Horses Article: Big Brown Steroid Deprived

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posted by lucybell

I don't know what happened to him at the Belmont, but there is one possible theory. Before the race the commentary was made that Big Brown had been getting a legal shot of steroids once a month. The owner stated that he wanted everyone to see that he could win the race without the shot. This is his first race without the shot, perhaps this might have affected his performance. Just a theory. However, the temperature was a steamy 93 degrees, I can't imagine running a mile and half in that kind of heat. He was also fitted with a new pair of custom glue-on shoes, don't know how much affect this could have had on his surefootedness.

fishypup, Katreader and 1 other like this

Katreader I think it was a combination of things, including the heat. Big Brown is a very inexperienced horse, cram everything that he did in such a short time...he just wasn't ready. Affirmed was already a champion at 2 years. Personally, I don't think the steroids were an issue-I don't know, but I don't think only a month without would have made that much of a difference. It is interesting though. It seemed like he just wasn't in the mood when Kent asked him to make his move. He kind of reminded me of my off the track thoroughbred in that respect ;)I wished he could have done it...