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.