I'll Have Another has been scratched from the 2012 Belmont Stakes after an issue arose on Friday morning. The horse's trainer, Doug O'Neill, announced the move on the Dan Patrick Show:
Doug O'Neill: "I'll Have Another is officially out of the Belmont."
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 8, 2012
I'll Have Another was in pursuit of the first Triple Crown victory since Affirmed won it in 1987, having won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in May. For the 34th consecutive year, no horse has won the Triple Crown.
A press conference will be held at 11 a.m. MT to address what has happened to I'll Have Another. Whatever the issue is, it is better to play it safe with the horse rather than risking further injury. While this is disappointing news, the horse's health and safety should come first.
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