Eight Belles tests negative for steroids

Earlier autopsy showed no diseases or pre-existing bone abnormalities

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updated 10:38 p.m. ET May 17, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A steroids test for filly Eight Belles has come back negative.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority announced Friday that test results showed no traces of steroids in the filly, who was euthanized moments after finishing second to Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby on May 3 after breaking ankles in both of her front legs.

Eight Belles and the other 19 horses in the Derby were also tested for improper medication levels, as was the entire field in the Kentucky Oaks, won by Eight Belles' stablemate Proud Spell. All of the medication tests came back negative.

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An autopsy on Eight Belles completed earlier this week showed she had no diseases or pre-existing bone abnormalities before her breakdown.

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