Big Brown
From AlexBrownRacing
Contents |
Photos and Info on Big Brown
(photo by Jason Reed/Reuters)
(photo by Z, Matt Barton)
(photo by Z, Vincent Dusovic)
(photos by Coglianese Photos)
Owner: IEAH Stables & Paul Pompa, Jr., et al
Breeder: Monticule
State Bred: KY
Winnings: 8 Starts: 7 - 0 - 0 $3,614,500
At 3: Won Kentucky Derby (G1), Preakness S. (G1), Florida Derby (G1,9F), Haskell Invitational S. (G1), Monmouth S.
Sired by BOUNDARY (by Danzig), out of MIEN (by Nureyev). Lots of Damascus, Round Table and Northern Dancer blood in this horse.
Big Brown's Bio from Bloodhorse
(photo by Jeffrey Snyder)
Excerpts from Steve Haskin's Derby recap: As difficult as it is to look beyond the death of Eight Belles, there was reason for elation, and the filly’s tragic end should not place a shroud over the remarkable performance by Big Brown, who elevated himself into a stratosphere reserved only for a rare breed of Thoroughbred.
The colt defied history by winning the Derby in his fourth career start, something that hadn’t been done since Regret in 1915, and by winning from post 20, which was accomplished only by Clyde Van Dusen in 1929, prior to the advent of the starting gate.
The one aspect of Dutrow most people do not get an opportunity to witness firsthand is his undying love of horses, something he’s had since his early childhood when working for his father. “Where is he?” Dutrow asked rhetorically, as if about to greet a long lost friend. “You are the freakin’ man,” he said admiringly after entering Big Brown’s stall. He gave the colt a dozen or so affectionate smacks on the neck and then wrapped his arms tightly around his neck for about 30 seconds, as if unable or unwilling to let go. Big Brown never moved as he rested his head on Dutrow’s shoulder. With Big Brown peering straight ahead as Dutrow embraced him, it was one of those priceless moments that seem frozen in time. When Dutrow finally did let go, he looked at Big Brown and noticed something he’d never seen before. “He’s tired,” Dutrow said. “Look at my boy.” Then, directing his comments to the horse, he said, “I finally got you. I finally got you tired. Look at my little buddy. You kicked their ass, Brown.”
“He might come out to a couple of boos, but at the end of the day everybody’s here for the horse,” Iavarone said. “Rick’s personal life hasn’t been the greatest, but that’s behind him. People don’t realize that these horses are like his children. Nobody takes care of their horses like he does. And Rick’s whole life is this horse, I promise you.”
“When I saw him take the lead and no one was coming, I went crazy,” Dutrow said. “Then it hit me: we’re gonna win the Kentucky Derby.”
As Dutrow and the owners and their families celebrated in the Kentucky Derby Museum, Nevin was back at the barn reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime horse she has had the privilege to ride.“He’s just an amazing horse,” she said. “Everyone who has ever been on his back says the same thing. He does everything so easily, it’s unbelievable. He’s one of those freaky, special horses we’re all dying to see. Even when Recapturetheglory was going crazy in the tunnel, we were two horses behind him and there were crowds of people right behind us and he was just so cool. He’s got a presence about him. He has a beautiful face and when he looks at you, he looks right into your eyes.”
(photos by REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)
Send Big Brown a Good Luck e-mail ...and enter contest!
(photo by Monica, aka Hornsix1)
BIG BROWN RETIRED
Racing fans did not just lose a national headliner in Big Brown. They lost much more, and it’s a shame many were not able to recognize just what a special horse this was and how strongly he should have been embraced. It is at least appropriate that his final two races were in front of adoring, enthusiastic crowds at Monmouth Park who paid him the tribute he deserved.
Big Brown never lost a race he finished, and except for his still unexplained meltdown in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), he was the consummate professional in everything he did. He had a swagger to him, he loved the attention, and he had charisma. He would stop while walking the shed to pose for photographers, and was aware of everything around him. One time, after being led out to be washed, he looked up and intently eyed a pigeon on the roof for several minutes. There was nothing about him that wasn’t special, and while no one is comparing him to Secretariat, there is little doubt he had greatness in him. It could have been solidified in the Breeders’ Cup, but we’ll never have a chance to find out.
By Steve Haskin, Oct. 14, 2008 read the whole article
Big Brown enjoys breeding role The Courier-Journal 5/3/09
Breeders give Big Brown a thumbs up DRF 11/5/08 Excerpt: "He's more of a European type of horse, in that he stands over a nice bit of ground and looks like he'd go two turns," observed English agent James Delahooke. "He's a clean-limbed horse that appears to have a lovely disposition. I'm pleasantly surprised."
