Churchill did the right thing Eight Belles was a true champion.  I look forward to seeing the Memorial next year at the Derby.

You are right, Jason, Larry Jones is a class act from the git-go. He and his stable did not and do not deserve the abuse they've received since this tragedy. I saw the interview before the Derby when he rode the filly, miked up... the affection and respect he has for his horses was very obvious. Larry, if you read this, you have a loyal fan in far northern California who hasn't owned a Thoroughbred in 30 years, but if I did, you'd be at the top of my list to train it. Keep up your good work, and in the end the detractors (and their false message) will be forgotten and you will be remembered as an excellent horseman and an excellent person. Good luck and have fun with the horses you have now and in the future.

Kudos to Larry Jones and his team - I lost my beloved champion mare during emergency colic surgery in July.  Suddenly, explicably, as I was about to request a season with one of the Kentucky greats for 09. I still weep, but remember her spirit, humor and joie de vivre.  Her full sister arrived at my barn in August, a fitting legacy, and has already filled our lives with her unconditional love.  She will be bred in 09 in Kentucky and hopefully produce another champion for her sire line family - Bold Ruler, Secretariat and Seattle Slew...We should all draw on the class, courage and love these noble creatures bring to our lives.

Jason, I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful blog, for providing the video to Larry Jones' speech, and also your interview with him. Great, great job, Jason!

I've always really loved Larry Jones, think he's a true horseman, a kind and gracious man, and a class act. I hope he's been comforted knowing that a lot of us have been hurting with him, and want to continue to share his pain, and are there with our thoughts, prayers and support for him and the rest of the connections. He's doing OK, and we're doing OK to, as long as we all stick together.

Larry is so right. Eight Belles didn't die in vain. This wonderful, incredible, gallant filly leaves a legacy that will endure forever, and it will help move our wonderful sport forward, thus helping horses in the future.

It's impossible to listen to Larry or read what he says about Eight Belles and not get choked up, not get tears in the eyes. He's our man, this is our sport, and we'll make it even better. And we love him and will always carry his beautiful filly Eight Belles in our hearts for all time.

Thanks again for posting.

LARRY JONES !!!! HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH!!! YOU,YOUR WIFE CINDY, THE PORTERS AND GABRIEL ARE GOOD HONEST PEOPLE. ONLY THAT KIND OF PERSON WOULD GOD EVEN TALK TO. BE PROUD OF YOURSELVES AND THIS EXTRA ORDINARY FILLY THAT GOD GAVE US FOR A WHILE!!

I will be paying my respects to Eight Belles when I travel to Louisville the end of September. She has a beautiful and peaceful resting place.  Larry Jones, I can appreciate the heartbreak and anguish you and your family have suffered.  Take care.  Beauty in Motion will never by forgotten.

I have never had the priviliage of being around horses, I have always love them from a distance and admired all throughbreds. I can't imagine how bad mr. Jones felt but I know it was very bad, I cried when they announced her injury and death. My heart goes out to everyone involed. She was a magnificient horse.

I was also at the memorial on Sunday.  I wouldn't have missed it for the world.  I was one of the fortunate few who was able to buy the beautiful print of Eight Belles which I had both Rick and Larry Jones sign for me.  Both gentlemen are standouts in their field.  Not "just another horse," Eight Belles was truly loved by her owners, trainers and handlers.  It was heartbreaking to see and hear Larry Jones struggle with the words he so eloquently put together in tribute to his filly.  Both of them are a credit to the thoroughbred industry.  I wish more were like them.  I will never forget Eight Belles and the legacy which is following her.  I wish Larry Jones and Rick Porter all the success in the world.  I'm convinced this steel gray filly did not die in vain.

