"It's not tragic, but it's a huge disappointment," O'Neill told Patrick. According to O'Neill, I'll Have Another has the start of an unspecified injury and cannot run.
ESPN.com's Claire Novak reports that there is an issue with I'll Have Another's left front leg issue.
O'Neill will hold a news conference early Friday afternoon at Belmont Park.
After winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, I'll Have Another was on the verge of becoming the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978.
When Patrick asked him if I'll Have Another has raced his last horse race, O'Neill said, "If I had to wager ... I would say yes."
O'Neill called an audible and sent I'll Have Another out for a final gallop in secrecy at Belmont Park. The colt jogged and then galloped around the 1½-mile oval accompanied by stable pony Lava Man.
O'Neill then declared his horse "fit and ready to go."
"We are just trying to let him bring as much energy to the table tomorrow as possible," O'Neill said early Friday. "We thought giving him an easy day the day before would be a good move. He stayed with coach Lava Man just to keep everything off-speed. I was very pleased with it. Perfect. We are ready to roll."
No comments:
Post a Comment