Big Brown’s injured hoof progressing well

NEW YORK (AP) — The trainer calls it a “hiccup” and the owner is sure everything will be fine. So far, there doesn’t seem to be a crack in the confidence of camp Big Brown.

Twelve days before the Belmont Stakes, hoof specialist Ian McKinlay began repairing a quarter crack to the left front hoof of the Triple Crown hopeful.

He carved a little trench along the slight crack and stitched it up with stainless steel wire Monday. It was another step in a several-days process that would allow Big Brown to resume training as early as Wednesday for his attempt to become the first Triple Crown champion in 30 years.

“Just a little hiccup on the way over there that’s all it is,” trainer Rick Dutrow said a few minutes after McKinlay briefed him on the colt’s condition. “The time that he has missed means nothing to me or him.”

Michael Iavarone, co-president of Big Brown’s majority owner IEAH Stables, stopped by barn 2 at Belmont Park for an update.

“At this point, I’m very comfortable with us making the Belmont,” he said. “If something goes wrong, I’ll deal with it then. Right now, it’s Rick’s call. He’s going to do what’s best for the horse.”

Tags: horse, racing, triple, crown, big, brown