Larry, you can't worry about making people happy. It will never happen. Keep your family and your horses happy, Greg

As a lifelong horse enthusiast and one who has followed thoroughbred racing since I first turned on the t.v. to see Alysheba streak across the line to win the Preakness in 1987, I have seen both personally and nationally televised the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  My heart and fondest wishes for everyone involved with Eight Belles. I loved that filly and I was SO excited to see her in the Derby this year. I was rooting so hard I think I lost my voice.  The aftermath of her death was completely unwarranted.  There is no explanation for what happened and to this day I still can't believe she's gone and she wasn't even my horse. To all the family of Eight Belles, you have a friend and true supporter here in Northern Arizona. The sport isn't easy at times, but this is when you find out who your true friends really are. Keep your head up and I'll be rooting for everyone--GO PROUD SPELL!!

Thanks for sharing your comments. I think Eight Belles entire human team are to be commended. Having spent the last half of my childhood in KY, I know that there are bad people in this industry, but none of you are. I become a fan of Hard Spun last year and was rooting for you again this year with Eight Belles. Sorry it turned out the way it did.

Larry and Cindy Jones,

Thank you for the courage you have displayed for everyone to witness the incredible pain this tradegy has brought you and your team.  You are a first class gentlemen and everyone who loves Eight Belles knows how you felt about her then and now.  Thank you for placing her at rest where she had her last shining moment and one that all of us will remember.

God bless all of you and your horses.

As was the case with Barbaro and the Jacksons, either you "get it" or you don't-- this "horse - human connection" thing. Our fellow blogger, Nancy Palmer, above, sadly, knows firsthand of what I speak. My heart goes out to her.

Without question, there is something fundamental in Larry Jones' hard-wiring allowing him to connect with horses, and it's both a blessing and seemingly at times, a curse of sorts. I cannot imagine what Larry has gone through and will carry with him for the rest of his life, which makes his openess in sharing with you, Jason, and all of us, all the more remarkable and meaningful.

Sure, it's a business, but for Larry Jones it's a passion-- how did the ancient Greeks define happiness-- using all of ones talents along lines of excellence? So, even in his grief, Larry Jones I pray remains a happy man at the end of each day. We are all better people, and better horse people, for having the likes of Larry Jones in our orbit. Jason's reporting certainly makes this clear, even for a dense soul like me.

This is meant for Larry.  I was so unspeakably heartbroken after Eight Belles death.  All the negatives of racing came rushing to me and I was ready to walk away.  Memories of that film showing you working her, speaking to her, brought me to tears.  I decided I needed to make a difference.  It was then I went in search of a horse I used to be part of and who was claimed.  He had been drugged in one race - post our ownership (disqualified from that race) and was dropping down, finishing last in his races.  I located his current owners and through their agreement, took him off the track.  No longer will he be running last, but running free from harm in a field with friends.  I was inspired to make a difference in the sport I both love and hate at times because of the loss of your beautiful filly.  My condolences.  (I saw your other filly Proud Spell win at Saratoga.  Her heart supercedes her body in size!).

I watched the Larry Jones tribute to his great filly Eight Belles and he and his team are special people.  Please remember you are a first class gentlemen which doesn't come along everyday.  God bless you all and may Eight Belles rest in peace.

JASON:

GREAT BLOG! LARRY IS A CLASS ACT,ALWAYS HAS BEEN. UNLIKE SOME TRAINERS I WON'T NAME,HE REALLY CARES ABOUT THE WELFARE OF HIS HORSES. THANKS JASON FOR ALWAYS POSTING INTERESTING BLOGS.

Jason, thank you so much for this blog entry and the interview with Larry Jones as well as the clip of his beautiful eulogy for the beloved filly.  In the racing game I'm a real nobody because I'm not a bettor, I just love to watch the horses run and I root for the horses with the connections who get it.  Their barns may not be as huge as some or as stocked with high dollar horses, but it gives me comfort to know they care about the horse first and no one exemplifies this more than Larry Jones.  Please let him know that many of us responding here have the utmost admiration and respect for him and truly hate that he has had to go through so much pain.  Thank you to all the previous posters who said this all so much better than I can express.

