Kentucky Derby: Eight Belles' trainer defends jockey

The Associated Press |

5/5/2008 - 5/6/08

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The trainer of euthanized filly Eight Belles adamantly defended the way jockey Gabriel Saez handled the Kentucky Derby runner-up.

In an interview, Larry Jones said Saez applied the whip only to prevent Eight Belles from crashing into the rail.

"This filly in every race has tried to drift toward the rail," Jones said. "It's her comfort zone, and Gabriel knows this. This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they're wanting to jump down his throat. He did not try to abuse that horse to make her run faster. He knew he was second best, that she wasn't going to catch Big Brown."

Jones spoke while traveling from Churchill Downs to Delaware with his other prized filly, Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell. Jones is scheduled to have a news conference this morning near the paddock at Delaware Park.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called for Saez to be suspended, contending he should have noticed an injury and pulled the horse up rather than applied the whip.

In a statement Monday, Saez said Eight Belles never indicated anything was wrong.

"All I could sense under me was how eager she was to race," Saez said. "I was so proud of her performance, and of the opportunity to ride her in my first Kentucky Derby, all of which adds to my sadness."

PETA also announced plans to protest the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority today, arguing for major changes, including a ban on using the whip or racing horses younger than 3.

KHRA executive director Lisa Underwood said Monday that racing stewards found no evidence of wrongdoing by Saez. The authority also released a statement responding to PETA's proposals, arguing that many of them were premature or unnecessary.

The Humane Society of the United States also weighed in Monday, arguing that horses are becoming more fragile because they're being bred for speed, not durability.

"There are problems coming to light more than ever — problems related to breeding," said Wayne Pacelle, Humane Society president. "Breeding too many horses, and waiting for someone else to clean up the problem. And breeding them for body characteristics that make these animals vulnerable to breakdowns, especially those spindly legs on top of these stout torsos."

Eight Belles broke both front ankles while galloping out a quarter-mile past the finish line and was euthanized on the track.