Big Brown Lost the triple crown

[Mighty Thor]

I'm not a horse guy nor do I gamble in horse races. I used to go out with a lady that owned 4 horses and I learned to appreciate these animals. But anyway, All this hoopla about this incredible horse name Big Brown that will deliver the Triple Crown, which hasn't happen in 30 years, didn't come true..

20/20 teleview show gave the person of the week to the jockie and everything and tremendous publicity on this. As a matter of fact not since Seabiscuit were fans of horse races and horse itself were ever this excited.

Well here's the full story:

NEW YORK (June 7) - Big Brown failed in his bid to become U.S. horse racing's 12th Triple Crown winner when he finished last behind 38-1 choice Da' Tara in the Belmont Stakes.


Triple Crown Near-MissesRob Carr, APBig Brown comes up short of being the first thoroughbred in over 30 years to win the Triple Crown. Instead, he becomes yet another horse to have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown, only to fail in the Belmont Stakes. Here are the stories of some stunning near-misses.

Da' Tara led from the start to beat eight other thoroughbreds over 2,400 meters (1.5 miles), the longest and toughest of the three classics.

"I had no horse," said Big Brown's jockey, Kent Desormeaux.

All week long, Big Brown's trainer, Rick Dutrow Jr. said the horse's victory was "a foregone conclusion."

Instead of Big Brown becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner and first in 30 years, he was the first of 19 horses going for a Triple to finish last.

"He wasn't himself," winning trainer Nick Zito said, referring to Big Brown. "Things happen for a reason."

Da' Tara and jockey Alan Garcia sprinted to the lead out of the gate. Big Brown, eager in the early going, ran up on Da' Tara's heels heading into the first turn - the first indication it wasn't going to be his coronation day.

Da' Tara had the lead down the backstretch, with Tale of Ekati in second and Big Brown running third on the outside with a clear path. This was Big Brown's moment, and Desormeaux asked him to go. He didn't respond.

"He was empty. He didn't have anything left," Desormeaux said.


The Triple Crown
Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. watches as Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown is walked around the shed row by exercise rider Michelle Nevin at Belmont Park, Wednesday, May 21, 2008, in Elmont, N.Y. The Belmont Stakes horse race takes place June 7. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Exercise rider Michelle Nevin walks Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown around the shed row at Belmont Park, Wednesday, May 21, 2008, in Elmont, N.Y. The Belmont Stakes horse race takes place June 7. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Exercise rider Michelle Nevin pauses with Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown as she walks him around the shedrow at Belmont Park, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Trainer Bob Baffert stands in front of a mural at Bodines Casino on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, during its grand opening in Carson City, Nev. Baffert likes Big Brown's chances to win the Triple Crown. "The horse is a super horse," he said. "He just comes from a different cloth. I really think the great horses will get it done. If he's a great horse, he'll get it done." (AP Photo/Reno Gazette-Journal, Lisa J. Tolda) ** MAGS OUT TV OUT NO SALES **

While pounding his fist on the table, jockey Kent Desormeaux, who rode Big Brown to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes horse races, says, "I am the promoter of the sport right now. There is nothing I want to do more than promote this sport," Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Bodines Casino and Restaurant in Carson City, Nev. (AP Photo/Reno Gazette-Journal. Lisa J. Tolda) ** MAGS OUT NO SALES TV OUT **

Jockey Kent Desormeaux, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes horse races aboard Big Brown, smiles Tuesday, May 20, 2008, during the opening of Bodines Casino and Resort in Carson City, Nev. The casino is part owned by Mike Pegram. He owned Real Quiet, the horse Desormeaux rode to wins in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 1998.

Exercise rider Michelle Nevin stands outside Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown's stall after training at Belmont Park, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in Elmont, N.Y.

Richard Dutrow Jr., trainer for Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, relaxes outside the stable at Belmont Park, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in Elmont, N.Y.

Richard Dutrow Jr., trainer for Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, laughs as he answers questions for the media at Belmont Park, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in Elmont, N.Y.

Richard Dutrow Jr., trainer for Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, answers questions for the media at Belmont Park, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in Elmont, N.Y.

Da' Tara opened up a clear lead turning for home, while Big Brown angled to the far outside under restraint. Big Brown still wanted to run, but Desormeaux knew it was over and focused on getting the colt home safely.

Big Brown was running on a quarter crack in his left front hoof that wasn't patched until Friday. Even as the horse was making his way to the starting gate, Dutrow said the crack was a "non-issue."

