I'll Have Another Torn Tendon: Tragic Injury Benefits Horse Racing in Long Run

Horse racing and the sports world at large were just robbed of a potential Triple Crown winner, something we have not had in 34 years.

I'll Have Another, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, is officially out, according to USA Today, of the Belmont Stakes with a torn tendon.

The injury comes just one day before the three-year-old colt was to run against 11 other horses in the "test of champions." The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Affirmed in 1978, and that 34-year streak will now continue untouched.

As much as we wanted to see I'll Have Another continue his improbable run towards immortality, this late injury is ultimately a blessing in disguise for the racing world.

A win at Belmont would have put an end to one of sports' greatest living streaks. While records, and streaks alike, are made to broken, this tragic turn of events ensures the racing world added drama for next year and likely years to come.

The only reason we cared at all for I'll Have Another's run is because it's been three-plus decades since a horse has accomplished the feat. 

Had he won this year, all the drama would end, and next year they would have to hope for another Derby/Preakness double-winner to attract that kind of attention.

Although people will drop off tomorrow's Belmont, the racing world will live to see another day. 

The expectations of a potential Triple Crown horse drove the sport through the roof these past 35 days. Now they have another chance to do it all again.