NEW YORK — I’ll Have Another has been retired from racing after a tendon injury this morning forced the colt out of Belmont Stakes.
This is a developing story. An earlier version appears below.
Additional Photos
NEW YORK — I’ll Have Another – winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes – won’t run in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes, according to trainer Doug O’Neill.
O’Neill made the announcement this morning after the Triple Crown hopelul was brought to the track in secrecey shortly after 5:30 a.m. to avoid congestion around the detention barn housing the 12 horses entered for the Belmont.
The colt jogged and then galloped around the 1½-mile oval accompanied by stable pony Lava Man.
Dennis O’Neill, brother of Doug O’Neill, said a veterinary scan after the workout session showed the horse’s left front tendon was swollen and seemed “kind of tender.”
“The horse is sound and happy, but it’s not worth it,” said O’Neill.
Appearing on “The Dan Patrick Show” today, Doug O’Neill said, “It’s not tragic, but it’s a huge disappointment.”
Asked if I’ll Have Another has raced his last race, O’Neill said: “If I had to wager. I would say yes.”
“It’s devastating. I thought this was going to be one of the greatest races in history, and I wanted the opportunity to be part of it,” said Dale Romans, trainer of second favorite Dullahan. “But this is bigger than that. This is terrible news.”
Last September, I’ll Have Another came out of a losing effort in the Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga with shin problems and took the rest of the year off.
He returned to racing in February, and won the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, putting the colt firmly on the Triple Crown trail.
Doug O’Neill and owner J. Paul Reddam immediately gave I’ll Have Another two months off leading up to the Santa Anita Derby, which he won by a nose on April 12.
He followed with victories in the Kentucky Derby on May 5 and the Preakness two weeks later to set up a highly anticipated bid to become racing’s first Triple Crown winner in 34 years.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.