As you may recall, Eight Belles was the second place finisher (the lone filly in the race) at the Kentucky Derby this year when she catastrophically broke down just past the wire and had to be euthanized.
At the end of the memorial ceremony, a plaque was unveiled under a magnolia tree where the courageous filly's ashes are interred.
Both her owner, Rick Porter, and her trainer, Larry Jones, spoke at the emotional day's events - and it was also announced that Churchill Downs is naming a stakes race after Eight Belles that will be run on the undercard on Derby Day.
Larry Jones, in part of his tearful speech, stated:
“She put in such a gallant effort that day and we couldn’t have been more proud of her efforts, and more devastated at what happened.
“She stole a piece of my heart, and when she fell that day she ripped a big piece of my heart right out. But I’m so glad she found her resting place right here, in this fabulous garden of Churchill Downs.”
Rest in peace, Eight Belles.
You will not be forgotten.
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