Big Brown and Running

I’ve become a horse fan recently. One horse in particular: Big Brown. Big Brown won this year’s Kentucky Derby. Watching the Kentucky Derby isn’t an annual thing for me, but if I happen to be near a TV on that afternoon when it’s showing, I’ll definitely watch. We used to watch the Derby as a family and each member would pick out a horse to cheer, with maybe as much as a dollar bet placed by my mother, father, sister and I. Winner or best placing won the pot, a big four bucks. (This is the extent of my betting, and I never remember winning the pot.)

I happened to be at home the afternoon of this year’s Run for the Roses, so I watched. I even saw some of the pre-race show and so heard the life stories of BB’s current jockey and trainer. Both have gone through some very difficult years. I couldn’t help but think it would be nice for them to have success with Big Brown.

Big Brown had the outside starting position, #20. His handlers looked at this in a positive light; he wouldn’t have “dirt thrown in his face”. (Do race horses really care about this?!) I would think the outside lane could be a bit of a disadvantage—the horse definitely would be running a longer race while he was on the outside.

Big Brown’s jockey held him back through what seemed like the first three-quarters. Then he let him go. Wow! That horse took off--gobbling up ground with incredible power. You could see Big Brown accelerate and leave the other horses behind. He was amazing. He won by 4-5 lengths. He looked like he could have easily raced at full power for another quarter. He was fired up, spirited. He was/is beautiful to watch.

A week later, our spring trail running/walking series started at Great Glen. I’m sure I can’t be the only one who has had Eli ask, “Are you feeling powerful today?” as you line up to make your run. Not wanting to disappoint Eli, I usually keep quiet.

But last week I understood “powerful”. I ran with the image of Big Brown in my head. I thought it was a pretty helpful image too, as holding back some in the beginning is usually a good way for me to race.

I did not have the powerful finish of Big Brown, although I tried, and was happy with my effort. I’d love to power that last half mile faster than I’ve run any other section of the course. In consolation however, our trail running course IS longer than the Kentucky Derby distance.

So this weekend was the second race of the Triple Crown, the Preakness. Now I’m hooked. I couldn’t wait to see Big Brown run again. This time he started in the middle of the pack, #7. He handled the dirt in his face fine, although it couldn’t have been for all that long. His jockey again held him back and then let him go on the last straight. Big Brown immediately opened a gap on the others and won easily. Again I was struck by the power of this horse. He must love to run. I can’t wait for the Belmont!

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Re: Big Brown and Running
by Nate-tron on May 23rd 2008, 12:51 pm

OK, Sue. I'm in. Put a buck on the Big Brown for me.

Re: Big Brown and Running
by Sue W on May 23rd 2008, 4:55 pm

That's the spirit Nate!

Re: Big Brown and Running
by Eli on Jun 5th 2008, 11:22 am

Way to unleash the power there Sue! One of these days we'll get some big time betting up here for the trail running series and perhaps we'll also be graced by the visits of famous folks and notable faces adorned in extravagant hats and fine tailored garb! Keeping running in the wilds and always be in tune with that inner running animal.

Great Glen Tidbits
The log cabin at Great Angel Station replaced the yurt that blew down in a terrific wind storm in December, 2000.