Bodog Beat

2008 was a big year at the race track. (AP Images)

1. Big Brown finishes last in the Belmont Stakes. After big victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, Big Brown fails to win the Triple Crown with a poor performance in the Belmont.

2. Curlin finishes fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. With what looked like little competition, 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin failed to show in the Classic after tiring down the stretch on the synthetic surface.

3. Big Brown gets injured and is retired to stud. Just before a highly-anticipated meeting with Curlin in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Big Brown suffered a foot injury and was retired.

4. Zenyatta goes undefeated. Going nine for nine and seven for seven in 2008, filly Zenyatta won the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic.

5. Industry cracks down on steroid use. 2008 saw numerous states implement new regulations against the use of steroids in race horses.

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