The Triple Crown bid of I’ll Have Another ended with the shocking news that the colt will not participate in the Belmont Stakes because of a swollen left front tendon.
The heavily favored horse had a veterinary scan this morning that revealed a tendon that seemed “kind of tender.”
Trainer Doug O’Neill had this to say about the sudden turn of events for the Derby and Preakness winner, “It’s not tragic, but it’s a huge disappointment.”
When asked if the horse had seen it’s last race, O’Neill responded, “If I had to wager, I would say yes.”
I’ll Have Another was supposed to run out of the 11 spot in the 2012 Belmont Stakes. During a news conference, owner Paul Reddam announced that the horse was being retired from racing.
A controversy arose after it was determined that the nasal strip worn by I’ll Have Another during his last few races was a medical violation. The horse was banned after the Preakness from using the nasal strip in the last race of the Triple Crown and trainer O’Neill was slapped with a 45 day suspension and fined $15,000 by the California Horse Racing Board. The suspension will begin after Saturday’s race.
Check out a video report below:
Photo: Facebook-I’ll Have Another