DAVIS, Calif. -- Scientists at UC Davis are working to end fatal horse racing injuries like the one that took place Saturday at the Kentucky Derby.

Sue Stover, a UC Davis veterinarian, said she was devastated when she saw the horse Eight Belles be put down after suffering a fatal injury at the Derby.

"We are working hard to prevent them [injuries]," Stover said. "My research is focused on understanding the factors that lead to injury."

The lab at UC Davis has 15 scientists studying everything from genetic makeup to training workouts, and even the track itself.

They hope to find a way to end deadly horse injuries.

Stover said researchers know that a majority of fatal injuries happen over time, caused by small injuries like a stress fracture that can't be detected by X-rays.

"Often times, a mild injury predisposes or sets up a horse for a catastrophic injury in otherwise normal conditions," she said.

This year's Derby runner-up Eight Belles, a filly, broke both ankles as she crossed the finish line behind winner Big Brown.

Eight Belles is the fourth horse to suffer a fatal injury at a Triple Crown event since 2005.