Nice article Jason.  I am sure all racing fans would of loved to see Eight Belles try her best against Zenyata and Ginger Punch this fall.  

wow! incredibly moving. tears are streaming down my face just like they did on "that day". yes , larry jones has always had an aura of sincerity with genuine love and respect for the horses. in a world rampant with people quick to ridicule a person of faith it is refreshing to hear him say that God speaks to him and guides him.

i thank all of you for you very wonderful comments. it would be so great for mr. jones to see these.

Good luck Larry and Cindy, you are both wonderful trainers. I have no doubt you ran that filly clean of any drug, and that it was just an accident. She was gallant all the way, even up until her death. I don't think anybody's crazy if they say they talked to god, and I believe you. Everything happens for a reason, and even if that means death, then at least you know that this beautiful filly did not die in vain. I wish you and your wife the best of luck. You are all class acts and deserve the best of luck. May God be with you.

To Larry and Cindi Jones,

I hope you throw the negative letters in the fire where they belong. The people who wrote that blamed you for her death have no idea what they are talking about. I am sure most of them come from people who don't know a thing about racing. Please hold year head up high and know that Eight Belles will forever be remembered as a horse that helped change the industry.

So, I guess I'll have to be the lone dissenter... Eight Belles broke down and perished in the Derby, and no heartfelt expressions of sorrow (sincere, or otherwise)can reverse this. What really irks me are Mr. Jones' claims, and the public's acceptance, of Eight Belle's "soundness". The fact that steroids weren't detected in her system proves woefully little. For that matter the other negative (no pathology) findings of the necropsy report were based on extremely superficial analysis--no use of CT, MRI, and there are limitations imposed by the mere fact the subject is no longer alive, etc. I've spoken with leading equine pathologists on this subject, and they concur. Not one word has been written about this rush to positive judgment. In the end, this type of wishful thinking will perpetuate the racehorses' plight... Now the rest of you can weigh in with your anger, and uninformed opinions.    

One of the good guys in life, not just racing. How sad for all of those who find fault without knowing a person, they are the ones to be pitied their hatred harms them more than the love that shines from Larry and Cindy. Larry will soldier on and be blessed, and we'll all be the richer for it.

Larry, I have been a fan of yours for awhile and my admiration for you was nothing before to what it is now. You are a class act....hold your head up high. He who seeks applause only from without has all his happiness in another's keeping. May God soften the pain that you, your wife and all of Eight Belle's connections are going through. She was such a beautiful lady.

Okay, I'll oblige. What a pathetic and sad person you must be. Yes we're uninformed, but so are you. Whatever type of 'Dr' you are whatever pathologist you consulted, the bottom line is none of you were involved in the examination or necropsy of the filly. You make statements to the contrary but have no hard proof of those statements. The article is about the manner in which Larry handled the aftermath of the death of an equine. Larry stated that he hoped this tragedy would lead to research and solutions. If you are the Dr. Fishman on the NTRA sight, I'd say you are as uninformed as any of us are. My own retired Orthopedic/Trauma surgeon father would never even attempt to make a judgement like the one you just made, particularly with consultation from others merely reading reports and not involved in the physical examination and necropsy.

To jshandler (and probably many others):

You're missing the point; I was questioning her "soundness" (orthopedic) not the issue of "artificial substances". You wish to take Jones' word for it that she was "sound"? He may think she was, or may think she wasn't (in which case he wouldn't admit it now). Suppose there were some soundness issues, known or otherwise (not detected prior to the race). He wouldn't be the first trainer (his reputation notwithstanding) to miss it, and I'd argue that these horses are insufficiently evaluated (trainers, track vets, etc.) So my last point was that the necropsy report failed to prove otherwise.

Argue among yourselves from here.  

BIG, I'll second that and go further. Dr. Fishman you are an a**.  You should hope you don't have any conversations with God in the near future, I don't think it will be to console you.

