Photo by Richard Drew/AP
There is little for me to add about yesterday's disappointing 134th Belmont Stakes finish, as so many articles have already been written.
Once again with the final win of the triple crown denied, the challenging and elusive triple crown victory will have to be captured, hopefully by the next horse who wins both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
Like millions of other horse lovers, I too was shocked and disappointed. My heart goes out to Big Brown's jockey, Kent Desormeaux and to all of Big Brown's connections. I thought that Mr. Desormeaux showed excellent sportsmanship and love for the horse in the way he handled the situation once he realized that that Big Brown was "out of gas", choosing the safety of the horse over his huge desire to win, he allowed the colt gallop at his own pace, finishing last in a field of 9 horses.
A great deal of speculation exists about the reasons for the upset, but I do hope that the facts will be revealed in the near future. Of course Horse racing is a risky business, but learning how to keep the horses safer is a top priority over a win if the sport of kings is to get a new breath of life.
What were your reactions at the end of the race? Leave a comment and share.
6 comments:
I didn't watch the race but if he did indeed put the horse's health first, then I applaud his decision.
I am so happy that Big Brown's jockey recognized his horse was in trouble. Kent Desormeaux is the true hero of the Belmont. I absolutely believe that if Mr. Desormeaux didn't have the courage to slow down Big Brown when he started to faulter we could have had another tragedy similar to Eight Belles. Thank you Kent Desormeaux for averting tragedy
I still wonder if stopping the steriods so suddenly...he was used to getting those shots every Thursday...and I'm NO ADVOCATE of steriods in any way shape or form, but you have to wonder about the sudden withdrawl of such a powerful drug so quickly. Could he have been experiencing withdrawal sympthoms of some sort? Maybe they should have weaned him down, maybe they should have waiting until after the race.
Most of us that are on any kind of drugs at all know that there are few you can stop cold turkey and not suffer any side effects.
Like I said, I'm NOT an advocate of drugs like that, but it could be one reason there was no horse in Big Brown Sunday. I certainly was pulling for him.
Maybe it was his foot, maybe he was lethargic being used to the steriods (um, what happens if you skip those couple cups of coffee you're used to every day? Have an effect on your day? YEP!)...or maybe it just wasn't meant to be.
BUT...he's OK, I'm proud of the jockey for pulling him back when he realized there was no chance to even 'show'... and hopefully Big Brown will lead a long and healthy life with no more racing in his future.
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.
I saw the race, and as a professional hoof care provider, saw absolutely NO reason to think his "out of gas" was hoof related. His strides were long and clean, and his hoof placement was good overall as well.
My theory? The repair work took training time away. The Belmont is a brutal distance, and add in the heat and humidity yesterday, ... well, he was just plumb worn out.
The colt who won was a NY colt, familiar with that track. Major Kudos to him and his team!
I agree with the poster who said Kent Desormeaux is the Hero of yesterday- look at what he missed out in a salary. Big Brown stood to bring home EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS, of which the jockey gets a cut. Mr. Desormeaux could have beatn the horse over the line, and MADE him place- but he chose not to. He said "Not on my watch".
Amen. Can't say much more than that about that man. He took care of his mount. Damn fine man there.
I also watched the race. While it was a shock, I am thrilled his jockey played it safe. Big Brown made it home, without injuries to himself or the other riders and horses.
Bravo!
I watched and thought Big Brown got mad--he got boxed in--it was hot. I get mad myself at how many times a horse who has not raced in the other two pulls off a win in the Belmont--a horse not tired out by the three races so close together.
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