The most talented colt of his generation, Champion and
dual Classic winner Big Brown consistently delivered.
A stunning physical specimen with immense charisma,
Big Brown achieved a series of "firsts" and "bests" that
rank him with racing's all-time greats:
- First horse since 1915 to win the Derby with only
three career starts .
- Only horse to win the Kentucky Derby from post 20.
- Only horse to win the Florida Derby from post 12.
- Highest weighted three-year-old of 2008 in the world
on dirt.
- Best Ragozin Number in Kentucky Derby history.
- Only colt in 2008 to win four Grade 1 races on dirt.
- One of just four undefeated Derby/Preakness winners.
- Undefeated on turf and undefeated over older horses.
Big Brown flashed his brilliance early, dominating a twoyear-
old maiden special event at Saratoga by 11-1/4 lengths
in his debut. The manner in which he won coupled with the
margin of victory created a buzz throughout the racing community,
and offers for the strapping bay colt poured in.
Owner Paul Pompa Jr. eventually teamed up with the IEAH
Stable, and Big Brown ran the remainder of his career carrying
IEAH's star-studded red, white and blue silks.
At three, Big Brown came back stronger than ever, winning
four consecutive races from March 5 to May 17, including the
Florida Derby-G1, Kentucky Derby-G1, and Preakness-G1.
In the Florida Derby, Big Brown broke from post 12, yet still
won by five lengths, .37 off the track record, earning a second
consecutive 106 Beyer. More astounding, since the reconfiguration
of Gulfstream, only Barbaro had also won a 9-furlong
stakes race from post 10 or outward.
In the Kentucky Derby, Big Brown delivered again. Despite
breaking from far outside in post 20, Big Brown moved to a
perfect stalking position, then drew off at will for a 4 3/4-
length victory. This stunning performance earned Big Brown
the best Ragozin and Thoro-Graph numbers in Derby history.
The electrifying Derby win caught America's attention, and
all eyes were on Big Brown leading up to the Preakness.
Again, Big Brown delivered. Once more breaking from the
outside post, he won geared down to little more than a
canter, and crossed the finish line under wraps, 5-1/4
lengths in front.
Big Brown did not bring home the Triple Crown, but
he did win his remaining starts after the Belmont-G1, the
$1,000,000 Haskell Invitational-G1 and the $500,000
Monmouth Stakes.
Veteran writer Steve Haskin marvelled: "Big Brown's
accomplishments earlier in the year were unlike anything
we've ever seen. No one has put together performances like
the Florida Derby, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness with so
little foundation and experienceŠthe fact that he returned
after a physically and mentally demanding Triple Crown to
win both his starts, in a Grade 1 and on the turf, shows what
an extraordinary horse he was."
Big Brown retired with seven wins from eight starts, at
six tracks and five distances. He won the keynote races for
three-year-olds with authority, while battling adversity. His
tremendous presence and star quality transcended racing,
and his Triple Crown bid helped draw the fourth largest
crowd in history for the Belmont Stakes. Big Brown was
overwhelmingly voted Champion three-year-old, and was a
finalist for Horse of the Year.
Horsemen know the true measure of a champion lies not
only in the races he won and the manner of victory, but
in how he compares with the greats in racing history. Big
Brown's Derby Ragozin of -3/4 is superior to every other
Derby winner, including Secretariat (1-), Affirmed (4-), Seattle
Slew (7-), Barbaro (0+), Street Sense (3+), and Unbridled (2).
A handsome, imposing individual standing 16.1 hands,
Big Brown has a fascinating sire's pedigree. A clear two-turn
runner, he is by the sprinter Boundary, who in turn is by
sprint/mile influence Danzig. Inbred to breed-shaping sires
Northern Dancer, Damascus, and Round Table, Big Brown
carries four crosses of Selene, dam of six-time leading
English sire Hyperion and influential American sires Sickle
and Pharamond II.
Big Brown was bred to over 100 mares his first season, 71
stakes mares/stakes producers. His first foals arrive in 2010.
