Big Brown rolls to Kentucky Derby win

By Steve Ginsburg

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Reuters) - Big Brown produced a dramatic stretch run to win the Kentucky Derby Saturday, overcoming a potentially disastrous post position to remain unbeaten in four career starts.

The Florida Derby winner and betting favorite became the first horse to win America's greatest race from the 20th post since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929.

He also became the first horse since 1915 to win the Derby with only three previous races behind him.

Big Brown's 4 3/4-length triumph was tempered, however, when the runner-up Eight Belles, the only filly in the race, broke both ankles and had to be euthanized soon after passing the winning post.

Denis of Cork, who entered the Derby with three wins in four starts, finished third in the mile-and-a-quarter race, 3 1/2 lengths behind Eight Belles.

"What you saw today was what makes him so fantastic," Big Brown's trainer Rick Dutrow said. "I can't wait to get to the Preakness."

The winning time of 2:01.82 over a fast track at sunny Churchill Downs was well off the Derby record of 1:59.40 set in 1973 by eventual Triple Crown winner Secretariat.

Big Brown, the Kentucky-bred son of Boundary, moved around the first turn four wide but galloped nicely as he stalked the leaders. He was sixth at the far turn but at the top of the stretch exploded past the field for an easy win.

"He's just a really intelligent horse and just a pleasure to ride," jockey Kent Desormeaux said following his third Derby triumph. "I had a beautiful uneventful trip. No distractions."

Eight Belles, previously unbeaten in four races this year entering the Derby, appeared to finish the race in fine shape but was clearly distressed as she slowed down.

Trackside veterinarian Dr Larry Bramlage said: "The difficult thing to explain with her is...she was easing down like you'd like to see a horse slow down by that point.

"And then all of a sudden it goes over the brink in both legs. I don't have an explanation for it because I have no background to draw on, because I haven't seen anything like this before."

Big Brown, the near 5-2 favorite, paid $6.80, $5 and $4.80 for a $2 ticket. Eight Belles returned $10.60 and $6.40, while Denis of Cork paid $11.60.

(Editing by Dave Thompson)