On May 3, 2008, one hundred and fifty thousand fans packed into Churchill Downs to watch the 134th Kentucky Derby. #20, Big Brown, was the favorite followed by #10, Colonel John. The only filly in the race was #5, Eight Belles. Across a mile and a quarter, Big Brown and Eight Belles ran a great race. Eight Belles ended up coming second to Big Brown, an amazing feat for a filly competing against nineteen stallions.

Sadly, a quarter mile after the finish line, Eight Belles collapsed. At first, everyone, even the announcers thought it was a heart problem considering what the filly had been running against. That was not the case. Eight Belles suffered compound fractures on both front ankles and had to be uthenized right there. The trainer hadn't even gotten onto the track before that. It is a tragedy that will be the highlight of this Kentucky Derby for years to come.

Great racing, Eight Belles. You showed that fillies can race with the big boys, too.