Saying Goodbye to the 2012 Triple Crown

A mere two days ago, it was a one horse show. A single, valiant colt had conquered both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The mile and a half Belmont Stakes loomed dauntingly ahead; the tallest hurdle for these 3 year olds to clear. A whole nation sat on the edge of its seat, anxiously awaiting the 2 minute event that would draw to conclusion 5 weeks of dreaming. Could I'll Have Another win the Triple Crown? As goes the tootsie pop slogan, the world will never know.

The morning before the Belmont Stakes, champion I'll Have Another was discovered to possess the beginning stages of tendinitis. Despaired, his connections opted to not only scratch the colt from the G1 Belmont Stakes, but to retire him from racing altogether. While the majority of racing fans have doffed their hats in unanimous respect for the decision - which put the horse's welfare in its rightful #1 place - nothing could bar the flood of disappointment that engulfed the scene at Belmont Park. The attendance, which was expected to surpass 100,000, was down to a (still very impressive) count of 85,811. But regardless, the race went on -- the result being a thrilling stretch duel that none will be quick to forget.

Union Rags, a 17 hand son of "sprint producing" Dixie Union, sat in the wake of front running Paynter deep into the grueling, Belmont stretch. His jockey, John Velazquez, sat waiting in Mike Smith's blind spot for the perfect striking moment -- a moment delivered when jockey Mike Smith switched to the left handed whip, causing Paynter to swing ever so slightly to the right. It was Union Rags who did the rest, surging past his rival and his legion of doubters to pose just in time for an elegant photo; one in which the big, bay wonder resides on the right side of the wire.

Union Rags stretches out his neck to capture the Belmont Stakes

As the handsome colt posed in the Winner's Circle, a blanket of white carnations draped across his withers, it's humorous to recall the vast support surrounding the theory that Union Rags, as a son of Dixie Union, stood no chance at the Belmont distance. In reality, this Belmont winner's pedigree is far better than just average. Union Rag's damsire, Gone West, sired Belmont winner Commendable and was the grandsire of Smarty Jones. His granddam, Terpsichorist, set course records for both 11 and 13 furlongs at The Meadowlands, on the turf. Terpsichorist is sired by English Triple Crown winner Nijinsky II. Union Rag's grandsire, Dixieland Band, is the damsire of Kentucky Derby winners Monarchos and Street Sense. Union Rag's dosage profile of 9-1-10-2-0 is a cozy fit for longer distances.

The Belmont said and done, perhaps Union Rags will get some of the respect that he deserves. Following two disappointing finishes in the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby, many have doubted the bay colt's maturity and will to win. Those questions have been answered now; the doubters may hold their peace. Union Rags, yes, a son of Dixie Union, has indeed matured from 2 to 3. And yes, he is every bit as gutsy and determined as Derby and Preakness champion I'll Have Another. Many comparisons may be made between the two in the coming weeks; a great deal of racing fans will be mourning the loss of what could've been a Triple Crown run. I, too, share sympathies with I'll Have Another and his crew. My attitude, however remains upbeat; in the coming weeks, I won't lament what could've and should've. I'm going to celebrate.

Union Rags and I'll Have Another have brought me on a great adventure. Through thrills and chills, ups and downs, tears of sadness and joy, 2012's 3 year old crop has more than lived up to its billing. Each prep race and all three classics left me screaming til my lungs were sure to collapse. The dozen-length victories were a thing of beauty; the narrow triumphs were breath-taking. Yes, there was no Triple Crown winner -- but we had an unforgettable venture along the path to the roses, the black-eyed susans, and the white carnations. There may have been 2 different classic winners, but they were both brilliant in their own ways: as were their rivals, without which there would be no race. As the horse racing world shifts its view from Triple Crown to Breeders' Cup, and the dawning search for 2 year old talent, I'd like to give a big thank-you to the wonderful athletes that make up the Thoroughbred breed. Without these brave, hard-trying horses, there would be no Sport of the Kings.

Well done, I'll Have Another. Congratulations, Union Rags. A big round of applause to every Thoroughbred horse in the States and abroad. It is thanks to you that this lovely sport lives on year after year. Here's to a great rest of the season -- dearest Triple Crown winner, may we meet soon!