Big Brown and Eight Belles in the stretch at the Derby

The race was marred by tragedy, as, while galloping out behind winner Big Brown, second place finisher Eight Belles fell at the 7/8 pole. She had broken both front ankles and was euthanized immediately by the track veterinarian. Jockey Gabriel Saez was thrown to the track but escaped injury. Saez said, "After we passed the wire I stood up. She started galloping funny and I tried to pull her up. But she went down." Trainer Larry Jones said, "She had her ears up as she crossed the wire. We were high-fiving. I told everyone if we run 4th, 5th, or 6th, we've had a great weekend as long as she comes back to the barn good."