Belmont Stakes 2012: I'll Have Another Will Lead Race's Post Parade

In what will surely be a sad yet touching moment, jockey Mario Gutierrez and his injured horse, I'll Have Another, will lead the post parade before the 2012 Belmont Stakes, according to the race's official website. 

This is a classy and logical move by the race organizers, who clearly realized I'll Have Another's importance to the event.

Due to the horse's brilliance, there was a buzz surrounding the Belmont that hadn't been there since Big Brown was pursuing the Triple Crown in 2008. And although I'll Have Another is unable to run, a Belmont Stakes without his presence would feel hollow.

It's not as good as watching them chase history, but at least I'll Have Another and Gutierrez will play a role in Saturday's annual ceremony.

The post parade will be televised live on NBC shortly before the post time of 6:40 p.m. ET.

Despite being a 5-4 favorite, I'll Have Another was scratched from Saturday's race after it was revealed that he developed tendinitis in his left front tendon. Trainer Doug O'Neill announced the unfortunate news in a press conference at the track early Friday afternoon.

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“I talked with Mr. [J. Paul] Reddam and immediately we got Dr.  [Jim] Hunt over here. He scanned him and he said it was the start of tendinitis in his [superficial] left front tendon and … you give him three to six months and then start back with him. But obviously, he’s done so much, that it was unanimous to retire him. It’s a bummer, but far from tragic.”

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Although the horse's long-term health is certainly the most important aspect of this story, racing fans can't help but be disappointed with the development.

I'll Have Another was looking to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Unfortunately, he will now join 11 horses who have won the first two jewels of the Crown, only to fail at the Belmont.

Burgoo King in 1932 and Bold Venture in 1936 are the only other horses to win both legs before being unable to compete in the Belmont.