And While we Are Thinking Big Brown!

Photo: Jamie Squire- Getty Images

A dear friend sent me this humorous interview between Big Brown and an unknown Sport's reporter. I had to chuckle out loud as I read it. I do hope you will find it as delightful as I did.

(Reporter) Big, tough race out there today, disappointed?
(Big Brown) Let’s see, I win the race and I get a bunch of carnations around my neck and a picture with a short guy on my back. Afterwards I go back, have a nice meal, and sleep in a barn. Then I end up getting put out to stud. If I have this figured right, all I’m out is the photo.
(Reporter) So you weren’t trying?
(Big Brown) You saw the race.
(Reporter) Did you give it your all?
(Big Brown) Which part of “you saw the race” is escaping you, Einstein? Tell, you what, stamp on the ground three times if you can hear me. Next question.
(Reporter) Did your trainer guaranteeing a Triple Crown put any pressure on you?
(Big Brown) Oh, no (rolls eyes). You’re out there with eleven other great athletes and your trainer is in the press saying they’re all on their way to becoming dog food. When we were loading up you could cut the tension with a knife.
(Reporter) Did that affect the outcome?
(Big Brown) I’m on the rail to start, always a tough spot. The bell goes off and I’m boxed in. It just so happens the horse in front of me slows and “accidentally” kicks me. I blame Dutrow.
(Reporter) You come back from that and are in third on the far turn. Desormeaux says he asked you for a move and, I am quoting here, realized “I had no horse.”
(Big Brown) He said what?
(Reporter) “I had no horse”.
(Big Brown) Why that little (bleep). I drag his dead (bleep) around these (bleep) tracks and he says “I had no horse”. What did he think he was riding, a (bleep) big (bleep) red dog?
(Reporter) You were lightly excercised between the Preakness and the Belmont. Did that have any effect on you?
(Big Brown) It ain’t about that at all. It’s easy to sum it up if you’re just talking about practice. We’re standing here, and I’m supposed to be the the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years, and we’re talking about practice. I mean listen, we’re here talking about practice, not a race, not a race, not a race, but we’re talking about practice. Not the race that I go out there and die for and run every race as if it’s my last but we’re talking about practice man. How silly is that?
Now I know that I’m supposed to lead by example and all that but I’m not shoving that aside like it don’t mean anything. I know it’s important, I honestly do but we’re talking about practice. We’re talking about practice man. (laughter from the media crowd) We’re talking about practice. We’re talking about practice. We’re not talking about the race. We’re talking about practice. When you come to the track, and you see me run, you’ve seen me run right, you’ve seen me give everything I’ve got, but we’re talking about practice right now. (more laughter).
(Reporter) Big Allen Iverson fan?
(Big Brown) Why do you ask?
(Reporter) What about the quarter crack in the front hoof that wasn’t patched until yesterday?
(Big Brown) Talk to Dutrow about that. I just show up and run the race. I’m not here to make excuses.
(Reporter) What did you think when Desormeaux pulled you up?
(Big Brown) “I had no jockey”.
(Reporter) Meaning?
(Big Brown) I can see I’m not the only one in this room with a brain the size of a walnut.
(Reporter) Several people track side said your manners weren’t good on the way to the gate and the heat appeared to be affecting you?
(Big Brown) My manners now is it? Well, excuse me for not prancing all the way out in 88 degree heat with darn near 100% humdity. You people think this is so easy, give it try. My gear is in the barn and I’m sure we can get Kenny boy to hop on your back and beat with a whip for two minutes while you’re running as fast as you can.
(Reporter) What about the future?
(Big Brown) I’m outta here, man, I’m outta here. Talk to Dutrow.

Leave a comment and share your laughter with us! I still am in stitches!

Big Brown: Does the Shoe Fit?

Photo by Bob Mayberger

We all hoped that Big Brown would capture the Triple Crown and end the long and frustrating 30 year draught with no winner. When he "ran out of gas" during the Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the prestious series, speculation was rampant. What stopped him from losing the only race in his racing career to that point in time? Was it the hot weather? Was it related to the lay off in exercise as he recovered from yet another problem with his hoof? Was it that he was boxed in or that he had been bumped by another horse? Why was he pulled up and just allowed to gallop at his leisure across the finish line with a very disappointing last place finish?


While this may be old news for some horse racing fans, I was totally blown away when I discovered, while surfing the 'net this morning, what may actually be the real story and what may have caused this major upset.


