Sat Jun 7 19:00:13 2008

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Big Brown denied Triple Crown; Da' Tara wins Belmont Stakes

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Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Big Brown failed in his chance to become the first horse in 30 years to win the Triple Crown, as 38-1 long shot Da' Tara led wire-to-wire to capture the 140th running of the Belmont Stakes Saturday.

Big Brown was third at the three-quarter pole, behind Da' Tara and Tale of Ekati, but ended up finishing last. Da' Tara, ridden by Alan Garcia, pulled away down the stretch, denying Big Brown of becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner.

Denis of Cork, who was third in the Kentucky Derby, came in second. Anak Nakal and Ready's Echo finished in a dead heat for third.

Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Big Brown was trying to become first thoroughbred to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont in the same year since Affirmed in 1978.

After drawing the rail and going off as the overwhelming favorite in the race at 1-4, Big Brown was eased in the stretch in the grueling 1 1/2 mile race.

Owned by IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr., Big Brown had been undefeated in five previous career starts.

More details to follow...