BIG BROWN overcame his wide draw in tremendous style to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday. The colt took his unbeaten record to four with an impressive victory in the first leg of the American Triple Crown.

Cruising into the lead on the turn for home in the hands of Kent Desormeaux, Big Brown forged clear to give the jockey his third Kentucky Derby victory and a first for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.

There was, however, a sad post script within minutes of the race as the runner-up, the filly Eight Belles, was put down after suffering a fatal injury. She was a clear second but never really threatened the brilliant winner, who became the first horse from stall 20 to take the Derby since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929.

Big Brown was quickly away with Desormeaux content to stay on the outside in fifth place by the first turn as Bob Black Jack made the early running. Desormeaux asked his mount for his effort a furlong before the last turn and Big Brown took the lead with little effort and went on to win by four and three-quarter lengths to justify favouritism.

Eight Belles came down shortly after the winning line, having broken her both front ankles.

Denis Of Cork ran on from last place to take third spot. Desormeaux, previously successful on Real Quiet (1998) and Fusaichi Pegasus (2003) said: "I feel like the luckiest man alive. I think the most obnoxious thing I said was this was my best chance I ever had to win the Kentucky Derby. Once I asked him to reel the guy in front of me he took off."