Triple Crown contender I’ll Have Another is officially out of the Belmont race, officials say, because of tendonitis. The news comes as a shock for those who follow horse racing, since I’ll Have Another was slated to be the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.
The news comes after a string of unfortunate setbacks, including a labor dispute on behalf of the International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers Local 3, who couldn’t come to an agreement with the New York Racing Association regarding wages and scheduling. The strike never came about, but the threat had many worried about the Belmont Stakes and I’ll Have Another’s part in it.
The horse’s trainers and fans were hopeful that he could end the 34-year Belmont drought, but ESPN is reporting that the injury is likely career-threatening. Trainer Doug O’Neill and J. Paul Reddam will be holding a press conference at 1 p.m. today to address media concerns.
I’ll Have Another scratched from the Belmont with leg injury. Thud you just heard was NBC executives banging fists on table.
I’ll Have Another’s scratch from the Belmont is not only a blow to the Belmont, it’s a blow to the struggling horse racing world
I’ll Have Another’s scratch from the Belmont Stakes is just soul-crushing.
