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.^[1] Post time was 6:15 p.m. EDT and was televised in the United States on the NBC television network.

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• Horse racing: Big Brown victorious in Kentucky Derby, runner-up Eight Belles breaks down

Big Brown won the race by nearly 5 lengths.^[2] 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.^[1]

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^[3]

Big Brown was made the 2-1 favorite off the strength of his win in the Florida Derby.^[4] Other leading contenders included Colonel John (Santa Anita Derby),^[5] Pyro (Louisiana Derby),^[6] and the filly Eight Belles (Fantasy Stakes).

Several horses recorded Grade I wins after the Derby.

• Big Brown^[4] – 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^[6] – 2009 Forego Stakes
• Tale of Ekati – Cigar Mile
• Visionaire – King's Bishop Stakes

Leading progeny of participants in the 2008 Kentucky Derby

• 2008 Preakness Stakes
• 2008 Belmont Stakes