Bodog Beat

A new loose shoe theory is the latest break in Big Brown's Triple Crown upset. (AP Images)

Rumors surrounding Big Brown's astonishing loss at the Belmont Stakes have included everything from the heat, to Big Brown's cracked hoof, dehydration and steroid dosage — however, now new photographs have emerged that suggests Big Brown's defeat may have been due to a loose shoe. Freelance photographer Russ Milton sent two photos to one of Big Brown's owners, Michael Iavarone.

The photos show the shoe on the colt's rear left hoof becoming loose during the race. After the race, veterinarians paid attention to the cracked front left hoof.

"The picture shocked me," Iavarone told Newsday. "When the shoe spread, a nail could have been pinching him. Or he could have been stepping on a hot nail, which would have been worse. I'm guessing the nail went back in but not in the same spot. Or it could have been a loose shoe, which would be like trying to run with a wobbly cleat. Any of those things would be significant for a horse running a mile and a half. The [deep] track was my original explanation. But now I'm thinking the shoe was dislodged during the race and incorrectly reset while he was running."

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