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Big Brown Back on Track

Belmont fave does 9 furlongs easily after hoof crack sidelined him

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 29, 2008 7:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown looked to be on the mend from his foot injury yesterday, making his longest practice run yet at the Belmont track. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner galloped 1 1/8 mile under the careful supervision of an exercise rider, ESPN reports. A crack in his left front hoof had trainers holding him back since Friday.

"The first furlong he was a little rough, then he settled right down, slowly relaxed, and let go of the bit," said his rider. Big Brown's hoof doctor was pleased with the injury's progress and expressed hope that it would heal on its own, though the crack might need patching. The Belmont, in which the colt hopes to claim the first Triple Crown in 30 years, is June 7.

Big Brown, left, with exercise rider Michelle Nevin, is guided down the track by a pony rider after a light training gallop around the track at Belmont Park.
Big Brown, left, with exercise rider Michelle Nevin, is guided down the track by a pony rider after a light training gallop around the track at Belmont Park.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
With exercise rider Michelle Nevin up, Big Brown walks onto the track for a light training gallop while on the mend from a small crack in his hoof.
With exercise rider Michelle Nevin up, Big Brown walks onto the track for a light training gallop while on the mend from a small crack in his hoof.   (AP Photo)
Exercise rider Michelle Nevin, right, and hoof specialist Ian McKinlay, second from right, look on as Big Brown is washed after a light workout at Belmont Park Wednesday, May 28, 2008.
Exercise rider Michelle Nevin, right, and hoof specialist Ian McKinlay, second from right, look on as Big Brown is washed after a light workout at Belmont Park Wednesday, May 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Big Brown, right, resumed training for a second day in a row while continuing to heal from a slight crack on the inside of his left front hoof.
Big Brown, right, resumed training for a second day in a row while continuing to heal from a slight crack on the inside of his left front hoof.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. walks Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Big Brown around the shedrow after a light workout at Belmont Park Wednesday, May 28, 2008 in Elmont, N.Y.
Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. walks Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Big Brown around the shedrow after a light workout at Belmont Park Wednesday, May 28, 2008 in Elmont, N.Y.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
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Kentucky Derby • horse racing • Belmont Stakes • horse • injury • Big Brown • Preakness Stakes

 
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