NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - An animal rights group says the jockey who
rode Eight Belles in her final race should be suspended.
The filly suffered two broken ankles after finishing second in
Saturday's Kentucky Derby and had to be euthanized on the track.
She went down a-quarter mile past the wire.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals faxed a letter to
Kentucky's racing authority claiming Eight Belles was "doubtlessly
injured before the finish" and asking that Gabriel Saez be
suspended while the death is investigated.
Trainer Larry Jones disputes PETA's claim, saying Eight Belles
was clearly happy when she crossed the finish. He says her ears
were up and she was "clearly galloping out."
After an autopsy, the dark gray filly will be cremated. Jones
says Churchill Downs has offered a spot if the owner wants to keep
her ashes at the famed track.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)