I am sorry to say that the Derby fillie I  wrote about yesterday died!

Eight Belles finished a strong second in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, but any celebration turned to grief and sorrow when the filly collapsed with two broken ankles and had to be euthanized.

Trainer Larry Jones was clearly emotional and fighting back tears as he spoke at his barn after the race at Churchill Downs. [USA Today]

Sadly many race horses live short lives. According to PETA, ”a New York Daily News reporter remarked, The thoroughbred race horse is a genetic mistake. It runs too fast, its frame is too large, and its legs are far too small. As long as mankind demands that it run at high speeds under stressful conditions, horses will die at racetracks” Yikes!

To learn more about the ethical treatment of animals and check out peta.org.

Even with horses there is a lack of females athletes, but today at the 134th Kentucky Derby, one female horse named Eight Belles will take on 19 boys Saturday.

Trainer Larry Jones officially entered the filly Eight Belles in the Derby on Wednesday, ending speculation that she might run in the Derby-eve Kentucky Oaks for fillies. “I’m willing to take a shot,” owner Rick Porter said. [The Ledger]

This will be Eight Belles first co-ed competition. Go girl power!  

For some female empowerment inspiration with no horsing around (yes I had to go there) and check out feminist.com.