Churchill mulls Eight Belles memorial
Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Sports/225386/
The owner of Kentucky Derby runnerup Eight Belles said he would like to have her remains buried where she lost her life — Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
“That’s what I would like to see,” Rick Porter said Saturday morning, a week after Eight Belles finished second to unbeaten Big Brown in the 134 th Kentucky Derby. “But I just don’t want them scattered or something without a permanent memorial where people can visit.”
Eight Belles was euthanized shortly after fracturing both front ankles while galloping out after the finish, a freakish accident that has rocked the racing industry.
She was cremated following a necropsy last week, Porter said.
Porter said another possible site for the remains is Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Ky., where Eight Belles was born and raised.
But Churchill is much more fitting because of the indelible mark she left there, Porter said.
Eight Belles is among only five fillies to finish first or second in the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of racing’s Triple Crown.
“It’s probably the most horrific thing that’s ever happened at Churchill Downs,” Porter said. “I can’t imagine they wouldn’t want to have some type of permanent memorial for her there.”
Porter said he is still awaiting final word from Churchill Downs management concerning Eight Belles’ remains.
“We’ve been kicking around several ideas on how to honor her,” said John Asher, Churchill’s vice president of racing communications. “Obviously, she was an incredibly special filly. She’s in elite company. She was special to us coming in. She’s always going to be very special.
“ We’re honored and very encouraged that Mr. Porter would be thinking in that direction.”
The remains of four Kentucky Derby winners — Brokers Tip, Carry Back, Swaps and Sunny’s Halo — are interred at the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is at Gate 1 at Churchill.
The ashes of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro are scheduled to be buried beneath a memorial statue in front of Gate 1 before next year’s race.
An online petition at 8 Bells-ForEightBelles. org is urging Churchill to honor the filly by ringing eight bells before next year’s Kentucky Derby.
As a nautical reference, eight bells can signify the end of a sailor’s watch.
“She deserves it,” Porter said. “Her courage and magnificence epitomizes the greatest race on earth.”
Porter named the filly after “Eight Bells,” the Maine summer home of deceased artist N. C. Wyeth.
Porter spent part of his youth living near Wyeth and remains friends with his family.
Porter added the “e” in Bells because Eight Belles was a filly.
A semiretired automobile dealer from Wilmington, Del., Porter already has approved the manufacturing and sale of wristbands to honor the memory of Eight Belles.
Proceeds from the wristbands will benefit Maryland-based Midlantic Horse Rescue.