Equine Daily--The Equine World's Top Headline of the Day

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!
BIG BROWN RETIRED
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Big Brown, 2008's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI) and Preakness Stakes (GI) winner, was retired the morning of October 13 during a workout at Aqueduct race track with stablemate Kip Deville.

The colt ran six furlongs in a speedy 1:12 4/5, crossing the finish line beside his equally speedy stablemate. IEAH stables owner Mike Iavarone and trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. were all excited about the workout until the bay came back with half of his right front foot tore off.

"Big Brown has been retired," said Iavarone. "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 Breeder's Cup. It's devastating. And what makes it even worse is that he worked great."

Greg Avioli, president and CEO of the Breeders' Cup, said, "We are disappointed that Big Brown will not be able to compete in this year's Breeders' Cup Classic but are glad to hear that he is expected to make a full recovery from the injury he sustained earlier today."

"My family and I are saddened to learn of Big Brown's career ending injury during his morning workout. I have always said what an incredible horse Big Brown is and that the bay colt brought energy and excitement to our industry, especially during his run at the Triple Crown," said Jess Jackson, majority owner of Horse of the Year Curlin. "I am equally disappointed that Big Brown and Curlin will never compete against each other. It was a dream of mine and thousands of other fans of the sport. Now, we all join together in wishing Big Brown a speedy recovery."

The bay colt was not apparently bleeding or limping as he was walked quietly down the shed row. He did not protest as the injury was bathed, however, this will not change the made-up minds of Iavarone and Dutrow.

At first, quiet talk went back and forth between Dutrow and Iavarone. Iavarone walked around Big Brown and said, "I don't like the look of it." Alex Leaf, the blacksmith who so calmly and patiently trimmed Big Brown's sore feet to perfection, spoke to Dutrow. And it was there that the decision was made: it was time for Big Brown's retirement.

A chunk of skin about three inches in diameter was torn off the leg. A portion of the hoof was missing, and although it was not bleeding, it was raw and jagged-looking.

Dutrow stated in his office, "His foot doesn't look any good. I think he is going to miss the race, the way things look right now. It looks like it happened in a bad spot, and it looks like it will need to grow out."

Because of an agreement to Three Chimneys Farm for Big Brown to become a stud in 2009, no one can bring the fiery colt back as a four-year-old.

So long, Big Brown. ~Equine Lover