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July 5, 2008 6:53:45 PM CDT

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Big Brown Jockey Rides for Ailing Son

Posted May 16, 08 11:51 AM CDT in Sports    Most Covered

(Newser) – Kent Desormeaux, the jockey who rode Big Brown to victory in the Kentucky Derby, wants his son to see him win the Preakness tomorrow—before his eyesight fails entirely. Nine-year-old Jacob suffers from a genetic disorder that took his hearing and is slowly compromising his vision, but that hasn't stopped him from exulting in his dad's success, writes USA Today.

"We give him all of the life experiences we possibly can," Jacob's mother says, "and let him see as much as he can while he can." There are other good reasons to win as well: the competitive spirit, the prize money, and, of course, the honor. "You're talking about never being forgotten," says Desormeaux.

Source USA Today

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In this May 3, 2008 file photo, Kent Desormeaux rides Big Brown to victory in the 134th Kentucky Derby Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Big Brown will try for the Preakness next.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)
Blacksmith Ian McKinlay replaces the shoes on Preakness entry and Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown. Jockeying is a dangerous sport - Desormeaux once fractured his skull in a fall.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
In this May 16, 1998 file photo, Kent Desormeaux celebrates aboard Real Quiet after winning the 123rd running of the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.   (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File)
Kent Desormeaux's ailing son Jacob is still exuberant over his father's victory at the Kentucky Derby, and Desormeaux hopes to give him more to experience while he can still see it.   (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
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horse racing  • Kentucky Derby  • Triple Crown  • Big Brown  • Preakness  • Kent Desormeaux


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