Get breaking news alerts on your mobile device direct from the FOX 29 news desk.
Get breaking news alerts on your mobile device direct from the FOX 29 news desk.
Thoroughbred racing was dealt a stunning blow Friday as I'll Have Another was retired from racing due to a case of tendonitis in his left foreleg.
The colt's owner, Paul Reddam, along with trainer Doug O'Neill announced that the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner was not healthy enough to attempt to win the Triple Crown Saturday in the Belmont Stakes.
O'Neill said the injury, which he first noticed Thursday afternoon, is not severe, but would likely prevent I'll Have Another from delivering his usual performance.
"He's not 100 percent and I ain't taking any chances," O'Neill said Friday. "The bottom line is it's not tragic, no one got killed, there are much bigger issues in the world."
Reddam is already guaranteed to make millions when I'll Have Another becomes a stallion.
I'll Have Another was seeking to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. He is now the first horse since Bold Venture in 1936 to win the first two legs, but fail to compete in the Belmont.
The shocking turn of events came with more than 100,000 people expected to flock to Belmont Park for a chance to witness history, with millions more set to watch the mile-and-a-half race on NBC.
I'll Have Another had drawn the No. 11 post against a field of 11 rivals and was the 4-5 favorite. The top two contenders are now Dullahan, who finished a fast-closing third in the Kentucky Derby, followed by Union Rags.
The son of Flower Alley ends his career with earnings of $2.6 million, winning all four of his races this year.
Reddam bought I'll Have Another as a two-year-old for the modest sum of $35,000. By comparison, Union Rags and Dullahan were purchased by their current owners for $390,000 and $250,000 respectively.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:39:10 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
"It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up.. This is horrible" said Royer.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:32:42 GMT
It was a gloomy Sunday as the whole area remain socked in with low clouds & fog, drizzle and scattered showers.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. The difference is that it will really warm up -- temperatures soar into the 80s by Tuesday. That mild and humid air mass will fuel afternoon thunderstorms.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796
© Associated Press