"He looked fine," said Dr. Larry Bramlage, the on-call veterinarian. "All I saw was when Desormeaux started to slow him down. The first thing you expected is something is wrong. He was not lame when he stopped here in front of the stands."

Da' Tara, the longest shot on the board, won by 5 1/4 lengths over Denis of Cork and covered the distance in 2 minutes, 29.65 seconds. There was a dead heat for third between Anak Nakal and Ready's Echo. Macho Again was fifth, followed by Tale of Ekati, Guadalcanal, Icabad Crane and Big Brown.

Da' Tara paid $79 to win on a $2 wager.

Zito spoiled a Triple Crown bid four years ago when he saddled Birdstone to an upset of Smarty Jones. He also trained Anak Nakal.

While the thousands of fans jammed along the rail focused on Big Brown, Da' Tara pressed on to the finish line, obviously tired but triumphant.


Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-06-07 18:16:02



Here's one of Big Brown's vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrIv7pHkJPs

[youngsc]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

This is funnier than hell that he lost. All those people that bet on him are dumb. The odds were so in his favor that you had to put down thousands to make it worth while. After casino got scratched it made more sense to throw money out there on a 30-1 horse. I had my money on casino and 5 minutes later he got scratched, SOB. We won't see a triple crown for a while.

As a side I hate horse racing it's about as borderline cruelty to animals as you get.

Yes I will bet on it because it like so many other things is an oppurtunity to make more money. I'd bet on which mexican will make it to the border fence first if I could.

[josh98bird]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

Of course the rider pulled up... there's a place here in KY that is purchasing Big Brown, he will bring in so much money. Its crazy how much people spend in the horse community.

[dgreet77]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

As a side I hate horse racing it's about as borderline cruelty to animals as you get.

^I suppose you have your heart set on that, but those horses are treated like kings...any person would be lucky to have a life where they only had to work one or two years with every kind of benefit and then retire to a life of breeding :banana: So if you would like to call that cruelty...well then I am not sure what to tell you. haha.

And it would have been nice to see a triple crown...thats still one hell of a horse

[Mogobs30th]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

^I suppose you have your heart set on that, but those horses are treated like kings...any person would be lucky to have a life where they only had to work one or two years with every kind of benefit and then retire to a life of breeding :banana: So if you would like to call that cruelty...well then I am not sure what to tell you. haha.

That couldn't be any less true. These horses are treated like kings TO A POINT. Once they reach the age to where they cant race, it is usually pretty unlikely they will be used for breeding purposes, simply because there would be too many horses going out to breed. These horses that either reach the age of not being able to race anymore, or become injured to a point where they cant race, are usually sold to recyclers for just a few hundred dollars if that. I don't want to go into details as to what happens to them after that, but I can say that some countries consider horse as a delicacy. Its really a shame.

Im all for horse racing, but to those who wish to own a horse and race it should have plans for that horse after its racing career is over. Ending up on some Frenchman's plate is not a proper way to treat these horses.

[dgreet77]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

That couldn't be any less true. These horses are treated like kings TO A POINT. Once they reach the age to where they cant race, it is usually pretty unlikely they will be used for breeding purposes, simply because there would be too many horses going out to breed. These horses that either reach the age of not being able to race anymore, or become injured to a point where they cant race, are usually sold to recyclers for just a few hundred dollars if that. I don't want to go into details as to what happens to them after that, but I can say that some countries consider horse as a delicacy. Its really a shame.

Im all for horse racing, but to those who wish to own a horse and race it should have plans for that horse after its racing career is over. Ending up on some Frenchman's plate is not a proper way to treat these horses.

Those are high dollar horses...they don't just get used up and thrown away...money isn't made on a horse winning races...its made on the colts that horse produces after it races...and I highly doubt any horse that races in the Derby, Preakness, or Belmont ever sold for just a few hundred dollars. And as far as eating horses go, I don't like the idea of it, and thats fine seeing as how horses can't be slaughtered in the United States anymore anyways. If a frenchman wants to pay a zillion bucks to freight a horse from here to there to eat....well....i guess he can do that...seems to me there is better things a frenchman would do with his money though....but in all fairness some people take better care of their animals than others do...although i really do not think it is in any owners interest to not take care of them... especially in this high dollar horse racing.

