Nathan Stubbs

Desormeaux reflects on Belmont loss

by Nathan Stubbs

Three days after the Belmont Stakes, the world of horse racing is still stunned over Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown’s last place finish. Big Brown was vying to become the first horse in 30 years to win the coveted prize. The race also represented Hall of Fame jockey and Maurice native Kent Desormeaux’s second attempt at the Triple Crown. In an interview with _Sports Illustrated’_s Dan Patrick, Desormeaux says the race was likely lost in the first turn, following a bad break out of the gate and that dry track conditions may have also been a factor. “I actually was quite happy to get that position I was in, after we rounded into the first turn. But it took a lot of work to get it. Given the situation I was in, there's nothing I could have done differently.” Desormeaux adds both Big Brown’s owner and trainer have complimented him on the race and that he fully expects to continue to be the horse’s jockey. Big Brown’s owners now plan to enter the horse into two more races, including a showdown with last year’s Preakness Stakes winner Curlin in the Breeders Cup Classic. I’m not going anywhere," Desormeaux says. "God has proven that lightning can strike twice in a bottle, so hopefully we can come back.” Read