More Derby fall-out · 11.05.08

8 bells for Eight Belles

There’s an on-line petition that urges Churchill Downs to honour Eight Belles at next year’s Derby by ringing eight bells prior to the race. The term “8 bells” is a nautical term — it can signify either the end of a watch aboard ship, or the death of a sailor (the end of his life-long watch). Go, read, sign.

‘Big Brown’ for Big Brown

UPS (a.k.a. “Big Brown”) is now the exclusive marketing partner for Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown. The horse was already named for the company’s nickname; UPS sponsored jockey Kent Desormeoux for the Derby; and UPS has been the official delivery company of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association since 2006.

Big brown’s big heart

Marianna Haun has been conducting research into the so-called “x-factor”: a gene on the x-chromasome of some Thoroughbreds which causes them to develop an over-sized, extra powerful heart. About half-way through his wrap-up of the Derby, Steve Haskin quotes Haun as saying that Big Brown displays all the characteristics of an x-factor horse, so his Derby victory was no surprise to her. Haskin’s implication is that a Triple Crown sweep by Big Brown is looking more and more plausible.

Moss’ musings

ESPN’s Randy Moss asks “What’s going on here?”, and concludes: “[C]asual fans repeatedly subjected to the sickening sight of horses snapping leg bones in major races are viewing the sport with a suspicious eye, and we can’t blame them…. [I]mmediate action must follow to assure the American public that deadly injuries to racing stars aren’t simply shrugged off as ‘part of the game’”.

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