Kentucky Derby Tragedy

Kentucky Derby weekend is usually a time filled with excitement and anticipation. It starts with the running of the Kentucky Oaks for three-year-old fillies (females) on Friday. This year's Oaks day started out by bringing back bad memories for trainer Michael Matz, who conditioned Barbaro to a Derby win in 2006. His horse Chelokee, a Derby contender last year, stumbled and fell in the stretch during the running of the Alysheba Stakes, tossing rider Ramon Dominguez.

Initial reports for Chelokee looked bad; however, the outcome was later revised after X-rays were taken. Chelokee was diagnosed with a dislocated right-front ankle, an injury that will require surgery to fuse the 5-cm gap. Although his chances for survival are only 50-50, it's a good sign that the colt is in playful spirits. A traffic cone was added to his stall as a toy - and distraction - to keep him from attempting to pull out his IV.

There was a much more serious injury suffered in the running of the Derby the next day. Eight Belles, stablemate of Oaks' winner Proud Spell, is one of the few fillies who attempted to be the fourth filly in the 134-year history of the Derby to beat the boys. She finished second to winner Big Brown, beating 18 other colts. The cost? She suffered a condylar fracture to each front ankle.

With an injury as sudden and severe as two broken front-ankles, Eight Belles fell immediately and could not stand. Horses bear approximately 70% of their weight on the forehand, or front legs. The track veterinarians and trainer decided to euthanize her immediately because there was no way to repair the damage. To make matters worse, the skin was torn, contaminating the break.

So is the racing surface the problem? Or is the thoroughbred getting weaker? Several people interviewed on NBC after the race said they felt the condition of the track at Churchill Downs did not contribute to the injuries. I'm not so sure. The track was "sealed" (packed with rollers) multiple times after downpours on Friday. It was labeled "fast" by Saturday afternoon – the best condition – but was probably quite hard.

The SuperfectaBlog notes that for several generations, thoroughbreds have been bred for speed at the expense of soundness. Eight Belles' sire is Unbridled's Song (stud fee $150,000) who had hoof issues while racing. Several of his get (offspring) have inherited the trend. Did this contribute to the demise of Eight Belles?

Big Brown, the winner of this year's Derby, has also been plagued by hoof problems throughout his racing career. In fact, his feet are literally glued together with special shoes. After his retirement, there is no doubt that he will be in high demand as a sire to (hopefully) pass on his speed and power to future generations. But will his flimsy feet be passed on too? We can only hope not.

Resources:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/94217.html

http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/45028.htm

http://www.drf.com/news/article/94274.html

http://thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/May/03/Eight-Belles-euthanized-after-runner-up-finish-in-Kentucky-Derby.aspx

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45041.htm

http://superfectablog.blogspot.com/

http://www.timesleader.com/sports/20080504_04_eight_belles_spt_ART.html

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