For the Memory of Eight Belles

Posted by BarbaraAnne Helberg Jun 2, 2008

Recently, I read a letter-to-the editor entry commenting on the fact that Eight Belles, who tragically broke down in the Kentucky Derby and was immediately euthanized, should not be forgotten. The letter was critical of a Thoroughbred racing story (which I also had read) because the story's closing remarks indicated a Triple Crown championship by Big Brown, something the industry craves even more now than it has over the last 30 years, would help erase the memory of the breakdown and would help elevate the sport of horse racing.

I agree wholeheartedly with the letter writer. The story's ending paragraph was hugely off the mark, even tasteless, in the wake of a horrific accident. There was nothing proven wrong with the filly before the Kentucky Derby took place. It was a gut-wrenching, inexplicable happening for all involved, and for the average horse racing fan.

Would a Big Brown Triple Crown be exciting and a shot in the arm for the Thoroughbred game? Absolutely! Should it erase the memory of Eight Belles? Unequivically, no! It's the memory of her, and that of Barbaro, and others, burning brightly, that drives the quest for cures and corrections of care and safety for these equine athletes.

Would a Big Brown Triple Crown elevate the sport past something painful and forgettable? I don't see how. And it shouldn't. We shouldn't aim to elevate past a tragedy. We should aim to address its causes and cures as much as possible. In any circumstance, there is room for improvement.