Horse Racing Dichotomy

[Split Rock]

I did not think Big Brown could win. In fact, I was pretty sure he wouldn't win. I mean, which horse can break from the 20 post, run wide the entire way, at a distance they've never been, pressing a relatively fast early pace, only a few minutes of racing experience away from being a maiden and not get run down by a Grade 1 winning closer from behind? He would have to be 10 lengths best.

As it turned out, Big Brown is a minimum of 10 lengths better than the other three-year olds. He never looked to be asked, at any point, until mid stretch. I've watched every Derby since 1986 (and many more via replays on Youtube) and there aren't many that stand out as much as this one. I think Big Brown may have given Big Red a run for his money today.

Triple Crown? Foregone conclusion. Provided he stays healthy and doesn't run into upset "racing gods", he may not be tested in Baltimore or New York. He appears far superior to any three-year old colt in training.

Herein lies the oddity. 80% (maybe more) of the racing public does not want this horse to win the triple crown. I could understand rooting against Real Quiet or Charismatic. Both were very non-descript runners prior to their run at infamy. It would be sacrilegious to give up such a nostalgic jewel to a runner that doesn't take your breath away, simply by looking at the PP's.

So, why isn't there more of a celebration around this colt? Why aren't fans euphoric about the idea of an undefeated Triple Crown winner? It's very simple. The horse is owned and managed by despicable people. The trainer is a confirmed violator of illegal substances. He is arrogant and disrespectful. He laughs in the face of all the hard work being put in by those not fortunate enough to have a Big Brown or a Saint Liam. ESPN did a story on Bennie Stutts, a 70+ trainer having his first Derby horse in 40+ years in the game. He was so emotional just being on the grounds and around the history and pageantry that he could not get through the interview without tearing up. Why can't karma play a part and give the win to this guy?

The owners are even easier to dislike. Geared out in their $2000 suits and mafia sunglasses, parking their limo's outside the barn, they are about as self important as anyone can be. When someone says, "you can't buy class", I think we have a clearer visual of what that means. They have entered the sport to make a profit on the breeding end. That means we are likely very close to seeing the end of Big Brown's racing career. IEAH Stables are the residue of an industry imploding and fighting for scraps like wolves over a dead carcass. The chaos in the industry opened the door for these vultures.

All of this is certainly not the horse's fault. He is talented. Supremely talented. However, there was something eerie about the finish of the 2008 Derby. Big Brown cruised to the lead at the top of the stretch and looked to draw away from the pool of exhausted pylons left in his wake. Out of that bunch came Eight Belles. She tested Big Brown without really challenging for the victory. Clearly, she ran herself to death. When the race was over, the immediate excitement about a great win was tarnished by the inopportune tragedy. There was a thought that came to mind. Would Big Brown be tested for illegal substances? If so, would anything be found? Does horse racing need a wake up call like a Kentucky Derby winner being disqualified for drugs? Maybe karma would play a part. If a drug test found the presence of drugs, Eight Belles would end up the winner of the 2008 Kentucky Derby. Please (racing) God, make it happen.