Isn't that the truth!  A cracked hoof can cause a lot of problems if not taken care of properly.  I grew up with horses and have seen things a young person should not see when we sought out a horse for my brother.  More often than not they are neglected and it was truly heartbreaking to me. 

At least Big Brown is still alive.  Prior to the regulations we have now if a horse performed that bad it would have been put down and not even left the track.  I just hope it was the lack of the shot and not something internal.