Belmont Stakes 2012: NBC Draws Solid Rating, Despite I'll Have Another Scratch

I'll Have Another's scratch from the 2012 Belmont Stakes was disappointing for everyone, but few more so than NBC. The network was poised for a ratings boon with the Triple Crown on the line. Without I'll Have Another, NBC no doubt had to taper their expectations.

The race was still a solid ratings draw, however, even if it wasn't as good as it could have been. This year's Belmont drew a 5.4 overnight rating and 13 share, which was a 13 percent increase over last year's race and 74 percent over the 2010 Belmont on ABC. The race drew the best ratings of any non-Triple Crown Belmont since 2005.

Of course, the presence of a Triple Crown contender would have spiced things up a bit. Big Brown's failed attempt in 2008 drew a 9.5 rating and 21 share, for example.

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Belmont 2012 Results: Union Rags Steals The Show

No, I'll Have Another didn't in fact have another, but the 2012 Belmont Stakes was still quite the race. Union Rags came from behind to defeat Paynter in a photo finish to claim the Belmont Stakes crown.

Union Rags, as you may recall, was favored to win the Kentucky Derby, but struggled out of the gate and never was in contention to win. Despite that, Union Rags was given 3-1 odds to win the Belmont -- odds that he made good on.

The full results for the 2012 Belmont Stakes are as follows:

1. Union Rags
2. Paynter
3. Atigun
4. Street Life
5. Five Sixteen
6. Unstoppable U
7. Dullahan
8. My Adonis
9. Ravelo's Boy
10. Optimizer
11. Guyana Star Dweej

Belmont Stakes 2012 Video: Union Rags Edges Paynter In Final Seconds

The 2012 Belmont Stakes was missing the Triple Crown narrative, as I'll Have Another was officially scratched on Friday morning and proceeded to be retired prior to the race. The winner of this year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes was the favorite to win the Belmont, and in turn, complete horse racing's first Triple Crown since 1978.

However; despite I'll Have Another's absence, the Belmont did not lack excitement and/or drama.

The longest of the Triple Crown races – a mile and half – was mostly led by Paynter until the final hundred yards, when Union Rags surpassed him to win the race in a photo finish.

Below is a full video of the race:

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube.

2012 Belmont Stakes Payout: Union Rags Wins, As 3/1 Favorite

Despite the absence of I'll Have Another, the 2012 Belmont Stakes was still able to provide viewers with a thrilling finish, as Union Rags surpassed Paynter for the lead in the final stretch, resulting in a photo finish.

Union Rags opened the day as a 3/1 favorite to win the race, while Paynter was a 7/2 favorite. Paynter led for most of the way, but failed to hold off Union Rags in the final 100 yards.

A bet on Union Rags paid $7.50. A two dollar trifecta of 3-9 paid $31.40 and a one dollar trifecta of 3-9-4 paid $248.00. A one dollar superfecta of 3-9-4-1 paid out $953.00.

Below is a picture of the photo finish:

via assets.sbnation.com

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

Belmont Stakes 2012 Winner: Union Rags Wins In Photo Finish

The 2012 Belmont Stakes didn't produce the type of excitement everyone anticipated it would when I'll Have Another won the Preakness, setting up the possibility of horse racing's first Triple Crown since Affirmed did so in 1978. However; despite the Triple Crown narrative, the 2012 Belmont certainly did not lack excitement.

Paynter, a 7/2 favorite to begin the day, led for the majority of the mile and a half race, before Union Rags, a 3/1 favorite, seized the lead in the final hundred yards, as the horses ran side-by-side. Union Rags was able to outlast Paynter, resulting in a photo finish. Atigun finished third

Below is a picture of the photo finish:

via assets.sbnation.com

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

2012 Belmont Stakes Results, Woody Stephens: Trinniberg Wins, Followed By Currency Swap

Before the 2012 Belmont gets underway at 6:40 PM EST (televised on NBC), an array of undercards were raced and televised on NBC Sports.

The notable undercards are as follows: The True North Handicap, Just A Game, Woody Stephens and the Manhattan Handicap.

The True North Handicap was taken by Caixa Electronica, followed by Justin Phillip and Smiling Tiger. Tapitsfly took Just A Game, and was followed by Winter Memories and Hungry Island. And the Woody Stephens race was won by Trinniberg, followed by Currency Swap and Il Vilano.

