A petition urging Churchill Downs to honor Fox Hill Farms’ deceased filly Eight Belles by ringing eight bells, a nautical euphemism for “finished,” prior to the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), is gaining momentum among horse lovers across the nation.

The online petition, started by horse lover Joni Massengale, requests the memorial action be taken in memory of Eight Belles after her tragic breakdown in the 2008 edition of the Derby.  

The term “eight bells” signifies the ending of one watch and the beginning of another aboard a ship. It can also be a way of saying that a sailor’s life long watch is over, for instance, in his or her obituary. 

The petition reads: “Whereas the Kentucky Derby is the epitome of Thoroughbred horse racing, rich in its history and traditions; and whereas the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing is a celebration of the beauty and athleticism of the breed; and whereas on May 3, 2008 one horse raced with the heart of a champion and a spirit greater than her body; let eight bells be rung before the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby in memory of the filly