I watched Eight Belles carry Larry Jones around the Churchill Downs oval all week before the Derby. She was big, bold and beautiful. Watching her before the race, she seemed to feed off the crowd's excitement, yet her eyes remained calm and steady. The race she ran soon after was remarkable. She embodied the spirit and fire that is the thoroughbred. We were blessed to have her for her too brief life. I hope her legacy of courage and spirit inspires in all of us an even greater appreciation of these beautiful creatures who give their all. - K. Dardzinski; Rochester Hills, MI	I did not know of her until she was already gone. I had learned of her death before I had seen any picture of her. Upon seeing a picture of her, my heart shattered. So, hello and good bye, beautiful girl. Every time I see your picture my heart breaks a little more. As I keep you in my heart my prayers go out to the horses still running. All those who love and miss you will find a way to help lessen the dangers for those you ran with and those who will run in the future. In that way, your death will not have been in vain. You have passsed the watch on to us and we will work earnestly and diligently not let you down. - L. Cacavio; Jacksonville, FL
To a true lady who ran with the boys and gave her heart with each and every step! Fly free Eight Belles. - G. Booth; Montgomery, NY	They say that you have to have heart. Never saw more in my life! - C. Rich; Dallas, TX
My deepest, deepest sympathy goes out to all those who were privileged and honored to have had their lives touched by this brilliant filly, especially the Porter/Jones' families who are feeling the huge loss of "one of their own". My thoughts are with you. - D. Hobb; Graham, WA	8 bells not just for a beautiful, courageous filly who was better than all but one colt, but for all of the horses who have raced their hearts out for us and left them on the track. Let 8 bells ring not only for Eight Belles, but for Barbaro, Go For Wand, George Washington, Ruffian, Black Gold, and all the others. - B. Newburg; Cape Coral, FL
You will always be in my family's heart Eight Belles. You were absolutely beautiful. It was the first time my 5-year old daughter watched the derby and she thought it was so great that your number was 5! We are so proud of you and think it would be a great honor to have eight bells ring in your honor before the start of the next Kentucky Derby. - D. Van Horn; Ashland, OH	Eight Belles, I cheered you on from the beginning of the race. When I saw you made it to second place I was THRILLED...then my heart broke. No. No. No. Not her! I screamed. I hope you did not suffer long. I know you are in a loving place. The heavenly pastures are blessed with another Champiion: Eight Belles. Rest in peace, sweetheart! - Judy G.; Burbank, CA
I have seen all of her races. She was a true Champion. She passed away doing what she was born and breed to do---run very, very fast. She proved she deserved to run with the Colts. She may not have won the race, but she was clearly the Best Of the Rest. - D. Isken; Wilmington, DE	I will always remember Eight Belles' courageous race to the finish line in the Kentucky Derby just as much as I will want to forget what came after. Thank you Eight Belles for that gallant finish. - R. Mottin; Guelph, ON, Canada