As the racing writer for the Lexington Herald- Leader, I have won three Eclipse Awards in thoroughbred racing, three Hervey Awards in harness racing, and I have had a lifetime of working with horses, on the track and in the show ring. But most of all, I simply enjoy horses. The opportunity to write about them has been a true gift.
Alicia Wincze is a general assignment sportswriter, covering everything from the Kentucky Derby to girls' soccer. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
Posted by Maryjean Wall on May 3, 2008
There is no way to describe the feeling of numbness that we are experiencing at Churchill Downs, three hours after the Derby has been run. Big Brown ran an awesome race. But the death of Eight Belles, the filly who collapsed after running second to him, has left a pall over this race track.
Our sincere sympathies to Rick Porter, owner of Eight Belles, and Larry Jones, the trainer of the filly.
Norma Lee Rogers said
My heart felt condolances go out to the owners, trainers and to Eight Belles. You are now running with Barbaro, Slew, Ruffian and all the others. I wish this hadn’t happened. It has been a sad weekend. You are a beautiful horse and now you run free up there in the heavens above us, you will never be forgotten. I am really sorry Larry Jones that this happened to a great Horse.
Gary Brandenburg said
What a sad ending to a beautiful day. Please do not place blame on the owners/trainers as if they knew the out come. This young lady was born to run and is exactly what she did. She will always be a winner and a champion in the eyes of the Lord. Pray for all involved as their hearts are deeply saddened. You know, sometimes with these animals, it is not all about the dollars (at least I want to believe that). We all lost yesterday, except “Miss Eight Bells” she will go down in history as one of the biggest hearted horses to dorn the dirt.