Big Brown More Compelling in Defeat

Big Brown may have performed poorly at the Belmont Stakes, but his loss makes for a better story than victory would have, and he's in good company, writes Wallace Matthews in Newsday. Between Roberto Duran throwing in the towel against Sugar Ray Leonard, and Alex Rodriguez's plummeting temperature each postseason, defeats typically make for more drama than triumphs.

Horseracing's hero failed to capture the Triple Crown, but the ups and downs of the story (Rick Dutrow guarantees victory! A hoof injury may hurt Big Brown's Chances! Casino Drive drops out! The favorite draws plum post position! But then makes the worst finish in Belmont history!) make it more spectacular than a win could have been, Matthews argues. (More horse racing stories.)