Big Brown Settles in at Three Chimneys Bloodhorse 11/5/08 excerpt: “He’s an easy horse to be around and likes the attention. He’s got a great mind. I have gotten a lot of positive comments, and he is his best salesman.” (Robert Clay)
Big Brown to stand for $65,000 at Three Chimneys TB Times 10/31/08
BIG BROWN OUT OF BC and RETIRED!!!!! ABR 10/13/08
Videos
Inside Information - Big Brown A GREAT video about Big Brown - 26 minutes long!
BIG BROWN - 2008 Haskell Invitational YouTube
Big Brown's Maiden race at Saratoga 9/3/07
Big Brown Derby Song Cute YouTube video of the Florida Derby
ESPN's Kenny Mayne talks to a kindergarten class about Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown Cute YouTube video about Big Brown's "Energy Button"
Raiders of the Lost Crown Excellent video of Past TC winners, those who have come close and Big Brown - will he become the next Triple Crown Winner?
What can Big Brown do for you? Cool video - 3 days before the Belmont now...
There Can Only Be One: Big Brown and Curlin Hilarious YouTube video!!!
Media
October 2008
Big Brown Retired After Workout Injury Bloodhorse 10/13/08 Excerpt: "Big Brown has been retired," said Michael Iavarone, co-owner of IEAH Stables. "He not only tore the bulb off his foot, but half the foot was torn off. We did everything we could to get to the Breeders' Cup. It's devastating. And what makes it even worse is that he worked great."
Big Brown breezes at Aqueduct TB Times 10/07/08
September 2008
Big Brown Drills at the Big A Bloodhorse 9/30/08 Excerpt: Regarding the possible match-up between reigning Horse of the Year Curlin and Big Brown in the Classic, Dutrow said, “Well, I would hope that we could beat (Curlin).” Asked if he thought Big Brown was up for the challenge, he said: “Well, I’m not going to scratch. Our horse is good. I was happy that (Curlin) won the (Sept. 27 Jockey Club Gold Cup, gr. I) because it makes things a whole lot more interesting; it keeps it going. If Curlin got beat it wouldn’t be as exciting coming up to the next race.”
Big Brown tenacious on turf DRF 9/13/08 Excerpt: Showing the speed he had displayed earlier in his career, Big Brown led virtually every step of the way under Kent Desormeaux, then turned back the 5-year-old Proudinsky through the stretch to win by a neck before an appreciative Monmouth Park crowd of 17,047
Big Brown up to turf test in Monmouth Stakes TB Times 9/13/08 Excerpt: “I thought they were going to pass him—he put in so much effort early on,” Dutrow said. “He’s got a lot of heart and determination.”
Big Brown Holds Off Proudinsky On Turf Bloodhorse 9/13/08 Excerpt: "This race was not the end of the world for us, but we needed it for timing for the next race. To win it was great. Now we can go to the next race full of confidence. All he needs to do is like that track.”
Iavarone: Big Brown Will Not Race at 4 Bloodhorse 9/13/08 Excerpt: “I just don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. When I refer to the fact that anything can happen at IEAH, if you watch what’s happened over the past six months that’s pretty much the way it’s been. It was just a general comment. The bottom line is that the horse will be sent to Three Chimneys in December. He definitely will be retired.” (Ivarone)
Who's afraid of Big Brown? DRF 9/12/08 Excerpt: "We made it very clear that this race is a prep race," Iavarone added. "We're not looking for his best race here, we're looking for his best race in October. . . . We could run second in this race like Curlin did [in the Man o' War] and be happy knowing we're going to move forward."
Big Brown may remain in training TB Times 9/12/08 Excerpt: Iavarone said a clause in IEAH's contract with Three Chimneys Farm, where Big Brown is scheduled to stand his first year as a stallion in 2009, allows for a buyout option before the colt arrives in Midway, Kentucky, in December.
Dutrow confident Big Brown can handle surface switch TB Times 9/12/08 Excerpt: “I don’t care who’s up to challenge him. He’s a very, very good horse. He’s better on the grass,” Dutrow said. “So I really don’t care who shows up for the race.”
Big Brown All Set For Monmouth Stakes Bloodhorse 9/9/08 Excerpt: “Everyone in the world wants them to run against each other before they retire,” Dutrow said. “Hopefully it happens. If Curlin shows up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), that’s great. If not, we’ll try to put it together (after the race). “We’ll set up a match race if they want to. We’ll let them pick the time, place, and distance. It doesn’t matter to us. (About the possibility for a Curlin vs. Big Brown race...)
