There was nothing little about Big Brown's racing career.

From his overpowering victories in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness to his spectacular flop in the Belmont as he bid for a Triple Crown, Big Brown and his entourage — including his maverick owner and outspoken trainer — simply didn't do subtle.

Yet less than two weeks away from his final race, the brilliant champion with brittle feet ended his career not with a victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita but in front of a few stunned onlookers at Aqueduct following an otherwise routine workout.

Michael Iavarone of IEAH Stables, co-owners of Big Brown, said his horse tore a three-inch piece of flesh off the foot after it collided with his right rear foot while working over Aqueduct's turf course with stablemate Kip Deville.

"This was a complete fluke," Iavarone said. "He hadn't had issues with his feet for a while and to have him come up just like this was a shock to all of us."

The injury could take at least two months to heal, making it impossible for Big Brown to run in the BC Classic on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita. Big Brown is due at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Ky., by the end of the year to begin his stud career, preventing him from getting back on the track one last time.