Michael Iavorone, co-president of IEAH Stables, thinks that he has discovered what really happened on that sultry, hot afternoon. Free-lance photographer, Bob Mayberger took a revealing photograph which clearly shows a nail sticking straight up Big Brown's right hind hoof. Iavorone suspects that the shoe was hit by another horse's hoof early on in the race, which meant that Big Brown ran 1 1/4 miles with a "dislodged shoe and the nail sticking out."
Another photograph revealed that Guadalcanal's left hind foot stepped on Big Brown's right hind as the horses made contact.


This certainly seems to be a rather compelling cause for Big Brown's disappointing performance, that day, which as far as I am concerned, trumps any controverial explanations offered after the race.


As far as I am concerned, I wonder if the shoe became loose after Big Brown kicked the stall wall shortly after his move into the secure area stall. He sure didn't seem happy there at all. But that is only a speculation on my part, and one that I suspect will never be validated.


Do you think that the loose shoe explanation is sound? Does it help to dispel nasty rumors? Leave a comment and let us know how you feel.

Changing Horses in Mid-Stream? I Sure Hope Not

photo by: Chang W. Lee

I am just a "tad" confused and upset after reading an article in the "New York Times", this morning.

Apparently Rick Dutrow, Big Brown's trainer, is changing his tune, and I am not happy about the song he is singing.

After extolling the virtues of Kent Desormeaux's handling of the colt at the Belmont this past Saturday, he is now blaming him for "unnecessarily restraining him" in the early part of the Belmont Stakes. Dutrow is now looking into the possibility of changing jockeys.

And while Kent Desormeaux used the same strategy for the Belmont that he used for Big Brown's victory at the Preakness, Rick Dutrow is now complaining.

I don't get it. . . and I wonder if any of us ever will. The reasons for Big Brown's failure to capture the crown may never be known. With the horrendous heat, his recovery layoff, or his upset in his security stall, all of these factors may have contributed to the colt being off his game. But I cannot understand Dutrow's turnabout, nor his attitude toward Desormeaux who may have prevented Big Brown from having a tragic accident.

Excerpted from the New York Times' article: Desormeaux’s job seemed to be in jeopardy when Big Brown’s trainer, Rick Dutrow, pinned the Belmont loss on him, claiming on Monday that he had unnecessarily restrained Big Brown in the early part of the Belmont Stakes. Dutrow did not back off his criticism Tuesday and said he would look at changing jockeys.

Dutrow said, “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.”

By the way, even though Dutrow refuted not giving the scheduled shot of the anabolic steroid Winstrol in May, as a reason for the Belmont loss, he said that the colt would receive a dose of Wistrol on Sunday, the 15th day of the month, according to schedule.

According to the New York Times, Dutrow was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.

Uh... Mr.Dutrow.. aren't you tempting the fickle finger of fate?

What are your feelings about this situation? Leave a comment and let us know.

Silent Sunday on Frequently Feline: Elusive Triple Crown Continues.

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.

The Triple Crown: Will Big Brown Grab The 3rd Jewel?

Today is the BIG day! My heart is beating so hard in anticipation that I can hardly contain myself.

As all horse racing fans know, Big Brown, decked out in his special Yasha shoes, has galloped his way for the opportunity to finally end the drought of the elusive and prestigious Triple Crown victory. Since 1977, 11 horses have won the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness Stakes but the final one, the longest and most challenging of the three races,The Belmont stakes, has eluded that final glory. Not since Affirmed claimed the title in 1978 has a horse been able to put that final jewel in the triple crown.

So can Big Brown do the job?

Rick Ditrow, Big Brown's trainer, sure thinks so. He has great hopes for this colt and since Big Brown has the number 1 post position it gives him a major advantage. His jockey, Kent Desormeaux is also confident that Big Brown will put on a spectacular performance. At the time of publishing, the undefeated colt's odds remain 2-5 for the running of the 10- horse field for the 140th Belmont Stakes.

While I don't bet on horse racing, I put my "virtual" money on Big Brown. Let's also say prayers for the safety of these talented horses, and their jockeys. Let this day be perfect in every way.

What are your thoughts about the Triple Crown win today? Leave a comment and share!

Big Brown Captures the Preakness: Second Leg of Triple Crown Victory

Photo of Big Brown winning Florida Derby: by Coglianese Photographs 

While I generally publish "Silent Sunday" each week, I can hardly contain myself and be quiet. I am far too excited and awed Big Brown's performance and win.

One of the most beautiful races I have ever seen was the running of the Preakness Stakes yesterday afternoon. Big Brown finished with a huge win, loping over the finish line, winning by 5 1/4 lengths, not even appearing to break a sweat. This horse has an afterburner that rivals a jet fighter plane.

Aside from Big Brown galloping away to victory capturing the second leg of the Triple Crown series, the greatest part about yesterday's races was that no horses were injured. We all breathed a sigh of relief when the races were finished and all horses returned to their stalls safe and sound.

