5 of 8
Post parade
Eight Belles in the post parade for the 2008 Kentucky Derby
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
Jockey Gabriel Saez said in a statement the Monday after the Derby, "I remain heartbroken over Eight Belles, and I want to let her many fans know that she never gave me the slightest indication before or during the race that there was anything bothering her. All I could sense under me was how eager she was to race. 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."