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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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