I am positive that little patch of white spot on his side is his power spot.  Jockey,  Kent Desormeaux certainly knows how and when to touch it because that horse flew like the wind when he got ready to leave the other contenders in the dust. It sure appears that Big Brown doesn't have to worry about getting dirt in his face.

I am positive he could have set a record, but I  bet my bottom dollar that Mr. Desormeaux  felt no need to push Big Brown, to keep him fresh for the strenuous running of the third and final jewel of the Triple Crown, the  Belmont Stakes in three weeks, on June 7.

I for one am on  pins and needles in anticipation about the Belmont. But I certainly don't want to count my chickens before they are hatched in order not to jinx him.

Even if you watched the race yesterday, you can enjoy viewing it again with the video from partymanners.

What did you feel while watching the running of The Preakness Stakes? Did you know that Big Brown would be victorious? Leave a comment and let us know!

The Preakness Stakes: And the Winner is . . .

Big Brown: Photo by Rob Carr

The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the prestigious Triple Crown series will be held this afternoon, Saturday, May 17. The odd's on favorite is Big Brown, who galloped  to victory two weeks ago at Churchill Downs, capturing the roses at the Kentucky Derby, May 3.

My love for Big Brown is no secret.I feel strongly that he will be victorious today. But it is not only his amazing athletic talent and his thirst to win that captured my heart. I love his body! He epitomizes the perfect  racing Thoroughbred. This is not a delicate horse. He is huge and solid!

But when I ask my horse loving friends to reveal  their  "pick" for today's race, the overwhelming response has been, "I am SO NOT going to watch the Preakness". Their reason? They are scared to watch.

After Eight Belles' tragic accident at the Kentucky Derby, I suspect that  the dread of another horror is frightening people away from watching this race. I am repeatedly told that until racing is made much safer for the horses and jockeys, they cannot in all conscience support the sport, by attending, or even watching from the comfort of their living room.

I myself am conflicted, but feel compelled to watch! And while I, like those who will be viewing the race are hopeful that Big Brown will win today so his Triple Crown glory becomes closer to reality, can Big Brown really do the job?

I worry about his feet. I love his size and bone structure. He is built like a tank! And that is a good thing! But with his stature on such vulnerable hooves, I worry.. a lot! 

Photo by: Kenneth Klam

It has been 30 years since  the Triple Crown was won by Affirmed.  It has been a very long draught for a Triple Crown winner. You can bet that I will be on the edge of my seat this afternoon while I am glued to my bug screen TV. I hold a picture in my mind of my jumping up and down for joy at the end of the race as Big Brown flies over the finish line victoriously!

So I  humbly raise my voice in prayer to the Equine Gods to watch over all the horses and jockeys today to protect them. Perhaps the softness of today's  track condition from the rain will be a boon, but I don't know. I worry!!

Will you be watching  the race today? Who is your favorite? Don't keep us in suspense. . . leave a comment  and share YOUR pick!

 

Edit: 6:45 PM   Big Brown is tasting the Susans!

Kentucky Derby 134: Will Big Brown Capture the Roses?

Today is the 134 running of the Kentucky Derby: The Run for the Roses.

Photo by: Matthew Stockman 

While I am not as an avid a horse racing fan as some of my friends, I always follow with great interest, the three most exciting and challenging races of the year, the Triple Crown.

Starting with the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday in May, continuing with the Preakness, and ending with the Belmont Stakes, this series of races requires the best of the best to expend a huge amount of energy and demonstrate an excellent athletic prowess. 

Not since 1978, when Affirmed captured that prestigious title, have we had a Triple Crown winner. Each year as I eagerly watch these races, I find myself longing for the long drought to be lifted so that another incredibly talented Thoroughbred will follow in his "hoof" steps.

And each year, I find myself falling in love with my favorite prospect and I inevitably become glued to my TV, crossing my fingers, cheering the contender noisily from the privacy of my living room. I must add that my kitties suspect that I may have lost my sanity for a few minutes when they witness my rowdy behavior.

This year I have totally been mesmerized by Big Brown. Bred by Monticule, owned by IEAH Stable and Paul Pompa, trained by Rick Dutrow, he will be riden by Kent Desormeaux .

Since Big Brown has only won three career starts, the odds may not be in his favor for capturing the roses this afternoon. But that does not deter me from being a huge fan of this beautiful and talented horse. Although I am not a gambler, I place my money on him as I have a feeling that this big hearted boy will be wearing the spectacular blanket of roses around his neck later this afternoon!

Read the history of the Triple Crown.

Enjoy this video of Big Brown's 5/2 workout:

Do you have a special favorite in today's race? Leave a comment and tell us about it.