Autopsy: Eight Belles had no pre-existing bone abnormalities

[kepdawg]

Autopsy: Eight Belles had no pre-existing bone abnormalities

Associated Press

Updated: May 15, 2008, 4:50 PM ET

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- An autopsy revealed that euthanized filly Eight Belles had no pre-existing bone abnormalities that caused her to break down after the Kentucky Derby.

The tests were performed by chief Kentucky veterinarian Lafe Nichols. It confirms compound fractures of both front legs at the fetlock joints.

The autopsy didn't include results of postrace drug tests. It will be several days before those are available. Eight Belles' trainer, Larry Jones, has requested additional tests to prove the filly wasn't on steroids.

Eight Belles was euthanized on the track at Churchill Downs after the Derby when she broke down while jogging about a quarter-mile past the finish line. She finished second to Big Brown in the race.

LINK (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/news/story?id=3398044)

[Old Tiger]

Go figure....at sales these horses are picked and probed more than the athletes at the NFL combine. For the two weeks leading up to the sale marquee horses will receive anywhere from 5-100 x-rays for ankles, hips, knees, shins. Also there are various other test for respiratory and cardiac.