Adding to the interest in the race is that the trainer for I'll Have Another has broken more than his share of rule violations in horse racing.
From the NY Times: Doug O’Neill, the trainer of this year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, was suspended for 45 days Thursday for exceeding the allowable limit for total carbon dioxide in one of his horses.
He will still be able to saddle his Derby and Preakness winner, I’ll Have Another, in the Belmont Stakes on June 9, when the colt has a chance to become the 12th Triple Crown champion and the first since Affirmed in 1978.
O’Neill’s punishment will begin no sooner than July 1, and he has the
option to appeal the suspension and the $15,000 fine recommended by a
hearing officer and upheld by the California Horse Racing Board.
Although it was a California ruling, most racing jurisdictions will
honor it.
It was the third time one of O’Neill’s horses had been found to have
elements of an illegal performance enhancer at a California racetrack.
He was also suspended and fined for a similar offense in Illinois in 2010.
Many people in horse racing believe it would be better if I'll Have Another doesn't win the Triple Crown because of O'Neil.
So, Saturday will produce the the first Triple Crown winner since 1978 or will we go another year waiting for a Triple Crown winner? Take the poll and see if you are correct.
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