A bet on Trinniberg to win paid $7.70. A two dollar exacta of 6-9 paid $62.50 and a two dollar trifecta of 6-9-3 paid $623.00.

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

2012 Belmont Results, Just A Game: Tapitsfly Wins, Followed By Winter Memories

Before the 2012 Belmont Stakes is set to begin at 6:40 PM EST on NBC, NBC Sports has horse racing fans covered with a variety of undercards, including: The True North Handicap, Just A Game, Woody Stephens and the Manhattan Handicap.

Caixa Electronica won the True North Handicap in the final hundred yards, which was followed by Just A Game.

Tapitsfly went on to win Just A Game – the horse's first career Grade One victory. Racing out of the one position win paid $8.40. Trained by Dale Rimors, the horse finished the one mile in just over a minute and 32 seconds.

Finishing behind Tapitsfly were Winter Memories, in second, and Hungry Island, in third.

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

Belmont 2012 Results, True North Handicap: Caixa Electronica Passes Justin Phillip To Win

The 2012 Belmont Stakes is scheduled to begin at 6:40 PM EST on NBC. In the meantime, the undercards leading up to the big race are being televised on NBC Sports. The notable undercards include: The True North Handicap, Just A Game, Woody Stephens and the Manhattan Handicap.

True North Handicap was the first run, where Caixa Electronica – out of the seven position – turned on the jets in the final hundred yards, surpassing Justin Phillip to win the race. Following Caixa Electronica and Justin Phillip was Smiling Tiger, who finished third.

The $2 win for Caixa Electronica came in at nine dollars and 20 cents. A two dollar exacta 7-8 paid $102.50 and a two dollar trifecta 7-8-3 paid $540.00.

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

Belmont Stakes 2012 Post Positions: Dullahan Becomes Favorite Without I'll Have Another

The narrative of the 2012 Belmont Stakes was drastically changed on Friday, when I'll Have Another was officially scratched from the race. The horse was the heavy favorite, not only to win the race, but become horse racing's first Triple Crown winner since 1978.

With I'll Have Another out, Dullahan becomes the favorite, followed by Union Rags and Pavnter.

Complete 2012 Belmont Stakes post positions (along with morning line odds) are as follows:

1. Street Life 8-1

2. Unstoppable U 20-1

3. Union Rags 3-1

4. Atigun 15-1

5. Dullahan 9-5

6. Ravelo's Boy 30-1

7. Five Sixteen 30-1

8. Guyana Star Dweej 30-1

9. Paynter 7-2

10. Optimizer 15-1

11. I'll Have Another (scratched)

12. My Adonis 15-1

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

2012 Belmont Stakes Live Stream: Watch Online At NBCSports.com

Coverage of the 2012 Belmont Stakes will kick off at 4:30 PM EST, on NBA, and continue through 7 PM. Post time is scheduled for 6:40 PM.

Accompanying the television coverage, will be online streaming coverage, which can be seen at NBCSports.com.

The race was dealt a huge blow on Friday, when the overwhelming favorite and Triple Crown hopeful, I'll Have Another, was scratched due to injury.

The updated odds are as follows:

1. Street Life 8-1

2. Unstoppable U 20-1

3. Union Rags 3-1

4. Atigun 15-1

5. Dullahan 9-5

6. Ravelo's Boy 30-1

7. Five Sixteen 30-1

8. Guyana Star Dweej 30-1

9. Paynter 7-2

10. Optimizer 15-1

11. I'll Have Another (scratched)

12. My Adonis 15-1

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

The Belmont Stakes Odds 2012: Dullahan Favorite After I'll Have Another Withdraws

Dullahan became the 2012 Belmont Stakes favorite with the abrupt retirement of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another.

I'll Have Another was supposed to attempt becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978, but a bout with tendinitis caused the horse's corner to retire it. The early favorite to benefit from I'll Have Another's absence, who was a 9-5 favorite as of 10:10 a.m. ET on the morning of the race.

Complete odds for the 2012 Belmont Stakes follow:

1. Street Life 8-1

2. Unstoppable U 20-1

3. Union Rags 3-1

4. Atigun 15-1

5. Dullahan 9-5

6. Ravelo's Boy 30-1

7. Five Sixteen 30-1

8. Guyana Star Dweej 30-1

9. Paynter 7-2

10. Optimizer 15-1

11. I'll Have Another (scratched)

12. My Adonis 15-1

SB Nation Philly will have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

2012 Belmont Stakes: Post Positions, TV Coverage, Video And More

With I'll Have Another scratched from the 2012 Belmont Stakes, the race is wide open. Post positions, updated odds, race info, television, and streaming online coverage is all below. Dullahan is the new favorite with a line of 9-5, but Union Rags isn't far behind at 3-1.

Approximate Post Time: 6:40pm EDT

Television Coverage: NBC from 4:30-7:00pm EDT.

Streaming Online: Streaming coverage via NBC Sports from 4:30-7:00pm EDT

Post Positions:

1. Street Life 8-1

2. Unstoppable U 20-1

3. Union Rags 3-1

4. Atigun 15-1

5. Dullahan 9-5

6. Ravelo's Boy 30-1

7. Five Sixteen 30-1

8. Guyana Star Dweej 30-1

9. Paynter 7-2

10. Optimizer 15-1

12. My Adonis 15-1

SB Nation Phillywill have news, updates, and results from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. For full time horse racing news and analysis, head over to And Down The Stretch They Come. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

I'll Have Another Retired Due To Tendinitis: 2012 Belmont Stakes Loses Luster With Scratching Of Triple Crown Hopeful

I'll Have Another was officially retired on Friday due to the early stages of tendinitis in the front leg, one day before the horse was supposed to race at the 2012 Belmont Stakes in hopes of becoming the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

"This is extremely tough for all of us. Though it's far from tragic, no one died or anything like that, it's extremely disappointing. I feel so sorry for the whole team. We've had such an amazing run," trainer Doug O'Neill said during a press conference Friday afternoon.

Though O'Neill felt the horse still could have run in Saturday's Belmont Stakes, he and the team decided to use caution while making I'll Have Another a last-minute scratch.

They also used caution in retiring I'll Have Another. O'Neill admitted "you could give him three-to-six months and start back with him," but the team unanimously decided to retire him instead.

For more on the 2012 Belmont Stakes, please be sure to check out our blog And Down The Stretch They Come along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 Belmont Stakes: I'll Have Another Scratched, According To Trainer

I'll Have Another was looking to become Horse Racing's first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed did so in 1978, but according to the horse's trainer, Doug O'Neill, the horse has officially been scratched from the 2012 Belmont Stakes, just one day before the race.

O'Neill informed The Dan Patrick Show on Friday morning:

"I'll Have Another is officially out of the Belmont."

O'Neill explained, "We ain't taking any chances," and described the late scratch as "a bummer, but far from tragic." The horse's trainer speculated that the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner has run its last race.

A press conference has been scheduled for 1 PM EST. The horse opened the morning as a 5/4 favorite to win the race and the Triple Crown.

For more on the 2012 Belmont Stakes, please be sure to check out our blog And Down The Stretch They Come along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 Belmont Stakes Odds: I'll Have Another Favorite, Followed By Dullahan

I'll Have Another will attempt to win Horse Racing's first Triple Crown since 1978 this Saturday, at the 2012 Belmont Stakes. The horse opened as an overwhelming 5/4 favorite to win the event – with odds as high as 4/5 on Thursday. One day before the race, I'll Have Another's odds have re-settled at 5/4. Dullahan has the second-highest odds, at 17/4.

The complete 2012 odds for the Belmont are as follows, via Bovada:

1 - Street Life, 11-1
2 - Unstoppable U, 30-1
3 - Union Rags, 9-2
4 - Atigun, 35-1
5 - Dullahan, 17-4
6 - Ravelo's Boy, 50-1
7 - Five Sixteen, 50-1
8 - Guyana Star Dweej, 60-1
9 - Paynter, 8-1
10 - Optimizer, 25-1
11 - I'll Have Another, 5-4
12 - My Adonis, 30-1

For more on the 2012 Belmont Stakes, please be sure to check out our blog And Down The Stretch They Come along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 Belmont Stakes: Dullahan's Corner Thinks Horse Will Stop I'll Have Another's Triple Crown Bid

I'll Have Another enters the 2012 Belmont Stakes as the favorite to claim the first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. But Dullahan's trainer Dallas Romans believes his horse has what it takes to upend I'll Have Another, and believes the horse will show it on Saturday.

