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
Big Brown Back on Track
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)

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. (More Belmont Stakes stories.)

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