Big Brown will stand at stud following his racing career at Robert Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky.

No formal announcement was made, though it was the subject of talk on the backside for days. It was announced as part of NBC’s Preakness day telecast. A release was also posted on the IEAH Web site.

Big Brown, by Boundary, is owned by IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr. It is not known how much of the colt Three Chimneys purchased, nor what his stud fee will be.

Michael Iavarone was quoted earlier in the week as saying that Big Brown would not race past his 3-year-old year.

The deal was signed at noon Saturday, with attorney Joel Turner representing IEAH and Bob Beck, the new chairman of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, representing Three Chimneys Farm.

Out of the Nureyev mare Mien, Big Brown was bred in Kentucky by Gary Knapp’s Monticule.

"We have entertained a variety of flattering offers but felt Three Chimneys was the best choice for us," Iavarone was quoted as saying in a press release on the IEAH Web site. "We were determined to participate in his breeding career and the Three Chimneys deal has given us this opportunity. We are very excited to partner with the likes of Three Chimneys and will be afforded the opportunity to stand this brilliant colt alongside the likes of Smarty Jones and Dynaformer in the breeding capital of the world."
  
"Three Chimneys is thrilled to have the privilege to stand a horse of Big Brown's caliber," said Clay. "Having won every race he's won with such ease, I don't think we've actually seen what he's truly capable of."

The heavy Preakness favorite is unbeaten in four starts after winning the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).