It looks like there is no fight in the horse at the end, he was looked at in the eyes, and didn't show any grit or determination.  Well beaten looks like he was a claiming horse in a race called the true test of a Champion. The likes of Curlin, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Funny Cide, War Emblem Charismatic, Real Quiet, Silver Charm, Sunday Silence, Alysheba, and Pleasant Colony.  All gave a good accounting for themselves in the Belmont.
— posted by Afleet Alex Forever

Maybe BB's feet hurt today -- swelling with the heat? Horses have off days, too.  Maybe today was his off day. Rather him not running well than lame or dead.
— posted by azindn

I believe that all horse racing should be discontinued. The "sport" is inhumane. But there is too much money involved and too many people who believe that the injuries are just an unfortunate aspect of their entertainment.
— posted by B-o-i-l-e-r-s

I just joined a group on myspace and cited Affirmed as an example of telling when a horse is great. To me, a horse has to be able to face down a rival, dig deep and pull it out to win in those big races. (Think Affirmed in the Belmont, MOW vs. John P. Grier in the Dwyer, etc.)  Guess BB is just good after all ...
— posted by Swale1984

With the weather being so hot and this horse having a cracked hoof it was awful that they even thought about racing this horse. But money speaks and that is the answer to everything. Plus steroids I am sure didn't help the situation even though they said he was off of them
— posted by Labs forever

Ah, the armchair critics are out in full force, I see. The horse was most likely saved by Kent's riding. It was clear that Big Brown had no run in him so what's the point of whipping him to the finish line like most of these jockeys from south of the border seem to do? Thank God the jockey knew what he was doing, or he would've given plenty of fuel to PETA's misguided campaign.
— posted by norfolknchance

I feel bad for desormeaux but I thought that ride was crazy.
— posted by tbroo

I am very happy that kent had enough sense to pull up Big Brown. In the opinion of many he should not have even been in the race.
— posted by save the horses

as much as i would love to see a triple crown winner this crew did not deserve it!nothing against big brown but r.d. has no class..i wonder if not getting the droids had anything to do with this?? b.b. did not look fit before the race and looked like he has lost a few pounds.
— posted by wolfgirl1

Something was up with this horse. Uncharacteristically acting up in his stall, possibly getting kicked approaching the first turn, the heat, but i noticed soon after coming out of the gate his head was up, he was fighting the jock, he just didn't want to run today, whatever the reason.
— posted by clockerq

The horse was not himself; he wanted no part of running today.  He has been plagued with hoof problems from the get go.  On most of those videos of him getting a bath, his ankles didn't look so great either.  Today his left foot was more problematic than his right.  The first jump out of the gate he threw his head up and ducked pretty good to the right.  (Protecting his left front?)
— posted by RaceHorseLoverAlways

I have been a racing fan for years and lived in So. Calif for 40 years. I am so glad that Kent pulled up on Big Brown. I have thought all week Big Brown should have been scratched from the race but the money hungry owner and trainer was not going to let that happen. Thank God we did not have another Barbaro
— gun lover

I am shocked at the behavior of total adults over the loss of Big Brown.  This is an incredible animal that has shown his heart and soul to the sport of horse racing and people have the nerve to be so disrespectful. I am a horse person...I have been around horses my whole life.  Like  the human athlete, horses also have days that they are not feeling themselves.  Big Brown is a living athlete and had a bad day.  That does not mean he is still not a great horse.
— colors2004_Florida

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