Big Brown, tragedy dominate Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Both came to Churchill Downs chasing racing history and hinting at greatness. Big Brown was undefeated and trying to become the first horse in 93 years to win the Kentucky Derby off a mere three lifetime races. Eight Belles had ticked off four consecutive victories, emboldening her owner to run his spirited filly against males in the 134th running of America's greatest horse race.

When Big Brown turned for home, seemingly finding a gear only seen on sci-fi rocket ships, the 157,770 people celebrating the beauty of Thoroughbred racing roared because they were seeing something extraordinary. When Eight Belles emerged from a pack of horses in the stretch to give a determined challenge, many checked their programs, "Was that really the filly?"

Big Brown reached the finish line 4-¾ lengths ahead of runner-up Eight Belles. Moments later, there was heartbreak. While jockey Kent Desormeaux was galloping out the triumphant Big Brown, rubbing the big bay's neck in congratulations, Eight Belles fell to the ground.

"You could tell when Kent came back that he didn't look like he just won the Kentucky Derby," said Larry Jones, Eight Belles' trainer.

"He was real solemn."

Eight Belles had fractured both of her front ankles, according to Dr. Larry Bramlage, an on-call veterinarian representing the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She was euthanized on the racetrack.

"After we passed the wire, I stood up," said Gabriel Saez, who rode Eight Belles. "She started galloping funny, and I tried to pull her up, but she went down."

It was a tragic final scene to what had been 2 minutes, 1.82 seconds of scintillating racing punctuated by the bravura performance of Big Brown. For the past two weeks, the colt's trainer, Rick Dutrow Jr, sounded a bit like Muhammad Ali before a big fight as he predicted victory and scoffed at precedent.

"The only reason I said what I said is because [reporters] asked me the questions, and Big Brown was telling me how to answer the questions," Dutrow said afterward.

Besides taking on 19 rivals, Big Brown was trying become the first horse since the filly Regret in 1915 to win despite being so lightly raced. Big Brown had missed training earlier this year because of sore hoofs. He was breaking from the farthest outside post, No. 20, which had produced one winner in Kentucky Derby history — Clyde Van Dusen, in 1929.

None of this seemed to faze Dutrow. Almost as soon as Big Brown burst from the starting gate, one could understand why. He had been on or near the lead early in his previous victories, but on Saturday he and Desormeaux glided unhurriedly outside five other horses.

"He truly was in a gallop to the quarter pole," Desormeaux said. "No distractions. No alterations in course.

"Just slide over."

Ahead of him, Bob Black Jack, Cowboy Cal and Recapturetheglory were leading the charge, but were hardly setting a challenging pace as the half-mile went in 47.04 seconds. In the clubhouse, Dutrow and a Big Brown part-owner, Michael Iavarone, were puzzled.

"Is he too far back?" Iavarone asked Dutrow.

"He's perfect," Dutrow answered, though after the race he acknowledged he was far more worried.

Desormeaux was unconcerned.

"He was just galloping, floppy eared, off the bridle, cruising," he said. "I just left him alone and let him canter until I needed him."

As they entered the far turn of the $2,211,800 race, Desormeaux nudged Big Brown ever so slightly. "Whoosh" is how Desormeaux described his mount's reaction.

But it was too early to unleash him. Desormeaux let Big Brown pull him like a water skier around the far turn. Cowboy Cal, Recapturetheglory, Cool Coal Man — all disappeared behind him.

"Big Brown just kicked in the afterburners," said Recapturetheglory's rider, E.T. Baird.

Only 13-1 shot Eight Belles gave chase. Saez took aim on Big Brown and Desormeaux and with a quarter-mile to run in the 1-¼-mile race was less than a length behind.

Suddenly, Big Brown bounded away and led by 2-½ lengths with an eighth of a mile to go.

Big Brown paid $6.80 to win as the favorite. Denis of Cork was third at 27-1.

Colonel John, the second wagering choice at 9-2, was sixth. Pyro was eighth at 5-1.

Big Brown — named by original owner Paul Pompa Jr. in honor of a big contract his Brooklyn trucking company has with UPS, Louisville's largest employer — certainly showed what Brown can do.

There was plenty of discussion afterward whether Big Brown was talented enough to win the Preakness and Belmont Stakes and become the 12th Triple Crown champion.

"He is the most talented horse I've ever been on," said Hall of Famer Desormeaux, who previously won the Derby in 2000 on Fusaichi Pegasus and in 1998 aboard Real Quiet.