Is Big Brown going to be the one to do it? And I don't mean the TC!?

Question

Since he has only raced in 4 races before the Derby...quite a low number in comparison to what most horses have done - isn't it normally close to 10 or more???

Do you think this will go to help change the way horses are run in the future? With everyone saying they are racing them too young, etc?

Big Brown has clearly proven that they don't need a ton of races under their belts, even if he doesn't win the Triple Crown!

Those who follow this sport - do you think this will do anything for that aspect of the sport????

Answer 1

I doubt it.  The only reason he hadn't been in more races is because he has had some problems with his hooves.  They have put some special shoes on him to help the problem.  

I do know one thing he will do, and that is make some serious change for stud fees.  He's gonna do it!

Answer 2

I hope he will be an example - if only by accident.  On ESPN this afternoon, they devoted a half hour to what the racing indistry has to do to keep horses from getting injured.  Part of it is the breeding, part is the way they're trained (some get most of their horses form Europe cause they don't push them there), part may be dirt versus synthetic tracks.

I would like to see horses started later as far as racing goes - they are not really mature until 4 years old.  I'd like to see horses like Cigar who are still racing at 9 years old.

Answer 3

It does seem like more lightly raced horses seem to be doing better in triple crown races , so that may continue with that trend. The prices for yearlings and 2 year olds are also astronomical , so owners will tend to pamper their investments. But the truth is you need to race a horse in order to know what you have got. Although he only had 4 races , Big Brown surely trained a whole lot  prior to and during his racing career.

Answer 4

No, I don't think this will do anything to the sport. I have followed racing for a number of years, and lately I find the industry going down hill. Especially with breeding. Horses are being bred for speed rather than strength and endurance. That is one reason why so many race horses are injured.