Big Brown will not race after this year

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by CSC

I don't see why breeders would rush out to breed to him considering Curlin will enter stud duty next year. Curlin to me has a much more attractive pedigree who has proven a heck of alot more in my eyes. Aren't these guys rushing the gun ya think?

I'm the first to say I don't know much about the breeding business, but it seems like a lot of it depends on irrational exuberance for the hot new thing- if they run Big Brown at 4, and he doesn't do well, they won't be able to charge as high a stud fee as if they retire him this year, while he's still the most recent KDerby winner. Add to that, most stallions fail at stud, so it's important they make as much money as they can as soon as they can, so if he's a stud dud they'll still have made their $$.

Like someone said, it's a breeding business, with a few races tossed in on the side.