Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown has hoof injury (Wizbang Sports)

This news comes two weeks before the horse tries to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.

NEW YORK -- Triple Crown contender Big Brown has a slight crack to his left front hoof, although trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. expressed confidence Sunday the injury won't keep his colt from running in the Belmont Stakes in less than two weeks.
But the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner has missed two days of training at Belmont Park, and will miss at least several more while being treated by hoof specialist Ian McKinlay for a five-eighths of an inch crack on the inside of his left heel.

"We're all concerned because there's a big race coming up," Dutrow said at a Sunday news conference outside his barn. "But Ian has us pretty well relaxed."

The trainer said he was 100 percent confident Big Brown would be in top form when he attempts to become the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978. "I sure am," he said.

The injury was detected by Dutrow on Friday, who wasn't sure what the problem was so he summoned McKinlay, who treated Big Brown for more serious front foot issues -- abscesses in the soles of each of his front feet that led to wall separations -- last year and again in January.

McKinlay treated the cracked hoof with an iodine and alcohol solution Sunday, and said he will take a closer look Monday, perhaps patching it up and inserting a set of wires before stitching up the area.

This prediction could be wrong but I think Big Brown won't race at the Belmont. A deal has already been made for this horse's future as a stud. Racing him at Belmont risks this investment. That's why I don't think Big Brown will race.

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Comments (3)

Hoof and leg injuries are g... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by Imhotep | May 25, 2008 8:44 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Imhotep:

Hoof and leg injuries are going to become common because of the genetics. All of the horses that ran the Kentucky Derby can be linked to a large, fast horse that suffered the same injury as Eight Bells if you follow the breeding history.

I'm not a horse guy, but I know the above statement is true (wish I had a link).

Posted on May 25, 2008 20:44

Here's an indepth look at t... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by Maggie | May 25, 2008 9:39 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Maggie:

Here's an indepth look at the injury,

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/45398.htm

Posted on May 25, 2008 21:39

INJURY OR NO INJURY, ITS A ... (Below threshold)

3. Posted by bobby p | May 29, 2008 7:25 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

bobby p:

INJURY OR NO INJURY, ITS A SAD VIEW INTO THE DESTINY OF THESE MANY HORSES..RUNNING FOR YOUR LIFE AND IF YOU DONT WIN YOU END UP ON SOME GERMAN DINNING TABLE NEXT TO THE WORCHESTER SAUCE..MONEY TALKS AND IT HAS ALL COME TO THAT..THEY OUGHT TO TRY RACING THE DERBY WITH CATTLE..THEN WE CAN ALL GET IN THE STANCE WITH A KNIFE AND A FORK, AND PERPHAPS GET A SHOT AT THE LOOSER..MEDIUM RARE, PLEASE..

Posted on May 29, 2008 07:25