The man was talking about how he is coping with this tragedy. You are calling him a liar without even knowing him. I can't imagine that the examining Veterinarians weren't satisfied with the results since the nattering nabobs were spewing their vitriol it would have been much easier to hang Larry out to dry, the sacrificial lamb for the big 'clean up' of horse racing. What a pitiful ploy by you to garner attention. Hope you are happy in your sad little world that subscibes to and encourages hate towards your fellow man.

Fishman, yes and suppose my perfectly normal knee would have suddenly had my ACL tear while crossing a busy street rather than a deserted one and I would have been hit by a car and killed. Geez, talk about shroud bearing, borrowing trouble and being negative all in one. Let me know where you practice medicine and I'll get the retired physicans in my own family to give you lessons in bedside manner and how not to make a diagnosis based on supposition. As well as caution your patients(if you had any) to be prepared for a diagnosis of a terminal illness when all they have is a hangnail.

To Dr. Fishman:  You are the typical "BS" artist!  Take your comments and put them you know where.  Larry and Cindy Jones are two of the greatest people you would ever want to meet.  They trained a horse for me about five years ago and it was the most wonderful time I had spent in the thoroughbred business in over 30 years.  When I get my next horse I would be honored to have them train it for me because I would know it would be in the best possible hands.  "Hang in there Larry, Cindy, Gabriel,and the rest of your great crew!  Everybody in Arkansas thinks you are the best!

Best Wishes,

Gary Weir

OK, last time, I'll take the bait...

Yes, I question the judgment of every trainer whose horse breaks down. More specifically, I question the knowledge and/or diligence of every trainer whose horse breaks down. They are the ones in control, not the vets, not the owners, etc. When horses break down there is almost always a pathology behind it. Yes, many times not readily detectable, and rarely not detectable by more sophisticated means. Who knows, Eight Belles may be in the latter category, or she may not. This isn't necessarily about L. Jones, it's about the nature of horseracing presently practiced. Just don't take it to the bank that when L. Jones (or anyone for that matter) says that their horse was sound, that this is the gospel.

I lost a young horse in a freak barn accident 2 years ago.  Nothing prepares you for such a sudden, tragic event.  My heart went out to Larry Jones and everyone involved with Eight Belles the day she died.  I too had to make peace with the "whys". I especially valued the comment that Larry Jones made about Eight Belles not being his filly, but belonging to God. It helps me to remember that my youngster was not mine either, and even though I don't understand why he had to leave, I have to have faith in God's plan.  I am glad that Mr Jones has found that peace.  

Maybe what Dr. Fishman is saying is that MAYBE there was something that could have been caught if the technology used had been more advanced both pre-race and in the necropsy. And that the racehorse care needs to advance to catch these possibly currently undetectable issues. While the first post is worded like a personal attack Mr. Jones' judgment, Fishman's 2nd comment made a lot of sense. Just because she SEEMED sound, doesn't mean she was. Even the best trainers make *unintentional* mistakes and you can't detect EVERYTHING. If that is what he was trying to say the first time I can completely see where he is coming from. It is important to see both sides. Even if you don't agree. And to be kind!! We don't need to yell mean and nasty things at each other like the PETA people did to so many racing fans and industry people.

Personally, I think this was just one of those accidents that happens. A 1200lb animal takes a slightly off step... on those tiny ankles... and all I can see is like a bridge collapsing. And it all comes tumbling down.

I wish Mr. Jones the best of luck. And I am glad he has found peace. I really don't think there was any way to prevent it because there was no way to know. He did what he thought was right and what almost all other trainers would have done. So I can't find fault with his judgments or actions.

But if there is a way BEYOND just banning steroids but screening horses more intensely to check for even the tiniest of tiny problems, we might be able to save a few lives and improve the horse's living conditions...we would all want that to happen. And I THINK that is what Dr. Fishman was trying to convey. Sans any attack on person judgments.

