June 4 - While 3-year-old Big Brown's shot at winning the Triple Crown at this weekend's 2008 Belmont Stakes has received a lot of positive press over the last few weeks, his trainer and foot specialist have come under recent fire for their decision to run him at all.

A backlash has developed across the country over the decision by Big Brown's trainer, Rick Dutrow Jr., and foot specialist, Ian McKinlay, to run the colt in Saturday's Belmont Stakes (Group 1), despite him suffering a quarter crack in his left front foot last week.

While both Dutrow Jr and McKinlay have been quick to point out that Big Brown's injury is not causing the thoroughbred any pain or discomfort, and has been correctly treated, they have still been on the receiving end of criticism.

Perhaps as a result of the death of filly Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby last month.

It seems that for some people, it seems cruel to run a race horse in such a long and strenuous race with a foot injury and, as such, they have targeted the two people closest to Big Brown, and taken them to task for making the decision to continue to run him.

However, throughout the build up to the Belmont Stakes, both Dutrow Jr and McKinley have been very transparent regarding Big Brown's injury, and have taken the time to explain to the media what his treatment has involved.

After the injury was discovered, McKinlay fitted a stainless steel wire mesh across Big Brown's foot to pull the crack together. On Friday this week, he is expected to remove the wire mesh and apply a fiberglass and acrylic patch for the race on Saturday.

McKinlay has said the crack is healing well and that there is no danger in his running.

Said McKinlay on news of the criticism, 'In my 30 years of treating foot injuries in race horses, I have never heard of a horse suffering further injury as a result of a quarter crack. Speak to anyone involved with Big Brown, and they'll tell you that he is moving beautifully on the track.'

Dutrow Jr had this to say, 'My only response to the critics is that they should watch the race on Saturday.'