2008 Kentucky Derby

The 2008 Kentucky Derby was the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 3, 2008, with 157,770 in attendance, the second largest in Derby history. Post time was 6:15 p.m. EDT and was televised in the United States on the NBC television network.

Big Brown won the race by nearly 5 lengths. Eight Belles, the second-place finisher and the first filly to run the Derby in nine years, was euthanized following the end of the race after fracturing both front ankles while galloping out. It is believed to be the first fatality in Kentucky Derby history.

Payout

 * The 134th Kentucky Derby Payout Schedule


 * $2 Exacta (20-5) Paid  $141.60
 * $2 Trifecta (20-5-16) Paid  $3,445.60
 * $2 Superfecta (20-5-16-2) Paid   $58,737.80

Field
Big Brown was made the 2-1 favorite off the strength of his win in the Florida Derby. Other leading contenders included Colonel John (Santa Anita Derby), Pyro (Louisiana Derby), and the filly Eight Belles (Fantasy Stakes).

Subsequent Grade I wins
Several horses recorded Grade I wins after the Derby.
 * Big Brown – Preakness Stakes, Haskell Invitational
 * Bob Black Jack – Malibu Stakes
 * Colonel John – Travers Stakes
 * Court Vision – Hollywood Derby, 2009 Turf Mile Stakes, 2010 Breeders' Cup Mile, Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap, Woodbine Mile
 * Gayego – 2009 Ancient Title Stakes
 * Pyro – 2009 Forego Stakes
 * Tale of Ekati – Cigar Mile
 * Visionaire – King's Bishop Stakes

Subsequent breeding careers
Leading progeny of participants in the 2008 Kentucky Derby Big Brown (1st)
 * Dortmund – Los Alamitos Futurity, Santa Anita Derby. 3rd in 2015 Kentucky Derby

Colonel John (6th)
 * La Coronel – Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Stakes

Court Vision (13th)
 * Storm the Court – 2019 American champion 3yo, Breeders' Cup Juvenile
 * Mr. Havercamp – 2018 Canadian champion older horse
 * King and His Court – 2016 Canadian champion 2yo

Tale of Ekati (4th)
 * Girvin – Haskell Invitational

Sources: American Classic Pedigrees, Equibase, Blood-Horse Stallion Register