The 144th Belmont Stakes was expected to be one of the greatest races in history. But Triple Crown hopeful I'll Have Another injured his left front tendon, suddenly ending his racing career.
Guy Adams treats horses with the same injury at his Clovis therapy ranch, Heart of the Horse. He said, “That's a really good person that did that when they pulled that horse out because a lot of guys won't and the horse ends up getting hurt even more and it has to be destroyed.”
Adams says anything could have caused the injury. Something as simple as stepping wrong, stepping in a hole or on a dirt clot could have hurt the colt.
There's a tendon that runs down and back. When it gets injured and weakens, they could actually break a leg and they end up having to be put down.
It was a disappointing day for gamblers who had their money on the Triple Crown hopeful. People said they're shocked but the sudden retirement won't change the way they bet.
“It doesn't change the stretch of race at all. We're in the same race, so I think the three horses right behind him will finish,” said gambler, Richard.
John Alkire is CEO of the Big Fresno Fair. He expressed, “It would have been a great experience to see a horse create history. With our economy, the way it is, we're all looking for a hero, whether it's two or four legged, so I'm personally disappointed.”
He says despite the sudden change, Belmont Stakes celebrations at the Fresno Fairgrounds will continue. He explained, “We'll be having the party that would have been at the Turf Club at the 2nd floor, so that's the only change we're going to incorporate for tomorrow.”
The Belmont Stakes parties will be held at the Fresno Fairgrounds' Starting Gate and Club One Casino's Polo Lounge and Event Center in Downtown Fresno at 8:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 9th.
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