Big Brown wins Kentucky Derby but runner-up euthanized

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AFP) — Big Brown defied history to win the 134th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but the race finished under a pall as runner-up Eight Belles broke down and was euthanized.

Big Brown more than justified the faith of trainer Rick Dutrow and gave jockey Kent Desormeaux his third triumph in the Kentucky Derby, the first jewel in US flat racing's Triple Crown.

Looking ahead to the next Triple Crown race, the Preakness in Baltimore in two weeks, Dutrow said: "Can't wait to get there!"

Although he went off as the favorite, Big Brown had history against him.

Big Brown became the first Derby winner from post 20 since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929, taking the lead at the top of the stretch and roaring home.

He was also the first Derby...