Statement from Churchill Downs Incorporated President and CEO Bob Evans on the loss of Eight Belles.  >>Read More

Churchill Downs

Statement from Churchill Downs Incorporated President and CEO Bob Evans on the loss of Eight Belles:

"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 world's most famous and most watched horse race. We extend our deepest sympathy to Eight Belle's 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."