None of the comments on this blog mention the fractions and or tempo of this race in comparison to what this great filly was used to running against.  During her 2008 winter/spring preps her fractions averaged in the 24 / 48/ 1:13 /1:37 type of pace.  The male horses in this race, at least half of them were running in fractions at least,  6 lengths faster, during their 2008 campaign.  If you watch the race, she got caught up in a pace that was much faster than anything she had run up against.  Her spirit and will to win kept her running to maintain this pace and she tried in vane to catch Big Brown and it frankly destroyed her. Check out the fractions and I think you all will conclude that this horse had never run at a pace like she had to that day.  The stress of trying to keep up for a mile and a quarter was just too much for her to handle.  Her heart was of a champion, but her frame was not used to this type of pace and distance regardless of her weight and size.  Fillies shouldn’t run against males.  Remember Ruffian and what happened to her…  Now does this make Larry Jones a bad person, no it doesn’t.  He just made an honest mistake and now has to live with that.  In time I’m sure it will not hurt as bad as it obviously does for him today, but I’m sure that he will think twice about ever running a filly in a Grade-I race against the boys ever again.

"Mr." Fishman,why should your opinion be accepted over a true horseman's like Larry Jones? I doubt that you had ever seen Eight Belles in person or examined her or had any connection to her in any way. The day that you can say that you get on your horse or horses daily for 20 plus years 365 days a year may then make your uninformed opinion have some validity, but until that time, Larry's opinion is the only one that counts here, over yours and your so-called leading equine pathologists.

I can fully understand the grief

felt by Larry Jones for his horse,

Eight Belles. I know I was crying

for Barbaro many months after his

death, and I did not even know the

horse. I share his terrible pain

in seeing her go down that day, and

further in being abused for it. I hope the deaths of both Eight Belles and Barbaro will lead to better lives for all horses in the future.  Then, we can say no, they

did not die in vain.

I like to think that Barbaro needed a girlfriend and he got the best one! Larry Jones is an amazing person and I wish him the best of luck in the future. I hope he gets a Derby winner!

Gary Weir, you are my home boy, I'm so glad you are a blogger in here. I love your Oaklawn Handicapper show and know you are a man who knows his business. You're right, everybody in Arkansas loves Larry because he brings his best to our track, and is such a class act. And Gary, to bring out fond memories to yesteryear, I did bring my lunch and walked to school!

Dr Fishman: Sir with respect may I ask if you have personal experince with racing and/or with racehorses themselves? I ask because we all have seen sound horses break down for different reasons. Your statement about how sound was the filly leaves me to believe that you may not understand that these things can happen even though all the precautions are taken. Nobody that runs horses for a living wants that to happen at any time, more so in a high profile race like the Derby.

BMC racing, this has been addressed ad nauseum. Females mature at a faster rate than males, same with the Equines up to a certain age. Eight Belles, Sharp Cat, Winning Colors, Rags To Riches all exceeded the males in physical appearance and maturity. Ask a real, legitimate Veterinarian like one from New Bolton or Rood&Riddle.

Katie, nothing 'Dr' said was anything more than speculation, like every other person who has a negative view of horse racing and would probably love to see it abolished. Sounds like sour grapes to me.

BMC fan,

Well considering the Juvenile Fillies usually beat the boys time wise we should abolish that race. Considering any of them can get hurt at any time, he** we should just abolish it all like the uninformed PETA attackers seem to want. I've tried to get a hold of my Orthopedist Dad to ask his opinion on detecting the possibility of a fracture, no luck yet. But can you imagine how cost prohibitive it would be to examine each and every runner by MRI (CT is less definitve according to my CT/MRI tech buddy) and then just a misstep to a perfectly sound by MRI individual proved catastrophic, who would you all blame then?

Fishman, I'm reminded of Tyson Gay, a supremely fit world class runner in peak condition, and his hamstring injury in the Olympic rials. He had every training regimen and exam possible and he still 'broke down'. I know enough about my Dad's practice to know that it's almost impossible to predict these types of injuries whether human or equine. Problem is they're often fatal in equines and aren't in humans. If the opposite was true I might challenge you to a match race if you passed your MRI, but then since they really don't predict the potential for future injury per my friend, you might break down.

