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Eight Belles Jockey Defends His Ride

Posted May 7, 08 7:23 PM CDT in US,  Sports 

(Newser) – The jockey who rode Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby says the filly seemed to be in fine form during the race and denies pushing her against her will, USA Today reports. "I'm not going to encourage her to run if I know something is wrong because I can end up dead," said Gabriel Saez, 20. The horse's trainer has noted that the filly's ears were up at the finish line, a sign it was "perfectly happy."

Saez objected to PETA's demand that he be suspended for using his whip excessively down the stretch. "I respect that they love animals so much because I do, too," said the native of Panama. "At the same time, it bothers me because they are talking about something they have no clue about."

Source USA Today

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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)
Jockey Gabriel Saez waits in the paddock for his mount before the start of the seventh race at Delaware Park, Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in Stanton, Del.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Kent Desormeaux rides Big Brown past Gabriel Saez riding Eight Belles (5) to win the 134th Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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horse racing • animal rights • Kentucky Derby • Eight Belles • Gabriel Saez


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