwards was just a freak accident - no one is to blame. My heart is with those who were close to this fantastic filly. She went out a champion, though … there’s no doubt about that.
May 14th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
As a former owner of thoroughbred horses, I can honestly say these animals are bred to run and love every minute of it. What are the hobbies of these PETA members? Are any of them marathon runners,former track stars, football. Would you give up your heart to do your best??? Eigtht Belles died doing what she loved the best and she gave the jockey his all! He did exactly what she would have wanted.
Give “Gab” a break!!!!!