"I'll be surprised if we don't win," Romans said, according to the Washington Post.

The horse racing world is anxious to see the latest attempt at a Triple Crown, but Dullahan's corner is just as interested in keeping history from occurring.

"It's our job," said Jerry Crawford, leader of the colt's Iowa-based ownership team, when asked about the chance at spoiling a Triple Crown bid. "This is what we owe to Affirmed, Seattle Slew and the rest."

For more on the 2012 Belmont Stakes, please be sure to check out our blog And Down The Stretch They Come along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Belmont Stakes 2012 Post Positions, Morning Line Odds: I'll Have Another The Favorite

The post positions and morning line odds for the 2012 Belmont Stakes were released on Wednesday. Triple Crown hopeful I'll Have Another drew the 11th post position for Saturday's race and earned the status as an overwhelming favorite with 4-5 odds.

Dullahan, which finished third at the Kentucky Derby, is next at 5-1 odds from the fifth post position. Union Rags follows shortly behind with 6-1 odds to win the race.

The complete 2012 Belmont Stakes post positions and morning line odds follow:

1 - Street Life, 12-1
2 - Unstoppable U, 30-1
3 - Union Rags, 6-1
4 - Atigun, 30-1
5 - Dullahan, 5-1
6 - Ravelo's Boy, 50-1
7 - Five Sixteen, 50-1
8 - Guyana Star Dweej, 50-1
9 - Paynter, 8-1
10 - Optimizer, 20-1
11 - I'll Have Another, 4-5
12 - My Adonis, 20-1

For more on the Belmont Stakes, please be sure to check out our blog And Down The Stretch They Come, our StoryStream and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

The Belmont Stakes Odds 2012: I'll Have Another The Overwhelming Favorite

With the 2012 Belmont Stakes rapidly approaching, the odds are starting to get some attention. According to the Daily Racing Form's Michael Watchmaker, I'll Have Another is leading the pack by a mile which should come as no surprise to anyone who has watched the previous two legs of the triple crown.

I'll Have Another comes in currently with 3-5 odds, a huge favorite and easily one of the largest in recent memory. Dullahan comes into the Stakes as a 5-1, not a bad play for some people looking to make a wager over the weekend.

One horse that's a last-second entry is My Adonis. So far, there aren't any odds placed on his chances, but he figured to be a long-shot bet at the window.

Here are the current odds for the entire field:

Atigun 30-1
Dullahan 5-1
Five Sixteen 50-1
Guyana Star Dweej 50-1
I'll Have Another 3-5
My Adonis N/A
Optimizer 30-1
Paynter 8-1
Ravelo's Boy 50-1
Street Life 15-1
Union Rags 6-1
Unstoppable U 30-1

For more on the Belmont Stakes, please be sure to check out our blog And Down The Stretch They Come, our StoryStream and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Belmont Stakes 2012 Schedule: The Upcoming Week

The 144th running of the Belmont Stakes will take place on Saturday, June 9 where I'll Have Another will seek the elusive glory of becoming the first triple crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

It's a remarkable story: a horse that has virtually come out of nowhere to become the headline leading into horse racing's biggest event of the year.

Belmont Triple Crown Preview: I'll Have Another Has Injury-Free Week of Training (via sbnation)

However before we get to Saturday, there's a lot of other action taking place on Long Island.

Monday - Fire and Ice to benefit the Little Baby Foundation

Tuesday - NONE

Wednesday - B.E.S.T. Reception and exhibit Hofstra University of Hempstead

Thursday - A big day at the Belmont Racetrack: First, the jockeys will be visiting the Ronald McDonald House on Long Island. Then, the Belmont Stakes Charity Event to benefit B.E.S.T. (Backstretch Employee Services Team).

Friday - Garden City Belmont Festival and the honoring of Michael Dubb.

