BIG BROWN DOWNER

So much for a Big Brown Triple Crown. Note to self: Never plan a get-together based solely on celebrating a particular horse winning a race. What started as an upbeat party filled with anticipation that we were about to witness a bit of history felt more like a deflated balloon at its end. We were left wondering "how can this be"? How could this seemingly unbeatable machine not only NOT WIN, but finish LAST in the Belmont Stakes? What happened?

Most likely, this beautiful colt was just plain tired. After having exquisitely run and won both the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness in recent weeks it was a stretch to ask him to pull off this one. (That's why the Triple Crown is so elusive.) The Belmont is a grueling 1 1/2 mile race and it was a humid 88 degrees to boot. I wouldn't feel like pulling out all the stops either. Can't blame the horse...I, for one, am just super glad that he wasn't hurt...and that no others were either. Certainly didn't want to revisit what happened to Eight Belles last month.

One thing is sure, Big Brown is a horse I'll remember. Just like Funny Cide and Smarty Jones, he may not have pulled off the Triple Crown - but he gave us one hell of a ride!

For Whom the Belles Toll...

The bells toll for thee, sweet filly, the bells toll for thee.

Guts, glory and then...gone. All in a span of just minutes. You showed guts just getting into the Kentucky Derby...the only filly in a field of twenty. Then the glory. Somehow, you know, you brought womankind together for those two minutes on the track...and, wow, did you make us proud! You ran with speed and grace - just behind the powerhouse known as Big Brown and a good bit ahead of the rest of the pack. You flew over the finish line to take an impressive 2nd place! Little did you, or we, know that in minutes you would be gone...that this run for the roses would cause you to cross the ultimate finish line.

My heart broke into a million pieces seeing you down...knowing all too well what that meant...memories of Barbaro still fresh in my mind. My heart aches for your trainer, your jockey, your owner and all of the others you undoubtedly touched during your three years on this earth. You were born to run and died doing it...simple yet so tragic.

When I awoke this morning it was with a certain sadness that the lyrics of Dan Fogelberg's song "Run For the Roses" came to mind. In hindsight the words seem eerily prophetic for you, Eight Belles...

"All the long, lazy mornings in pastures of green - the sun on your withers, the wind in your mane - could never prepare you for what lies ahead...the run for the roses so red. And it's run for the roses as fast as you can. Your fate is delivered, your moment's at hand. It's the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance and it's high time you joined in the dance."

Now, I'd like to imagine you majestically running in heavenly fields of green...perhaps you are even being serenaded by Dan Fogelberg himself because, you know, he crossed over to eternity not too long before you. These things are a mystery as long as we remain on this side...with our blinders on. I do know that I will never forget you....that this Derby will be remembered more for the horse that won our hearts than for the horse that won the roses. You ran an amazing race...and, now, I pray you are in the midst of His amazing grace. Rest in peace Eight Belles.