The match-up between Big Brown and Curlin in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita Racetrack is a no-go.

Big Brown grabbed a quarter on the inside of his front right hoof with his right hind hoof in a workout at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York on October 13 and tore a three to four-inch chunk of hoof off. Although the quarter crack is not a life-threatening injury, the decision was made to retire him to stud.

Big Brown has been plagued by hoof problems throughout his career. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner had a quarter crack in his left front hoof patched twice in the three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. Was the quarter crack a factor in Big Brown's losing the Belmont Stakes? Big Brown never fired in the Belmont and his jockey Kent Desormeaux pulled him up.

The Belmont Stakes was Big Brown's only loss. He retires with a lifetime record of seven wins in eight starts and earnings of $3,614,500.

The good news is that the horse didn't break down on the track and have to be euthanized in front of horrified fans. The bad news is that at 3 years old, the horse's racing career is over.

Don't feel bad for the owners. Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky reportedly paid $50 million for the privilege of standing Big Brown at stud. Let's see, continue to race the horse or take your $50 million. It seems like a no-brainer to me.

Does the horse really care that he can't race anymore? Let's see, racing or breeding. I bet the stallion would choose breeding.

Big Brown will recuperate for a month at Aqueduct and then begin his life as a stud in Kentucky. He will have the best of care, be turned out on lush Kentucky bluegrass and have a parade of the best fillies in the country vying for his amorous attention. Not a bad gig all in all.

Meanwhile, on minor racetracks all over the country, 3-year-old Thoroughbreds will continue to break down. Some will be euthanized and some will suffer career-ending injuries.

Should we be racing 3-year-olds that are not fully developed yet?

It all depends whom you ask and how well their pockets are lined.

Contact Patricia Smith at fotobytocco@vbbi.us