Dutrow Pleased with Big Brown's Work Bloodhorse 9/9/08 Excerpt: Following the work, Dutrow said, “This is beautiful; just what we wanted. He got in a good breeze last week that was electrifying. That was the important breeze. I’m sure he likes (turf) better. He has tender feet and runs down (burns his heels) on the dirt.” and 'Before the work commenced, Desormeaux watched Big Brown gallop by him on the backstretch, and said, “Poetry. This horse is a happy horse.”
Big Brown Breezes for Monmouth Stakes Bloodhorse 9/3/08 Excerpt: Big Brown breezed an easy six furlongs in 1:15 3/5 on the grass at Aqueduct Wednesday in preparation for the $500,000 Monmouth Stakes to be run over the Monmouth turf course Sept. 13.
August 2008
Big Brown Breezes on Turf Bloodhorse 8/28/08
Big Brown breezes at Aqueduct TB Times 8/22/08
Big Brown to make next start on Monmouth turf TB Times 8/21/08 Excerpt: Monmouth General Manager and Vice President of Racing Bob Kulina said the track has agreed to write the $200,000 Monmouth Stakes for three-year-olds and older into the condition book. “The racing office will aggressively recruit horses. It’s a $500,000 purse if Big Brown runs. Hopefully, we’ll have a good amount of interest,” Kulina said.
Big Brown likely headed to Monmouth DRF 8/20/08 Excerpt: "Monmouth makes a lot of sense for us," Iavarone said. "We really like that the people took to Big Brown. I like the turf course better. It's less money, but we've had good karma there. It's the racetrack that makes the most sense for us. We're definitely more likely to run at Monmouth."
Ball Back in Iavarone's Court: No Thanks Bloodhorse 8/13/08 Excerpt: “I’ve made my plans clear,” said IEAH co-president Mike Iavarone. “We want to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic." and Iavarone is beginning to find humor in Jackson’s challenges and jokingly proposed an alternative challenge on Woodward day.“Team Big Brown against Team Curlin in a three-on-three basketball game,” he said. “Desormeaux, Dutrow, and Iavarone vs. Albarado, Asmussen, and Jackson, or a player to be named later.”
Jackson: Meet Us in the Gold Cup Instead Bloodhorse 8/13/08 Excerpt: “We also are aware of IEAH’s involvement with charitable causes, including the current construction of the Ruffian Equine Medical Center across from Belmont Park. We have two great horses and a common purpose. Why not get them together? and “Ultimately, all of us have to do what is in the best interest of our horse. I wish Big Brown well and hope Curlin has the opportunity to compete against him. It certainly would help the industry and please the fans of both of these majestic horses.” (Jackson)
Jackson Issues Challenge to Big Brown Bloodhorse 8/13/08
Mixed Feelings BH by Steve Haskin 8/8/08 Excerpt: But let’s face it, Dutrow, when he feels strongly about something, speaks from the gut, and when he says “Big Brown is way better than Curlin,” and “Shame on them for not running in the Classic,” he’s saying what he feels -- in this case based on his passion for Big Brown -- and doesn’t care about any repercussions. He’s too focused on what he’s feeling to think about that.
No Travers for Big Brown Timesunion.com 8/5/08
Big Brown comes back fine from Haskell TB Times 8/4/08
Big Brown gets it done in Haskell DRF 8/3/08 Excerpt: "He ran a big race," Dutrow said in the winner’s circle. "They ran a mile and an eighth in [1:48.31], he ran down a lone speed, was chasing the whole way. . . . Big Brown, I’m as happy as I can be with him. It was his first race after pulling up in a race, so how can I not be as thrilled as I am? He could have pulled up again. He showed that he’s a true racehorse; he got done what he had to do. I’m very proud of him."
Big Brown regains winning stride in Haskell TB Times 8/3/08 excerpt: “I feel much better than the last time he ran, I’ll tell you that,” Dutrow said. “He showed up today. That other horse [Coal Play] ran a huge, huge race. The last eighth, he got himself together and showed us what he’s made of.”
(photos by Monica aka Hornsix1)
Big Brown Delivers Gutty Haskell Win Bloodhorse 8/3/08 Excerpt: Michael Iavarone, representing IEAH Stables, said, "That was a lot tougher than anybody could imagine. Let's see what this race took out of him. He had to get down on his belly today."
Haskell make or break for Big Brown DRF 8/2/08
Big Brown Blows Out for Haskell on Turf Bloodhorse 8/1/08 Excerpt: Rick decided to work on the turf just to protect his feet. God forbid if anything went wrong, like if he stepped on a rock or something like that.
