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Big Brown's Owner Scraps Steroids

Says his stable will no longer use them; calls on others to do the same

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 23, 2008 9:11 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The owners of Big Brown say they will no longer give their horses steroids and called on others in the industry to do the same, the New York Times reports. The near Triple Crown winner drew scrutiny and some criticism when trainer Rick Dutrow admitted injecting the horse—legally—with steroids in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby. 

“I know Big Brown or any of our horses do not need this stuff to win,” said owner Michael Iavarone. “I’m not worried about an uneven playing field, either. The cost of the drug tests are a small price to pay for the integrity of the sport. I’m urging other owners to join us, and let’s turn the game around."

Jockey Kent Desormeaux rides Big Brown around the second turn in the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. on Saturday, June 7, 2008.
Jockey Kent Desormeaux rides Big Brown around the second turn in the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. on Saturday, June 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Stephen Cherwin)
In this April 30, 2008, file photo, Big Brown's trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. gestures in front of his stall at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
In this April 30, 2008, file photo, Big Brown's trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. gestures in front of his stall at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.   (AP Photo/Ed Reinke, File)
Big Brown owner Michael Iavarone speaks to reporters after Big Brown pulled out of the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. on Saturday, June 7, 2008.
Big Brown owner Michael Iavarone speaks to reporters after Big Brown pulled out of the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. on Saturday, June 7, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Big Brown's jockey Kent Desormeaux removes his helmet after Big Brown slowed and finished last in the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. , on Saturday, June 7, 2008.
Big Brown's jockey Kent Desormeaux removes his helmet after Big Brown slowed and finished last in the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. , on Saturday, June 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Denis Paquin)
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steroids • Kentucky Derby • horse racing • Triple Crown • Big Brown • Richard Dutrow Jr. • Michael Iavarone

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