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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