On Friday morning, the Triple Crown dreams of I'll Have Another ended before they even had a chance to begin. Only one win shy at the Belmont Stakes from completing the first Triple Crown since Affirmed accomplished the feat in 1978, I'll Have Another was pulled from the race. Later on Friday, the horse's trainer, Doug O'Neill, addressed the media to explain the situation.
The decision was made early Friday morning when the Triple Crown hopeful was taken out on a morning gallop. Despite looking good, according to O'Neill, the group involved with the horse was concerned with swelling that had appeared in the left front tendon.
After having a doctor look at the horse, it was determined that it was the beginning of tendonitis.
"This has been an incredible ride and incredible run," O'Neill said via a televised press conference on ESPN. "I've taken plenty of mental notes and I know we'll be back here next year."
Of course, O'Neill will be returning without I'll Have Another. The group involved with the horse has determined unanimously to retire I'll Have Another from racing. In retirement, I'll Have Another could bring millions of dollars in stud fees.
For more on the Belmont, check out this SB Nation Detroit story stream, or this SB Nation stream. You can also watch SB Nation's YouTube channel: