Churchill Downs to honor Eight Belles
The 3-year-old filly broke two ankles after finishing second to
Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby on May 3. She was euthanized on the
track.
The track said Tuesday it will plant a tree in honor of Eight
Belles and her remains will be buried at its base. The memorial is
planned for the museum's courtyard, with the date still to be set.
Churchill Downs will rename the $150,000-added La Troienne in
honor of Eight Belles. The Grade III stakes race for 3-year-old
fillies will continue to be run on the Kentucky Derby day
undercard. The track also plans a ceremony on Derby day in 2009 in
the filly's memory.
Steve Sexton, executive vice president of Churchill Downs Inc.,
said the track's foundation will contribute $25,000 to the Eight
Belles Memorial Fund. The fund, established by Thoroughbred
Charities of America, is aimed at researching racehorse injuries
and retraining retired thoroughbreds. The contribution will be
matched by Eight Belles owner Rick Porter.
