Doug O'Neill Violations: How I'll Have Another's Triple Crown Could Hurt Sport

I'll Have Another will be racing for a spot in history at the Belmont Stakes, but a cloud of doubt now hovers over the colt's accomplishments because his trainer, Doug O'Neill, faces a 45-day suspension for violations in California.

Joe Drape of the New York Times reports extra precautions are being taken to ensure a fair race by keeping all of the horses in one barn leading up to race day. Blood tests and added security are also part of the plan.

Just the fact officials have to take all these extra steps to ensure a fair race is a troubling sign for horse racing at a time when the sport should be looking ahead to one of its biggest events in years. All the positive attention is now offset by negatives.

No horse has won the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. He was actually the second straight Triple Crown winner after Seattle Slew, making the extended drought ever since pretty surprising.

But now the question must be asked if I'll Have Another winning the Belmont would actually hurt the sport. There's been no proof O'Neill has done anything worthy of a violation with the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, but his outside track record obviously raises questions.

The last thing those involved in horse racing want to see is the illustrious Triple Crown to get tainted, so adding the extra precautions was the right move. But it really puts a damper on the entire event because it turns into a no-win situation.

If I'll Have Another wins, O'Neill's actions will always cause people to second-guess what the horse was able to do. If I'll Have Another falls short, it casts a shadow of doubt over his first two big wins, even if there's no reason to believe he was running outside of the rules.

So it's clear the entire sport is in a tough spot. The Belmont won't have a perfect outcome no matter what happens. That will make it difficult for horse racing to capitalize on the increased interest in the race.

It really couldn't have happened at a worse time, either. Horse racing could really use the boost, but O'Neill has all but assured it won't receive it.

That's why the sport might be better off if I'll Have Another didn't make history. Just survive the Belmont without a major scandal and hope another elite horse emerges next year.