July 2008
Six to Challenge Big Brown in Haskell Bloodhorse 7/31/08
Big Brown to Run for ReRun in Haskell Bloodhorse 7/30/08
Dutrow not sure what to expect from Big Brown in Haskell TB Times 7/29/08 Excerpt: “If Big Brown finishes his year out the right way, I’m going to forget about trying to figure [the Belmont] out. I’m still kind of concerned about what’s going to happen on Sunday because I know the horse went into the Belmont in very good condition. Whatever happened in that race I have no idea, but if it happens again then I’m going to know something is wrong with him... (Dutrow)
Big Brown Zips in Workout Bloodhorse 7/26/08
Big Brown in Sharp Work for Haskell Bloodhorse 7/21/08 excerpt: When she (Nevin) took him to the outside at the three-eighths pole he absolutely blew by the other horse, and she couldn't even pull him up after the work. We're over the moon. He's right on course and hasn't missed a beat. The 3rd can’t come soon enough.” (Ivarone)
Big Brown on schedule for Haskell DRF 7/18/08 Excerpt: Big Brown's coat and weight looked good Friday and he appeared livelier around the barn than he did shortly after the Belmont. "He's bouncing now," exercise rider Michelle Nevin said.
Big Brown Breezes Five Furlongs Bloodhorse 7/7/08
Big Brown in First Work Since Belmont Bloodhorse 7/2/08
June 2008
Big Brown's Jockey Breaks Silence. 6/30/08 ESPN's Jeannine Edwards interviews Kent Desormeaux
Brown Ran Race With Dislodged Shoe Bloodhorse 6/24/08 excerpt: I saw the pictures and there's no way I can rule out the possibility that it hampered the horse," Dutrow said. "It's extremely possible that it bothered this horse
Curlin and Big Brown Head in Different Directions Horserace Insider 6/23/08
IEAH Stables Adopts No-Drug Policy Bloodhorse 6/23/08 Excerpt: When I told Rick about this, I didn’t give him a choice. I said, ‘Rick, here’s what I want to do. It’s not open to a jury or for discussion.” I wanted to go without Lasix and ban everything, but Rick begged me to just give him Lasix, because he has certain horses he feels need it. In the future, we can even go with racetrack-approved use of Lasix. He didn’t fight me or even take one step back. He said, ‘Just give me Lasix; I don’t need all that other garbage.
Big Brown’s Owners Say Stable to Go Steroid Free NY Time 6/23/08 Excerpt: “I was moved by the hearing and I saw one witness after another say they wanted zero tolerance on drugs,” Iavarone said. “Someone has to take the first step. We want other owners to join us immediately. and Iavarone also said that if any of his horses failed the drug test that I.E.A.H. intends to pay for, the company would return the purse money.
Big Brown to return in Haskell DRF 6/19/08 Excerpt: "We're trying to avoid certain things that happened in the Belmont," Iavarone said. "We're trying to avoid the heat; it's a lot more hot and humid [at Saratoga], it's a lot cooler down by the Jersey Shore. More importantly is the surface. It's a lot tighter racetrack, more conducive to his style."
Horse racing immortals watch Big Brown go down at the Belmont Sporting News 6/13/08 Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, War Admiral et al discuss the 2008 Belmont Stakes... :)
Haskin Belmont Wrap: Why Down on Brown? Bloodhorse 6/12/08 by Steve Haskin
Dutrow, Desormeaux Meet, Mend Fences Bloodhorse 6/11/08 Excerpt: “It went very good,” Dutrow said. “Kent feels bad as anybody. A lot of people were looking at him. A lot people were looking at me, which they should. As long as Big Brown is okay, I’m sure we will be able to get things back together with him; so far, so good.” “It would really hurt Kent if we took him off the horse, and I’m not out to hurt people,” Dutrow said.
The Story Behind Big Brown's Bad Belmont May Never Be Known Washington post 6/11/08 by Andrew Beyer
Despite Dutrow’s Criticism, Big Brown’s Jockey Will Stay NY Times 6/11/08 Excerpt: “If it were up to me, I would seriously consider it,” Dutrow said. “But Kent was never my pick to begin with. That was Mike Iavarone’s move. My pick was always Edgar Prado. Edgar’s my man.”
Dutrow Blames Desormeaux for Loss Bloodhorse 6/11/08 Excerpt: “I don’t want to hurt anyone, especially Kent,” “But I still don’t understand what happened. I don’t see the horse with a problem, so I have to direct my attention toward the ride. That’s all I can come up with.”
Commentary: Drill Bits by Bill Nack in the Bloodhorse 6/10/08 Billy Turner, Seattle Slew's trainer, comments on Big Brown's Belmont run.
Was It Desormeaux’s Ride? The Rail by Alex Brown 6/10/08 Excerpt: It appears he was outridden and outthought early in the race. He took Big Brown out of his game, when he should well have anticipated the type of race riding he experienced around him, moving into the first turn. and Big Brown was confused, jostled, wrestled back and then taken to the outside to run wide.
