Injury Will Keep Big Brown Out of the Breeders' Cup Classic

Following an injury this morning during a workout at the Aqueduct which was first reported by Bloodhorse.com, Big Brown was declared out of the Breeders' Cup Classic. Big Brown, winner of this year's Kentucky Derby, had worked with Kip Deville over the turf course with the stablemates finishing together in the final time of 1:12 4/5 for six furlongs. It was determined afterward that the colt had grabbed a quarter on the inside of the right front foot.

After his victory at the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby this year, Big Brown also won the second leg of the Triple Crown at the Preakness. With his win at the Preakness, Big Brown became the fourth horse to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness while remaining undefeated. With hopes running high that he could pull off a win at Belmont Stakes, Big Brown had the Triple Crown in his sights. But Big Brown disappointed, and became the first Triple Crown hopefully to finish last at Belmont. It was later determined that a dislodged shoe may have led to the dismal performance.

Following his embarrassment at Belmont, Big Brown quickly pulled off another win at the Haskell Invitational Handicap in August, and another win at the 2008 Monmouth Stakes in September as preparation for the Breeders' Cup.