May 19, 2008 6:02 pm US/Eastern
Big Brown Returns To N.Y. A Conquering Hero
Horse Needs Belmont Victory To Secure First Triple Crown Since 1978
BETHPAGE, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown returned to his home on Long Island on May 19 to begin preparations for his shot at the first Triple Crown in horse racing since 1978 -- the Belmont Stakes on June 7.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
After this weekend's triumph at the Preakness -- Big Brown now has a date with destiny.
Just a few hours ago the undefeated horse arrived at Belmont Park where Triple Crown hopes are high for the hometown hero. No horse has won all three jewels of the Triple Crown in 30 years.
Big Brown is truly a superstar. When he showed up at Belmont on Monday he was hounded by an army of photographers.
Big Brown's triumphant trot to a freshly painted barn has owner Michael Iavarone, a native of nearby Bethpage, acting like one proud papa.
"He's a rock star. He knows it," Iavarone said. "He wouldn't expect anything less. He was like the Roman emperor in Kentucky."
Big Brown has three weeks to recharge after his big win at the Preakness with jockey Kent Desormeaux aboard.
"(I am) still floating. I am still absolutely in awe of the race this horse just gave me," Desormeaux said. "He's a special horse."
Now it's on to what could be a Triple Crown sweep at the Belmont Stakes on June 7. If he does he'll become the first horse in three decades to gallop away with racing's Holy Grail. Affirmed last did it in 1978.
"If the horse shows up and runs his race it is going to be very hard to beat him," Desormeaux said.
There is also excitement racing through Bethpage. At Sweeney's Parkside Tavern -- where locals want a Triple Crown – all the talk Monday was about how much people want this hometown hero to complete the historic trifecta.
"It's exciting. Belmont's going to be so crowded. I'm not even going to go. I'll come here and watch," said Mark Finnegan of Bethpage.
"I haven't seen a horse like this ever," bartender Brian Nugent said. "It reminds me of tapes and pictures you see of Secretariat, Seattle Slew. He belongs in that class."
Iavarone said he expects the hype and excitement to grow over the next few weeks.
"I think the momentum is only going to build from here," he said. "It's just starting."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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