About Those Steroids and Big Brown The Rail by Sid Gustafson 6/10/08 EXCELLENT ARTICLE! Excerpt: As days lengthen the endogenous anabolic steroids, those produced internally by intact male horses, are increasingly secreted into their bloodstream. When the dosage is excessive, or sometimes even with small dosages, difficult behavioral issues often arise. The biggest problem is that horses become hard to manage and handle. They act rank. With horses control is essential to safety and performance. It seemed Big Brown was plenty frisky as he broke out of the gate for the Belmont. Behaviorally and physically, there appeared to be little appearance of a lack of steroids in the big horse’s system.
Belmont Recap: Brown Letdown Bloodhorse 6/10/08 by Steve Haskin. Excerpt: That brings to a close another Triple Crown and another memorable New York moment for Nick Zito. But in the end, it was about Big Brown, whose amazing feats will live on long after the painful memory of his Belmont
Big Brown Back at the Big A The Rail by Joe Drape 6/9/08
Dutrow questions Desormeaux's ride DRF 6/9/08
Desormeaux's Horse Sense Shines Through Washington Post 6/8/08. Excerpt: The last thing thoroughbred racing needed was another beautiful horse in distress, a spectacle that Kent Desormeaux spared us all when he handled his mount so responsibly...
Iavarone: Reason for Loss Unknown Bloodhorse 6/8/08 Excerpt: “I love this horse,” Iavarone told the NYRA media office. “I’ve grown tremendously attached to this horse emotionally. I wanted him to know he could run dead last or first and we would still love him.”
Big Brown-The Interview Fox sports 6/7/08 FUNNY interview with Big Brown - the HORSE :)
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Dutrow puzzled over performance DRF 6/7/08. Excerpt: Asked if he regretted being so boastful in the last weeks, saying on more than one occasion that a Big Brown victory was a foregone conclusion, Dutrow said, “I just went by what I was feeling. I'm sure that that didn't get him beat or have him pull up.”
Dutrow has no explanation for Big Brown's defeat TB Times 6/7/08 Excerpt: "He's going to be okay. We're still very, very proud of him. Something has to not be right for him to be pulled up in a race, so I have to try to figure out what it is. I'm sure it's not the horse's fault. So there's nothing to be down on with him.
Injured Casino Drive Out of Belmont Bloodhorse 6/7/08
Big Brown bids for history in Belmont DRF 6/5/08 Excerpt:"I'm relaying everything I see from Big Brown to the media," Dutrow said. "I don't feel I'm talking big. I feel I'm talking facts."
Big Brown takes aim at history in Belmont Stakes TB Times 6/6/08
Big Brown's Pursuit of the Triple Crown ALL TB Times articles on Big Brown
Big Brown on the TODAY show,NBC "Dangers of horse racing" 6/6/08
Channeling Damascus The Rail (NY Times) 6/6/08 by Michele MacDonald. Excerpt: In many ways, he is the 1967 Horse of the Year, Damascus, come back to life. and Beyond those facts on the pedigree page, there are remarkable similarities in running style, personality and even general presence between the two bays
Suffolk Offers Big Brown, Curlin $5M Bloodhorse 6/6/08
Big Brown Gets in Final Gallop Bloodhorse 6/6/08 Excerpt: I think I will just be at the (monitoring barn) with (Big Brown). It is too special a feeling to leave him and go do other things. I want to be with the horse. That is what makes me feel good.” (Dutrow)
Three Chimneys gears up for Big Brown's arrival Seattle PI.com 6/5/08
Hooters Picks up Desormeaux Sponsorship Bloodhorse 6/5/08
Big Brown Free of Steroids, Trainer Says NY Times 6/5/08
Prado Has Chance to Beat the Horse He Never Rode NY Times 6/4/08
Big Brown: Just a good horse? ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 6/4/08 Excerpts: "I don't know how you can compare horses," Matz said. "Obviously Secretariat was special, I'd be prejudiced toward Barbaro … but who knows? I think Big Brown is a pretty darn good horse. If he holds up soundness wise, I don't think anyone can beat him at the Belmont." (M Matz) and "When you consider that Curlin didn't even win the Triple Crown and he's the best in the world now as a 4-year-old, that tells you how difficult it is to judge 3-year-olds. (Jay Randolph)
No steroids for Big Brown before Belmont TB Times 6/3/08
Nevin keeps Big Brown moving forward TB Times 6/3/08 Excerpt: “We’ve come to an agreement of, ‘I won’t bother you if you don’t bother me,’ ” Nevin said. “I don’t do much more than just sit there because he knows what to do.”
