Gabriel Saez

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Gabriel Saez (born February 1, 1988 in Port Darien, Panama) is a Panamanian horse racing jockey. Gabriel rode Eight Belles in the 2008 Kentucky Derby and came under criticism due to Eight Belles being euthanized following the race due to a fracture in both front ankles. In a letter to the Kentucky Racing authority, PETA claimed that the horse was "doubtlessly" injured during the race, and thus that Saez bore some responsibility for the injury and euthanization. [1] Eight Belles' trainer, Larry Jones, has vigorously defended Saez, saying "We have photographs 50 to 70 yards from where this happened and the horse had her ears up . . . If this horse had anything going on with her at the time, she didn't know it. If the horse never had a clue, there's no way the jockey could have had a clue." [2] The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority did not find any evidence of wrongdoing by Saez. [3]

The day before the Kentucky Derby, Saez rode Proud Spell to a win in the Kentucky Oaks.

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://msn.foxsports.com/horseracing/story/8102414/PETA-wants-Eight-Belles-jockey-suspended
  2. ^ Eight Belles trainer slams critics of jockey Saez | Sports | Reuters
  3. ^ KHRA Responds to Eight Belles Incident | bloodhorse.com

[edit] External links

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