Sat May 3 18:36:06 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Big Brown wins Kentucky Derby; tragedy strikes Eight Belles

---

Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Big Brown, making just his fourth career start, won the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Big Brown, who started from the outside post as the favorite, rallied on the outside just past the three-quarters marker to take the lead and cruised down the stretch to victory by 4 3/4 lengths.

Eight Belles, the lone filly in the race, was second, but was hurt and was down on the track shortly after the race. Denis of Cork was third.

Onsite Veterinarian Larry Bramlage said Eight Belles broke both front ankles and was immediately euthanized after the race.

Owned by IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr., Big Brown earned his position as the Kentucky Derby favorite off his wire to wire win in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. The three-year-old is undefeated in four career starts.

The time of the race was 2 minutes 1 and 4/5ths seconds.

Jockey Kent Desormeaux, riding Big Brown, captured his third Kentucky Derby, winning with Real Quiet in 1998 and with Fusaichi Pegasus in 2000.

More details to follow.