Big Brown Retired

Big Brown, who was being pointed at the Breeder's Cup Classic, and would have raced Curlin for the first time has been retired after suffering an injury during a workout yesterday. Big Brown worked well in his run with a stablemate on the turf, and his trainer was happy with the time. - But as Big Brown came off the track, it was noticed that he had "grabbed a quarter" - in other words, his hind foot had over-reached, and that marvelous racing shoe had torn off the rear part of a front foot, along with a part of his hoof.

"Big Brown has been retired," said Michael Iavarone, co-owner of IEAH Stables. "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 Breeders' Cup. It's devastating. And what makes it even worse is that he worked great."

“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," Greg Avioli, president and CEO of the Breeders' Cup, said in a statement.

"My family and I are saddened to learn of Big Brown’s career ending injury during his morning workout," said Jess Jackson, majority owner of Curlin, said in a statement. "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. 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."