R. Fishman,

I think Larry Jones is as impeccable and as outstanding a trainer as they come. Have you ever walked a mile in the shoes of a guy like Larry?

You've been quite outspoken on this blog. What is your background?

1) What kind of Doctor are you? Are you a vet?

2) How much experience have you had working with horses?

3) Have you ever treated, owned, bred, trained, or ridden a Thoroughbred?

4) Have you ever had to make decisions or a determination about a horse's care, soundness, race career, or life?

5) How involved are you in Thoroughbred racing?

Oh and Katie, I think it was the DR who started the attack and then invited everyone to "Now the rest of you can weigh in with your anger, and uninformed opinions". If that wasn't negative and an attack on a person's judgement I'll eat your hat. He wanted to stir up trouble and bring negativity to this article where it had no useful purpose. He attacked the judgement, credibility and honesty of Larry Jones and then threw down on the rest of us that he was the ultimate judge, jury and expert and we are the uniformed idiots of the world. Well guess what, some of us on here are just as, or more highly educated, intelligent and informed. His kind thrives on being a naysayer, he has an agenda and it's right out front not even necessary to read between the lines to get it.

Jason, You know, just once it'd be nice to come on and read a story that's inspirational from a personal standpoint and not have to read the negativity of the people who get off on that kind of hate mongering.

Wanda,

One of your Harlan's Holiday yearlings just sold for 310 grand at Keeneland. Legends (Baffert, Lukas and Zito) got it. They are gathering up some great ones a Storm Cat/ Spain on day 1 I think. Aa soon as I get my 3 million sent to them I'm in. Only 2.7 mil more to save and I'm there.

BMC Racing,

   Are you forgeting Rags to Riches who won the Belmont, against the o mighty Curlin. Also Dreaming of Anna ran against and beat the boys as a two year old. What about winning colors and regret, both fillies, both against the colts at 11/4, and both won. Your comment about fillies should not race colt is not sound. Just because a couple of fillies broke down while racing colts doesn't mean they shouldn't race them. Colts break down against colts, Yet there is no out cry on that. Also Ruffian was against another speed ball in Foolish Pleasure, and they were going all out from the git go, which is way more stress than normal, for any horse. Most fillies or colts don't have to deal with that kind of stress. Eight Bells ran in the Derby against 20 colts, which again, most normally horses don't have to do

LDP / Wanda,

Rags to Riches was never the same after that race and was retired soon after. Her effort in the Belmont cost her another year of competing against the fillies and mares.  She could have been one of the best F&M ever!.  Last I checked Curlin is still running and winning races.

What about the other two BMC racing? What about Regret and Winning colors. Also as far as i know if you want to play still racing and winning game, Dreaming of Anna did race the boys and is still racing and doing rather well so obviously not all fillies are affected by racing against the boys. Also RR retired due to a fracture sustained in her last race. Even after she first sustained the fracture she was not retired. They brought her back into taining where she agrivated her leg injury then it was decided to retire her. It was not the Belmont that caused the injury if you want to play that game. RR was training quite well after being given a good rest. Then when she raced she took a bad step which resulted in a small hairline fracture, so it was not racing against colts in anyway that hurt her. Now, if you wish a rebuttal go right ahead, but either way, at least on RR your reasoning is faulty.

BMC, for every filly you name, you could name 10 colts. That argument doesn't hold water. It has been hashed and rehashed. Trainers, Veterinarians etc have all weighed in on that and have said if the filly is the right type, they can run against the colts. Search the PETA board and move on to another negativity that hasn't already been done to death.

Right LDP,

Winning colors after the mugging she took against Forty Niner. Who could forget Serena's Song who led early in the Derby then came back to win the Black Eyed Susan and have a stellar career. She wasn't even an imposing physical specimen either.