(photo: Rick Samuels)
Big Brown Workout Gets a Thumbs-Up Bloodhorse 6/3/08 Big Brown worked five furlongs in one minute at Belmont Park on 6/3.
Big Brown, Iavarone March On Bloodhorse 6/2/08 SOUNDS PROMISING!!
Big Brown Doesn’t Need Patch Until Race The Rail (NY Times) 6/1/08 Michelle Nevin has ridden Big Brown in all but one workout of his racing career and probably knows him better than anybody. She says he has not only healed, but he is also ready to make history as the 12th Triple Crown winner.
From a Leisurely Trot to a Showdown at Belmont NY Times 6/1/08 Excerpt: Dutrow is having no talk of an upset. He says he will be running to the winner’s circle before Casino Drive hits the quarter pole. (Dutrow) and “I enjoy listening to his comments,” he said. “It sounds like he knows our horse more than us.” (Tada, racing manager for Casino Drive’s owner, Hidetoshi Yamamoto)
Looking for answers from Big Brown trainer Fox Sports (by NY Post) 6/1/08 Excerpt: Q: Fantasy Belmont - Big Brown versus Secretariat - how does that play out? A: That is one helluva question. I would try to talk them into not running against us because I wouldn't want to see our horse get beat, and I wouldn't want to see Secretariat get beat. Q: But you think Big Brown would have a chance to beat Secretariat? A: I think that Big Brown deserves to be lined up in the gate with a horse like Secretariat.
May 2008
Dutrow: 'We Don't Need to Worry' Bloodhorse 5/30/08 Excerpt: He is just shiny, so proud of himself, he’s just everything you want to see in a racehorse. He’s beautiful to watch train, he’s beautiful to pet, beautiful to be around.” and “If they said, “Rick we‘re going to run the Belmont on the grass this year, I‘d say ‘That’d be fine‘,” he said. “We don’t need to worry. He will handle things.” (Dutrow)
Dutrow: 'It's a Foregone Conclusion' Bloodhorse 5/29/08 Excerpt: “There are people out there that think the wrong way of me, and that’s fine,” Dutrow said. “They don’t know me and just see what they are reading. Some of it is true and some of it just doesn’t add up. But I don’t really care. My job is getting the horse right and that is taking up all my time.”
"Talkin horses": Dr. Gary Knapp Owner, Monticule - Breeder of Big Brown Bloodhorse 5/29/08 Dr Knapp answers questions from the public.
Big Brown on Track Again; Tomcito Works Bloodhorse 5/28/08 Excerpt: "For the first furlong he was a little rough, but after that he settled right down and relaxed and let go of the bit. He hasn't lost a pound since the Preakness. He's eating everything and doesn't look like a horse who just had two big races back-to-back." (Nevin)
Big Brown in Surprise Tuesday Jog Bloodhorse 5/27/08 Excerpt: “He’s been kind of aggravated. He don’t know why he’s not going to the track. He just doesn’t understand why he’s not doing it. And we can’t explain it to him. So we let him go out there today and take the edge off of him. He’s just getting too rough around the barn.” (Dutrow)
Big Brown Healing The Rail NY Times) by Joes Drape 5/26/08 Excerpt: Dutrow intends to breeze him Saturday morning, but he reiterated that he was in no hurry to push on what, he has said repeatedly, is an already fit horse.
Nevin getting ride of her life aboard Big Brown Newsday.com 5/25/08 Excerpt: "He's a good boy, very relaxed, very affectionate. A little kid could ride him," Nevin said, her love for "Brownie" sparkling in her striking blue eyes. "You just put your hands on him and he'll do whatever you want."
Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown treated for quarter crack TB Times 5/25/08
Big Brown Has 'Slight' Quarter Crack Bloodhorse 5/25/08 (Steve Haskin) Excerpt: "The horse is in no discomfort, he doesn’t even know anything is wrong," Dutrow said.
