Nyquist Won't Run in Belmont Stakes

Nyquist, the winner of the 2016 Kentucky Derby will not run in the Belmont Stakes in June, denying fans the chance of a rematch with Preakness winner Exagerrator.

The news was first reported by Daily Racing From reporter David Grening.

On Monday, trainer Doug O'Neill announced via Facebook that Nyquist developed a fever and he was not shipped to Belmont as planned. At the time, O'Neill said his temperature had been brought back to normal and his team was awaiting blood work results to see if he had a bug that needs to be treated.

"When he will go to Belmont and the next step, will be dependent upon the blood work report," he said.

The results show Nyquist has a high elevated white blood cell count. His treatment will be upgraded to a heavier antibiotic.

In an interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader, O'Neill said the right move, "is to chill and relax and not even think about a race until he gets right."

Nyquist will stay at Pimilco race course in Baltimore until he is healthy.

Nyquist finished third at the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore losing to Exagerrator and spoiling his chance of a Triple Crown victory.

The weather at Pimilco on Preakness Day was cold and rainy with the track muddied from the wet weather. The race began on a somber note with the death of two horses in the early races.

Exagerrator remains on track. His trainer, Keith Desormeaux, told the Associated Press, the plan is for the horse to be shipped to Belmont on Sunday.

This report will be updated.

Image Credit: Anthony via Flickr Creative Commons