For more on the Belmont Stakes, please visit our blog And Down The Stretch They Come and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Belmont Stakes 2012: One Less Competitor For I'll Have Another As Alpha Drops Out

Via Daily Racing Form comes the news that Alpha will not be racing in the 2012 Belmont Stakes. That makes one fewer horse to come between favorite I'll Have Another and the Triple Crown. The horse developed a fever and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin didn't want to take any risks:

“It’s just not the thing to do,” said McLaughlin, who discussed the situation with Godolphin Racing manager Simon Crisford. “It’s a demanding race, the mile and a half. We need to be 110 percent and we’re not.”

McLaughlin said future plans for Alpha were not yet determined.

Odds on Alpha winning the race were 15/1, so his absence doesn't change the lineup of serious contenders. Union Rags is still the biggest threat to I'll Have Another, with Dullahan and Paynter not far behind.

Stay tuned to this storystream for odds, updates, news and more from the 2012 Belmont Stakes. SB Nation's horse racing blog And Down The Stretch They Come has you covered for full time horse racing news and analysis. And don't miss the 2012 Belmont Stakes Preview from SB Nation Studios:

Belmont Stakes 2012: I'll Have Another Narrowly Avoids Collision In Training

During practice for the 2012 Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on Thursday, Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another was in danger of being the victim of a collision on the track (via CBS NY).

I'll Have Another's trainer Doug O'Neill said his horse was walking near the outside rail with stable pony Lava Man when a horse threw off its rider and flew along the rail in the direction of I'll Have Another. Jonny Garcia, the exercise rider for the Triple Crown hopeful, said the loose horse (maiden filly Isleta) grazed his foot when she flew in between I'll Have Another and the rail.

When the Belmont Stakes is run on June 9, I'll Have Another will try to become the first horse to take home the Triple Crown since Affirmed won it in 1978.

For more on the Belmont Stakes, please be sure to visit our blog And Down The Stretch They Come along with SB Nation Philly.

2012 Belmont Stakes: PETA Requests That I'll Have Another Placed On 24-Hour Watch

Doug O'Neill is the trainer for Triple Crown hopeful I'll Have Another and is facing a 45 day suspension when it was discovered that one of his horses had excess level of total carbon dioxide following a race.

Learning that news PETA decided to send in a request to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo since the state recently took control of the New York Racing Association.

In that request, PETA wants a 24-hour surveillance on I'll Have Another due to O'Neill's history:

"Doug O'Neill's shocking record of drug violations risks horses' lives and damages the already tarnished image of thoroughbred racing," says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange.

"Governor Cuomo can put substance behind his promises by telling racing officials not to allow I'll Have Another out of their sight for a minute."

Belmont Stakes 2012: I'll Have Another Under Suspicion

What would Triple Crown season be without some good old fashioned drug rumors?

After I'll Have Another continued his improbable run with a victory in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, allegations have started to surface about the horse potentially having the aid of drugs.

Doug O'Neill, the trainer for I'll Have Another has already come out strongly against any and all types of questions pertaining to this issue.

"We play by the rules," O'Neill said, according to SI.com. "It's all about the horse. We're going to focus on the horse. I think we've got a horse and a team that, with a little bit of luck, will have an unbelievable time in three weeks."

O'Neill then denied giving the horse a "milkshake", also known as a combination of bicarbonate soda, sugar and electrolytes.

"I swear on my kids' eyes I never milkshaked a horse," O'Neill said nine days before the Preakness. "We had some people in charge of California racing I think didn't like a few of us that were doing well. Anyway, it's all being heard by the courts and I'm very confident everything will be fine."

Belmont Stakes 2012: Preakness, Kentucky Derby Runner-Up Bodemeister To Skip Belmont

After losing to I'll Have Another for the second straight time Saturday, the owners and trainers of Bodemeister have decided to skip the Belmont Stakes, the third and final leg of horse racing Triple Crown. The news came Sunday from Bodemeister's trainer Bob Baffert, who said that was actually the plan all along.

Baffert indicated that Bodemeister will rest up and point for a return to the races in the July 29 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, a race the trainer has won five times, including the last two years with Lookin at Lucky and Coil.

On Saturday, Bodemesiter was edged by I'll Have Another for a second time in two weeks, which sets up a dramatic June 9 race at the Belmont that could feature its first Triple Crown winner since 1978.