The culmination of their relationship came when Iavarone called Desormeaux's agent and told him: "`I'll give you the opportunity to ride him [Big Brown], but you have to commit to ride him through the Triple Crown.'"
The deal was done. Desormeaux had the ride that would crown his comeback and produce a performance that made his family incredibly happy.
Illness advancing
Sonia Desormeaux said their son's illness is moving more quickly than anticipated and within the next few years, Jacob, who hears with the help of cochlear implants, will be totally blind.
"Jacob's eyes are changing very rapidly," she said. "There are things right beside him that he can't see."
But on the first Saturday in May, Jacob saw his dad win his third Derby.
Tomorrow, he might see a repeat performance in the Preakness.
"Jacob has such a photographic memory," his mom said. "He remembers things from age 2. We're so glad he could see his dad win, because I know he will remember this all of his life. It's extremely important to allow him to see what he can, when he can."
sandra.mckee@baltsun.com
EXPANDED COVERAGE
Look for expanded Preakness coverage in The Sun and at baltimoresun.com/preakness beginning today and ending Sunday with a special section covering race day.
In tomorrow's paper, we'll have a guide to the Preakness, tell you how Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown spent his time once he arrived at Pimlico and predict each race on the Preakness Day card.
Online, look for daily updates and Bill Ordine's blog from Pimlico tomorrow.