Big Brown earnings to help NY policeman's family Sports Illustrated (CNN) 5/23/08
Big Brown's big brother 4th at Churchill Courier-Journal 5/23/08
Curlin vs. Big Brown: Could it happen? DRF 5/23/08
Dutrow narrows his focus DRF 5/21/08
BAFFERT'S A BELIEVER New York Post 5/21/08 Excerpt: If he does get beat, there won't be a Triple Crown winner for another 30 years. (Baffert)
Dutrow confident Big Brown will capture Triple Crown TB Times 5/21/08
Dutrow Discusses Curlin, Prado's Ride Bloodhorse 5/21/08
Haskin's Preakness Recap: Bye, Bye, Babe Bloodhorse 5/20/08. Excerpt: Here is a brown horse to rival the Black Stallion, Big Red, and the Gray Ghost. and No matter the obstacles he faces, he not only overcomes them, he shrugs them off as if they are nothing more than minor inconveniences. Bad posts, quarter cracks, a burned heel, wide trips, missed gallops—none of it has mattered. and His time of 1:54.80 could have been much faster had he been asked even in the slightest. No Preakness winner ever came home that fast winning that easily and He’s a super horse; maybe one of the greats of all time. I don’t go back to the old-time great horses, but I can see him being put in the same class as the Secretariats and the Spectacular Bids. He’s unbelievable. If nothing unforeseen happens, I can see him winning the Belmont by 15 lengths. (Bobby Frankel)
Mark of a Champ Sports Illustrated (CNN) 5/20/08 by Tim Layden. Excerpt: "You believe," says Woods, "that the spot was placed there by the hand of God." and The time, 58 seconds flat, was so fast that Reynolds accidentally reset his stopwatch, thinking it must have malfunctioned. Christophe Clement, a French trainer who works the New York circuit, descended from a clockers' stand and announced in his regal accent, "Gentlemen, your watches are not broken. The horse, he worked that fast."
(photo: Bloodhorse by Anne M. Eberhardt)
Big Brown Arrives; Ran Down in Preakness Bloodhorse 5/19/08 Excerpt: Big Brown arrived in style at Belmont Park May 19. With a police escort in front and a UPS truck behind and “He is a rock star, and he knows it.” (Iavarone)
Big Brown bears down on Triple Crown NBC Sports 5/19/08 Excerpt: Dutrow, however, expects Big Brown to race in the Travers Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Classic. Dutrow would love a showdown with Curlin, last year's Preakness winner, at the Breeders' Cup, which offers hope for fans to enjoy Big Brown for at least a few more months. (Oh, how we wish that would happen!!)
Seattle Slew Had Doubters, Too The Rail (NY Times) 5/19/08 by Steve Davidowitz
Big Brown New York Bound The Rail (NY Times) 5/19/08 by Joe Drape Excerpt: If we get beat in the Belmont we are just going to be amongst a whole lot of horses that almost got there so we need to win this race. (Dutrow)
Big Brown on brink of history heading into Belmont TB Times 5/18/08
Dutrow Sizes Up Casino Drive The Rail (NY Times) 5/18/08 by Alex Brown. Excerpt: “I’d like to have the horse, but I don’t see him beating Big Brown (Dutrow)
Great Horse? The Rail (NY Times) 5/18/08 by Joe Drape
Derby Winner Big Brown Cruises to Victory at Preakness New York Times 5/17/08 by Joe Drape
(photo: Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated)
BROWN BAGS PREAKNESS PRIZE Sportinglife (UK) 5/17/08 Excerpt: Kentucky Derby hero Big Brown put up another superlative performance to land the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.
Big Brown cruises in Preakness DRF 5/17/08
Big Brown Crushes Preakness Rivals Bloodhorse 5/17/08 Excerpt: The historic victory makes him one of four unbeaten horses to win both the Derby and Preakness, joining Majestic Prince (1969), Seattle Slew (1977), and Smarty Jones (2004).
Big Brown one step closer to Triple Crown after Preakness romp TB Times 5/17/08 HE DID IT AGAIN!!!!!
Haskin's Preakness Analysis: Vroom! Bloodhorse 5/16/08 Excerpt: If Big Brown is to beaten Saturday, it will be circumstances that beat him, not a better horse. and Even coming back from his jog in the slop Friday, he strutted along, neck slightly bowed, and ears straight up, as if he knew the whole world was watching. He is as classy looking a horse on the racetrack as you’ll ever see.
A Horse Trainer’s Rough Ride New York Times 5/12/08 by Joe Drape
Big Brown Showed Me The Rail (NY Times) by David Geier 5/11/08
Preakness Updates: Friday The Rail (NY Times) by Alex Brown 5/9/08 Excerpt: “I would have galloped these last two days, but I won’t gallop him with the track like that,” trainer Rick Dutrow said. and “The only horse that I could have respect for going into the race would be Todd’s white horse,” Harlem Rocker, said Rick Dutrow
Dutrow confident entering Preakness TB Times 5/8/08 Excerpt: “I’m feeling that we have the best horse in the race—the fastest horse,” Dutrow said and “I think it’s the best he’s come out of a race since we’ve had him
Dutrow has it all figured out DRF 5/7/08 Excerpt: "There's really not a lot of training to do. As long as he stays good, I'm happy." There's not a lot more to think about." and "We're good there. His feet are fine. Cold, no pulse."
