It was a sad day for racing in Louisville, Kentucky. Big Brown, the unbeaten favorite with just three lifetime starts, claimed a daylight victory in 2:01.81 on a fast track for the 1 1/4-mile first leg of the Triple Crown. But Eight Belles, the only filly in the field and the horse with the most extensive record (9 starts) broke down, after finishing second, with fractures in both front ankles. She was euthanized on the track.

Big Brown embarrassed naysayers, who claimed his inexperience and outside post position would quash any hopes for a Derby victory. He won handily by 4 3/4 lengths, coming just off of the pace under Kent Desormeaux for trainer Richard Dutrow. The Boundary-sired colt is owned by IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr and paid $6.80 for the win.

This was the fifth start in 2008 for Eight Belles, trained by Larry Jones and ridden by Gabriel Saez. Denis of Cork, ridden by last year’s Derby winner, Calvin Borel, completed the trifecta. Here’s the complete order of finish:

1. Big Brown
2. Eight Belles
3. Denis of Cork
4. Tale of Ekati
5. Recapturetheglory
6. Colonel John
7. Anak Nakal
8. Pyro
9. Cowboy Cal
10. Z Fortune
11. Smooth Air
12. Visionaire
13. Court Vision
14. Z Humor
15. Cool Coal Man
16. Bob Black Jack
17. Gayego
18. Big Truck
19. Adriano
20. Monba