I’ll Have Another scratched from Belmont Stakes, ending Triple Crown run
BALTIMORE, MD – MAY 19: I’ll Have Another ridden by Mario Gutierrez comes ahead at the finish to beat Bodemeister riden by Mike E. Smith comes in second in the 137th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 19, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
I'll Have Another will not race in Saturday's Belmont Stakes due to a developing leg injury, his trainer said Friday on the "Dan Patrick Show."
The announcement by trainer Doug O'Neill ends the Canadian-owned chestnut colt's bid to become the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years, according to CNN.
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”It’s not tragic, but it’s a huge disappointment,” O’Neill said.
He planned to walk the horse in front of the media at a 1 p.m. ET news conference to demonstrate that the animal looks fine, but has the beginning of a leg injury and cannot run the race.
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When asked on the "Dan Patrick Show" if I'll Have Another has run his last race, O'Neill responded: "If I had to wager … I would say yes."
Rumors of the scratch began floating on Twitter a few minutes before the official confirmation, when word spread that O’Neill was holding a press conference this afternoon.