I'm OK with fillies/mares going up against males as long as they're "seasoned" first against lesser males, gradually moving up against male class. Don't misunderstand, I'm not second-guessing Larry Jones for running Eight Belles in the Derby, because I'm not. This is just me and how I'd be comfortable doing it.

People here have mentioned some very illustrious females, recently racing or from the past. Unless I missed her name somewhere on this blog, I'm disappointed that the lady who recently died hasn't been mentioned.

Genuine Risk, bless her heart, was the second filly to win the Kentucky Derby, and the greatest filly ever to run in the Triple Crown.

It breaks my heart to see how cruel people can be with their accusations without the benefit of the facts.  It is almost at epidemic proportions what people will say or do, and it seems the more hurtful the better.  I commend Larry Jones for his conduct in the face of adversity.  It is obvious that his faith has given him the strength to deal with his detractors.  Eight Belles was on her way to being a living legend, and she blossomed under Larry Jones' care and training.

I attended the ceremony for 8 Belles came in from Chicago for it. Larry Jones spoke from his heart and all of us in the audience were honored to give him a standing ovation. Like the Jacksons he truly love 8 Belles as did all of us. She was a gift we could not keep for long but treasure her time with us.

Regarding the fractions comment, every track plays differently, holds speed differently and the track conditions can change on a daily basis, which in turn can variate the times.  One track may seem slow, and another may seem lightning quick.  Fractions are a useful tool when lookin at PP's, but there are other things to consider.  The fact is that she wouldn't have ran, not to mention held, and finished, the Classic distance if she was outclassed, or unfit.  

JordanA: Thanks for the update on the HH's. I can't believe that the AP Trust thought that the AP Indy was worth more than 7 mill! I mean how much is too much.

I guess the good doctor didn't want to answer my question about his knowledge of racing. Too bad cause it would have answered some questions of my own.

OK Wanda, I'll respond to your question:

I've been actively involved in thoroughbred racing and breeding for better than 47 yrs. I've ridden them (pleasure, and when younger, as an exercise rider), trained them, cared for them, managed them, you name it... I have owned them (stallions, mares, racehorses, etc.), bred many, advised many, purchased for clients, pedigree advisor and consultant to numerous farms, etc. I refrained from mentioning this in previous posts, because I view it as beside the point. Above all else, I simply care about their welfare. Yes, as much as I'm involved and passionate about thoroughbred racing and breeding, and have devoted much of my life to it, I'd gladly see it go, but for the fact that this would cause less thoroughbreds to exist. I've concluded that the only answer is to make both rearing and racing as safe for them as humanly possible-which is a far cry from what exists today. So, for now, only those who can afford to treat them in this manner should be involved in their ownership.    

Wanda, not sure how 'good'he is.  BIG said a doc by that name on NTRA but not sure it's him. You know how the naysayers are. BIG also said his Dad a retired Ortho said if he could figure out a way to predict catastrophic fractures in humans or equines he'd have enough to buy into the Legends deal in a month, course he probably has enough to do it right now, but would be gravy. He said even with MRI it may just detect a weakness or maybe not. I broke my leg and ankle and had just had an MRI on my knee and lower leg a year before, not one thing showed on there and it was a freak accident, not even much force. I've had a history of stress fractures so I've had xrays etc but they never can predict them. I know for a fact that most people xray them to make sure the knees are closed and sometimes xray the ankles.  

Another HH went today for 90+. I need to start saving faster Legends are buying like crazy.

Great piece Jason. This tragedy even though it was totally unpredictable has touched so many.

I for one felt almost guilty when I cashed my winning tickets that included Eight Belles. As a result I made a decision to "tithe" and donated 10% of the proceeds from any winning ticket I had that had her number which included both superfectas, multiple trifectas, and multiple exactas to a local riding club for kids (including handicapped). I'm not saying this for accolades but rather would like to point out that I am sure that there are others out there who have done something similar.

