I'll Have Another Scratched from Belmont Stakes

Belmont Park -- I'll Have Another's bid for a Triple Crown ended Friday morning with the shocking news that the horse was out of the Belmont Stakes because of a swollen left front tendon. Trainer Doug O'Neill made the announcement on Dan Patrick's radio show this morning that I'll Have Another will be scratched from the 2012 Belmont Stakes and also retired.

When asked by Dan Patrick if we would see I'll Have Another race again, O'Neill responded: "If I had to wager, I would say yes."

According to Dennis O'Neill, brother of trainer Doug O'Neill, the heavy 4-5 betting favorite galloped early and after a veterinary scan, his tendon seemed "kind of tender." The official diagnosis was tendonitis in the left front foreleg.

"The horse is sound and happy, but it's not worth it," O'Neill told The Associated Press.

I'll Have Another will return to O'Neill's training base at Betfair Hollywood Park while stud plans are determined. The colt, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1), concludes his career with a record of five wins from seven starts and earnings of $2, 629,600.

Dale Romans, trainer of Belmont second favorite Dullahan stated "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. But this is bigger than that. This is terrible news."

The betting landscape for the 2012 Belmont Stakes has now shifted drastically with Dullahan becoming the favorite to win the race.

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