The following is a statement from Churchill Downs Inc. President and CEO Bob Evans on the loss
of EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled’s Song):
“The entire Churchill Downs Incorporated family — as well as the horse
racing industry — has been devastated by Eight Belles’ tragic accident
following her courageous performance in Kentucky Derby 134. With all of the
advancements made by our industry to improve the overall health and welfare of
Thoroughbred racehorses, losing a competitor like Eight Belles will never be
easy or acceptable. While injuries like the kind Eight Belles experienced are
extremely rare — even one is too many — and public reaction is understandable
given the fact that her accident was seen by millions of people following
the world’s most famous and most watched horse race. We extend our deepest sympathy
to Eight Belles’ owners, trainer and jockey for their loss, and we join the
entire horse racing industry in looking for ways to prevent catastrophic
injuries in the racehorses that are the very heart of our sport.”