Big Brown’s Shoes Weren’t Tied During Belmont Stakes

Oh, to think what could have been. Big Brown was on the verge of becoming the first horse in more than thirty years to capture the triple crown but history woudn’t allow it. Some people have cited that Big Brown was suffering from steroid withdrawals after his owner declined to inject him with legal steroids before the race. Now, a freelance photographer revealed pictures that may hold the answer as to why Big Brown decided to run on cruise control throughout the entire race.

A photo taken during the early stages of the Belmont Stakes has revealed Big Brown was running with a loose shoe as the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner attempted to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1979.

“The picture shocked me,” Iavarone said, according to the report. “When the shoe spread, a nail could have been pinching him. Or he could have been stepping on a hot nail, which would have been worse. I’m guessing the nail went back in but not in the same spot. Or it could have been a loose shoe, which would be like trying to run with a wobbly cleat.”

Seriously, how many jobs does a stable have outside of grooming the horse and collecting dung? And don’t they have shoe checks before a race that could change history. “Stable boy!” “Yes, sir?” “How are Big Brown’s shoes looking.” “They are on, sir.” “Good. Now give him some extra carrots because we told the damn papers we weren’t going to inject him with roids.”

Big Brown photo reveals loose shoe early in Belmont Stakes [ESPN]
Image [ESPN]