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May 17, 2008 12:43:50 AM CDT

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Eight Belles' Trainer Defends Jockey's Conduct  

Posted May 5, 08 11:34 PM CDT in Sports    Most Covered

(newser) – The trainer of euthanized filly Eight Belles adamantly defended the way jockey Gabriel Saez handled the Kentucky Derby runner-up. In an interview with The Associated Press on Monday, Larry Jones said Saez applied the whip only to prevent Eight Belles from crashing into the rail.

"This filly in every race has tried to drift toward the rail," Jones said. "It's her comfort zone, and Gabriel knows this. This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they're wanting to jump down his throat. He did not try to abuse that horse to make her run faster. He knew he was second best, that she wasn't going to catch Big Brown."

Source Associated Press

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Eight Belles' Trainer Defends Jockey's Conduct
A small vase of flowers was left at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Ky., Monday, May 5, 2008, in sympathy for Kentucky Derby second-place winner Eight Belles.   (AP Photo)
Eight Belles' Trainer Defends Jockey's Conduct
Track personnel try to hold down Eight Belles as jockey Gabriel Saez walks past after the 134th Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.   (AP Photo/Brian Bohannon)
Eight Belles' Trainer Defends Jockey's Conduct
Eight Belles is examined on the track after the 134th Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Eight Belles was euthanized after breaking both front ankles.   (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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