Big Love for Big Brown

Big Brown is in the homestretch of a bid for the Triple Crown. The horse has been faultless, which can't be said for all the humans surrounding him

Paul J. Richards / AFP / Getty

Jockey Kent J. Desormeaux riding "Big Brown" crosses the finish line for First Place at the 133rd Preakness Stakes, May 17, 2008.

While Big Brown, the Bay Colt who took the first two legs of this year's Triple Crown, grazes, Rick Dutrow, his trainer, gazes. The horse is relaxing in a stall at Belmont Park, gnawing some hay. "When I look at him, I see a horse that's as cool and as calm as can be," says Dutrow, who has escaped the depths of addiction and gone on to train a Thoroughbred who might be the best in a generation. "He moves me." Dutrow points out Big Brown's birthmark, a rare speck of white fuzz above his front left leg, and lovingly strokes...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!