Eight Bells Memorial

This past Sunday, people gathered to pay tribute to Eight Bells at her memorial service at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

The 3-year-old broke both front ankles moments after finishing second to Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby and was euthanized on the Churchill Downs track. The sudden, freakish death started a debate that has led to talk of major reform in an industry slow to change.

Flowers and cards surrounded the plaque above her grave, including a small bouquet of red roses from the Fans of Barbaro, a support group formed after 2006 Derby winner Barbaro broke down during the Preakness.

Larry Jones, thoroughbred trainer, held back tears as he lead the ceremony. Jones, who along with jockey Gabriel Saez came under heavy fire after the Derby, received a standing ovation while he spoke.

"It's a tribute to how many people really care about this sport," said Eight Belles owner Rick Porter. "Eight Belles touched a lot of hearts."