AP
June 10, 2008
The owners of Belmont Stakes flop Big Brown are seeking a tax break from Hempstead for a new equine medical facility being built near Belmont Park on Long Island.
A public hearing is set for June 25, when the town Industrial Development Agency will consider a deal with Big Brown's owners, International Equine Acquisitions Holdings Corp., to freeze property taxes for the first three years.
IEAH and its investors plan to open the $17 million Ruffian Equine Medical Center across from Belmont Park in Elmont. Hempstead IDA chief Fred Parola said businesses often rely on IDA help and in return help improve economically depressed areas, such as Elmont.
Big Brown, the overwhelming favorite to win horse racing's Triple Crown, finished last in Saturday's Belmont Stakes.
The previously undefeated colt became the first horse to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown and finish last in the Belmont.
It's now 30 years and counting since Affirmed was the last horse to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont.