Big Brown Jogs at Churchill Downs Bloodhorse 5/7/08
Stallion Deal Near on Big Brown Bloodhorse 5/7/08
Haskin's Derby Recap: Highs and Lows Bloodhorse by Steve Haskin 5/6/08
Dutrow, Big Brown headed to Preakness TB Times 5/4/08
Dutrow After Derby: 'The Horse is Good' Bloodhorse 5/4/08 Excerpt: “I can’t stand wheeling back in two weeks, but it doesn’t matter because we’ve gotta do it,” and "He’s gotta' come right back off a huge, huge race. I know he looks like he’s the best horse, but Pimlico’s a different game.” (Dutrow)
The Morning After: Big Brown Scare Off Bloodhorse 5/4/08 Excerpt: Early indications are that none of the horses that finished behind Big Brown in his impressive 4 ¾-length victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) will move on to the May 17 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
BROWN CLAIMS BIG DERBY WIN Sportinglife (UK) 5/3/08
Big Brown storms home to capture Kentucky Derby TB Times 5/3/08
Big Brown Delivers; Filly Breaks Down Bloodhorse 5/3/08 HE DID IT!!!
The End of the Gate, Not the End of the World The Rail (NY Times) by Alan Mann Excerpt: I think Big Brown can go the route — he has the coolest pedigree in the field with his inbreeding to the classic sires Damascus and Round Table
Big Brown and the Domino Factor Bloodhorse 5/1/08 Excerpt: Both Domino and Big Brown are both highly-inbred horses. Domino is inbred 3 x 4 x 4 to Lexington while Big Brown is inbred 3 x 3 to Northern Dancer and 3 x 4 to Damascus and 4 x 5 to Round Table.
Big Brown Gets Easy Work at Churchill Bloodhorse 5/1/08 Excerpt: "The colt trained professionally, ears pricked the entire time, and could have done much more as he reluctantly eased back to a gallop following the work. Coming off the gap, he was still keen, jogging and tossing his head against his rider's hold." and "I was very happy with it, so I’m sitting on go here, we’re ready." (Dutrow)
Big Brown: 'A Dream Come True' Bloodhorse 5/1/08
April 2008
Big Brown draws far outside for Derby NTRA 4/30/08 Excerpt: "If we took 18 or 19, maybe he doesn't break so good and horses come over on him," Dutrow said. "Outside, he can get away clean. We felt like we took our best shot. He should be able to pop right out there and get a good position."
Big Brown Doesn’t Disappoint The Rail (blog in NY Times), by Alex Brown 4/25/08
Haskin's Derby Report: Early Thoughts Bloodhorse 4/29/08 Excerpt: On the track, he was pure poetry as he glided around the Churchill oval for the first time with powerful, yet graceful strides that barely seemed to touch the ground
Big Brown, Dutrow comfortable on scene at Churchill TB Times 4/29/08 Excerpt: "I'm very confident with Big Brown, only because he's given me this confidence," Dutrow said.
Brown In Town Bloodhorse 4/28/08
Big Brown Sizzles in Five Furlong Work Bloodhorse 4/25/08
Big Brown Works, Will Ship to KY Apr. 28 Bloodhorse 4/12/08 Excerpt: “His talent just overwhelms the other horses,” Dutrow said.
Big Brown No Big Deal As a Sale Horse Bloodhorse 4/6/08 Excerpt: “He was the kindest, quietest, classiest old horse at our place,” Woods said
Who'll make the Derby cut? DRF 4/1/08
Big Brown Choice in Final 'Future' Pool Bloodhorse 4/1/08
March 2008
Ky. Derby Trail: Hot Brown on Derby Menu Bloodhorse 3/31/08 Excerpt: This horse has a very high cruising speed and he can carry it. That’s all the bottom he needs. And he’s a freak (John Nerud, trainer of Dr Fager)
Big Brown looms large for Derby DRF 3/29/08 Excerpt: "I don't see any 3-year-old that can beat him anywhere in the world and I've watched them all," Dutrow said of Big Brown
Big Brown Huge in Florida Derby Rout Bloodhorse 3/29/08 Excerpt: "Riding him was like bounding through a meadow. He just galloped around." (Desormeaux) LINK TO VIDEO OF FLORIDA DERBY IN ARTICLE!!
Big Brown delivers dominant Florida Derby triumph TB Times 3/29/08
Big Brown Bursts Onto Derby Scene Bloodhorse 3/11/08
ABR Discussions
Big Brown to Run for ReRun in Haskell 7/31/08
Big Red or Big Brown 5/18/08
CONGRATS BIG BROWN 5/17/08
Now this Preakness, Big Brown, Impressed 5/17/08
Stallion Deal near on Big Brown 5/7/08
Time to see Big Brown for who he is! 5/6/08
BigBrown's time - any math whizzes here? 5/5/08
Big Brown 5/3/08
