A multi-millionaire, multiple G1 winner, and a brilliant runner on turf and dirt, Big Brown proved to be the best of his and of many generations and will be entering stud in 2009 at Three Chimneys Farm.
Big Brown showed signs of brilliance early on, easily winning his lone two-year-old start, a mile and a sixteenth turf race at Saratoga, by 11-1/4 lengths. The ease with which he toyed with his competition turned quite a few heads and started a buzz within the racing community about the strapping bay colt. At three, Big Brown came back even stronger than before, winning a Gulfstream Park allowance by 12-3/4 lengths and earning a Beyer Speed Rating of 106.
In his following start, the Florida Derby [G1], he proved himself to be a true classic contender. Dictating the pace from the start, Big Brown drew away in the stretch having never fully exerted himself to win by 4-3/4 lengths and earning another Beyer of 106. The win stamped Big Brown as a reputable Derby contender and, just over a month later, he did not disappoint.
Breaking from the 20 hole - the extreme outside post - Big Brown was unaffected by the roaring crowd and extra ground he had to cover. He showed why he's referred to as "a push button horse," allowing jockey Kent Desormeaux to guide him into perfect stalking position and then easily gaining control of the race's lead position. As the horses turned for home, it was Big Brown who responded with a rush of speed when asked and drew off to win the Kentucky Derby [G1] by 4-3/4 lengths.
His electrifying Derby win caught America's attention and all eyes were on Big Brown leading up to the Preakness Stakes [G1]. Again, the colt did not disappoint. Just as in the Derby, Big Brown broke from the outside post position and was the picture of perfection, content to wait for his jockey's queue to turn on his speed. At the top of the stretch Big Brown responded to a cluck and a tap from Desormeaux and unleashed a burst of speed that few horses have ever demonstrated. Nearing the wire, having soundly bested his competition, Big Brown was geared down and, doing little more than a canter, crossed the finish line under wraps 5-1/4 lengths ahead of his nearest rival.
Owned by IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa, Jr. and trained by Richard Dutrow, Big Brown has amassed over $2.7 million in only 6 lifetime starts. He has won his five races by a combined 39 lengths, yet has never been asked to race full out. He was bred in Kentucky by Dr. Garry Knapp's Monticule Farm.