This whole episode that played out on the grandest stage of them all really was a wakeup call for many. Going forward many positive things will come from this horrible tragedy. What a great legacy for a great filly who gave her life doing what she loved.

Dear Mr. Jones and Company,

Truth rings a bell, and when you say you had no inkling there was anything wrong with Eight Belles before the Derby, or you don't drug horses, I whoelheartedly believe you.  

After all the success with training you have had, it goes without saying you are a horse whisperer.  

I also believe that you heard the comfort of God in your hour of need.  This happened to me too, but as an admonishment and it set my fanny in the right direction.  

Just know that 99.99% of the world admires and supports you.  You can't forget the other minority because of the evil they can do.  But your fans, yes YOUR fans, believe in your honesty, and positive contributions to horse racing.  I hope we are enough to help sustain your faith in man.  We know God sustains you in all else.

Merry

PS Personally, I like animals better - they're not so persnickety.

Dr Fishman:Thank you for answering my question.Please don't take this as a personal insult sir, but we have had people on here with very little common sense. I respect your opinion on this subject and look forward to future debates on other subjects as well. Again no disrespect was intended.

JordanA: The HH's look better this year in terms of quality. Maybe better mares the second year?

Wanda, I'm going to look at the catalog page, not sure on the mares.

You know though I do disagree with you on the 'Dr'. He intended disrespect, so he deserves the same disrespect right back at him. He treated all of us with a great deal of disdain, like we don't know anything. What makes him such an expert? His history with race horses? No greater than that of any # of people who have done the same as him with far greater success. Because he's a Dr of unknown capabilities or specialty? He gave a perspective from an Orthopedic point of reference, is he an Ortho? I seriously doubt it or he would have mentioned it. I'll listen to BIG's dad, he is one of the most respected Ortho's in the region. I agree with Jason it sounds like this guy has an axe to grind. Larry was talking more about how he has dealt with this personal tragedy in his life. I really can't think that someone who converses with God and treats his horses as well as Larry does would risk this filly's life and a huge chunk of change if he kept running her in the filly and mare races.

p.s. I once had a Dr. misdiagnose an illness and nearly died as a result, therefore based on Fishman's reasoning I should say all Dr's are quacks, money hungry and could care less what happens to their patients. I'm reasonable though and know that is not true.

JordanA: Hey homie what I was trying to say was that even though we don't agree he has been in the business in differint ways for many years. That alone should give him respect. Horseracing can be a life style forever. I have horsey friends that I love and respect but we can disagree on many things about the sport. I've seen alot of scary people on this blog but I don't think he is one of them.I don't know any of you people and you don't know me but we are all passionate  about horseracing. Maybe he could have said what he said  in a differint way but lets give the guy another chance.

Wanda, I know what you are saying and I know I wouldn't normally disagree. But, I don't like being talked down to the way this person talked down to us. Just like certain other people who seem to be able to slam us whatever way they want and get away with it.

Larry Jones is one of my favorite trainers, and simply for his faith in the Lord and the strength he has in times like these. He really does love his horses, and this year has been so tough on him.

Only someone who's suddenly, unexpectedly, and tragically lost a beloved horse from their barn can fully understand the pain of this type of loss, the second-guessing, and the guilty feelings that maybe there could have been something you could have done to prevent it, knowing full well that really, there was nothing that could have been done better. You can see how genuine Mr. Jones hurt is, how he mentions different things occurring "after it happened." This was Mr. Jones 9/11, his Hurricane Katrina, his Tsunami...an event forever to be remembered and relived. I'm saddened to see that Mr. Jones is retiring, but how do you get past a thing like that? I lost my mare on Labor Day of 2007, and I couldn't pass this Labor Day without remembering our frantic struggle to save her life (colic), and the suffering she endured before the vet ended her life. I encourage Mr. Jones to enjoy the arrival of the spring foals and look ahead to a future of hope and life, and return to these animals who need a caring touch like his.