[Mogobs30th]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

Those are high dollar horses...they don't just get used up and thrown away...money isn't made on a horse winning races...its made on the colts that horse produces after it races...and I highly doubt any horse that races in the Derby, Preakness, or Belmont ever sold for just a few hundred dollars. And as far as eating horses go, I don't like the idea of it, and thats fine seeing as how horses can't be slaughtered in the United States anymore anyways. If a frenchman wants to pay a zillion bucks to freight a horse from here to there to eat....well....i guess he can do that...seems to me there is better things a frenchman would do with his money though....but in all fairness some people take better care of their animals than others do...although i really do not think it is in any owners interest to not take care of them... especially in this high dollar horse racing.

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Episode 134, story is called "Hidden Horses". You'll get all the info you need, and it says exactly what I was saying.

[Firebirdkid96]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

i made some money by taking a big brown vs. the field bet with a friend....

hes mighty pissed lol

[Mighty Thor]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Episode 134, story is called "Hidden Horses". You'll get all the info you need, and it says exactly what I was saying.

I have to agree with dgreet. My lady friend pays 100k for ex-thorough breed race horses that has a good decendant line. She uses them for breeding. People pay a lot for stud fees for these kind of horses, esp. for a thorough breed. And their babies can be sold for a pretty high price.

She once told me that she sold one of her horse which was a decendant of Seabicuit and the General for 200k. She makes a lot of money doing this aside from the other business that she does which is rehabilitation for injured horses.

I don't think thorough breeds winds up on some French guy's plate. They are just way too expensive. Plus the rich people usually treats them with a lot of love. Just like Barbaro. Even though he was injured the owners spent a lot of money trying to rehab. him. They know full well that Barboro would never race again. But in the end Barbaro was put down because of infection, if I remember correctly.

However, I do know for a fact that Greyhounds (race dogs) are treated cruelly once they become useless or too old.

[youngsc]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

Let me explain what I meant. Yes they are treated like kings to a point like wes said, what I more referring to is just the simple fact that your riding this animal to the ground for 2 solid minutes whipping the **** out of it. Imagine if we were riding some fat person making them run around the block whipping them to go faster, people would be pissed. I haven't been around dogs to know one way or the other but I would imagine that any animal kept in captivity for a purpose is not going to be treated as well as everyone thinks.

[Mogobs30th]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

I have to agree with dgreet. My lady friend pays 100k for ex-thorough breed race horses that has a good decendant line. She uses them for breeding. People pay a lot for stud fees for these kind of horses, esp. for a thorough breed. And their babies can be sold for a pretty high price.

She once told me that she sold one of her horse which was a decendant of Seabicuit and the General for 200k. She makes a lot of money doing this aside from the other business that she does which is rehabilitation for injured horses.

I don't think thorough breeds winds up on some French guy's plate. They are just way too expensive. Plus the rich people usually treats them with a lot of love. Just like Barbaro. Even though he was injured the owners spent a lot of money trying to rehab. him. They know full well that Barboro would never race again. But in the end Barbaro was put down because of infection, if I remember correctly.

However, I do know for a fact that Greyhounds (race dogs) are treated cruelly once they become useless or too old.

What??? I give you and dgreet proof, and you still think Im wrong. Watch the episode.

[dgreet77]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

What??? I give you and dgreet proof, and you still think Im wrong. Watch the episode.

:bs: do you really believe everything you see on tv?

[Mogobs30th]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

:bs: do you really believe everything you see on tv?

Do you think everything you see on TV is false? Could there not be ANY truth to it at all? Can you atleast WATCH the damn thing?

[Fbody3400]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

:bs: do you really believe everything you see on tv?

Go ahead and take off that tin-foil hat.

I'm pretty sure Bryant Gumbel on Real Sports isn't trying to spread some crazy lie about ****ing horse racing.

[josh98bird]

Re: Big Brown Lost the triple crown

I have to agree that the horses aren't treated properly. You can say they are treated like kings, but to who's opinion. If it was up to the horse, I guarantee they wouldn't want to be whipped, shot up with roids, and put down after 2 years of running due to an injury cause by forcing them to run.

IMO, the best horses here in KY are the ones I pass on the road that like to run along the fence line. There are plenty here treated great, but there are some that are used for money and money only. If they made sure that the horses were not lashed and drugged, it would be different. I have met plenty of these wealthy owners, they are pure a-holes who put on a show in front of the cameras. Do they care about the horse??? Hell yeah, If I had a 300,000 dollar bill sitting here and it fell and had to be put down, I'd cry like a baby as well.

And for your info Mogobs... people did try to get Barbaro back to health even though they knew he would never race again, but it wasn't the owners decision. So many petitions around town and so many people on the news kept talking about it and trying to raise money. Supposedly someone said they would buy him and take care of him, the owner could have cared less if the media wasn't involved.