The injury ended the hope that Big Brown would face 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on October 25. After running six furlongs on turf at Aqueduct, the thoroughbred was found to have damaged a heel bulb - an area of soft tissue - at the back of his right front foot. It is a big disappointment to horse betting fans who wanted to see Big Brown and Curlin matchup in the Breeders’ Cup classic.

“We are disappointed that Big Brown will not be able to compete in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic but are glad to hear that he is expected to make a full recovery from the injury he sustained earlier today,” Breeders’ Cup president and chief executive officer Greg Avioli said.

Big Brown is to stand at stud at Robert Clay’s Three Chimney’s farm for the 2009 breeding season.