Signing Requirements
Please be mindful with respect and compassion to the owners' family and all of Eight Belles' family of caregivers when sending in your entry.

~ Eight Belles ~

A Eulogy For A Girl To Remember

We can only say our hearts broke along with so many others the day Eight Belles ran so valiantly at The Kentucky Derby last year. In her honor and memory, Eight Belles' legacy has evolved in the hopes that she will be warmly remembered as the great horse that made it possible to review regulations, amid the controversy of the horse racing industry's future changes that will be mandated through this dedication, to and from her tragically cut short life. We all felt like she was our horse on that day, as we watched the accident and excitement of her great race unfold. Our condolences are whole-heartedly extended to all of her connections and family of caregivers.

~ EightBellesLegacy.net

EIGHT BELLES - A EULOGY

For horse racing aficionados, The Kentucky Derby is "the event" of the year. The 2008 Derby was highlighted by the sweeping victory of Big Brown whose career of four impressive wins in as many starts echoes the greatness of Triple Crown legend Secretariat - ironically knick-named "Big Red".

Big Brown's victory was overshadowed by a heart-breaking drama playing out behind him on the track. Eight Belles, an elegant dark grey filly with an impressive portfolio of wins of her own also ran an impressive race. The only filly in the field of nineteen colts, she had to overcome doubts that a filly was incapable of besting the top colts of the season. In response, she raced far ahead of the rest of the field, battling only Big Brown for the lead. Her second place win in the Derby was well beyond any effort put forth by her remaining competitors. Were it not for Big Brown, Eight Belles would have put the boys soundly to shame, leaving them in her dust.

Sadly her victorious run took a tragic turn. Announcement was made of an accident. Eight Belles was down. A quick roll of the camera showed her lying on her side on the track just past the finish line that she had moments before sailed by. Two ambulances raced to her aid in a vain effort to save her. She had suffered a break in both of her front legs - an injury that could not be repaired and one of great pain to her. She was put down on the track where she had just given the performance of her short life.

Eight Belles died doing what she was born to do. She ran her heart out in the Kentucky Derby. Her racing career was all too short but reflected the stamina and courage that drove her to greatness. We have all lost in the death of this beautiful and heroic creature. Eight Belles was a true champion. She will be sorely missed.

Donna L. Chasen, Fredericksburg, Virginia