by Frank Angst

A necropsy of Eight Belles, who was euthanized after breaking down following her second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), found no pre-existing bone abnormalities in the filly.

The necropsy determined that Eight Belles suffered compound fractures in both front legs at the fetlock joints.

Dr. Lafe Nichols, chief state veterinarian, also found no disease or cardiovascular condition affecting the pulmonary systems or other major organs. That determination should end speculation that the horse first collapsed before suffering the leg injuries.

The report also noted a hemorrhage surrounding the left thyroid gland that measured three by five centimeters. The pathologist concluded that this injury was likely caused when she fell.

“No pathology was found to indicate the occurrence of any other catastrophic event beside the fractured legs,” the pathologist concluded. “No pre-existing bone pathology was observed.”

Ordered by the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, the necropsy was performed at the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center at the University of Kentucky. The results of routine post-race drug testing have not yet been received. That testing is being performed at the authority’s official laboratory at Iowa State University.

At its May 19 meeting, authority Chairman Robert Beck Jr. plans to form a work group to study health and safety issues relating to Thoroughbred racing.

“Nothing is more important to the racing industry than the safety of the competitors,” said Lisa Underwood, the authority’s executive director.

Click here to read the necropsy report.

Frank Angst is a Thoroughbred Times senior writer