So much for the Doug O’Neill angle for NBC.

I’ll Have Another just was scratched for the Belmont tomorrow. The horse has a swollen left front tendon.

Meanwhile, somebody also should hand out ice packs to NBC executives, who suddenly have developed massive headaches upon hearing the news. I’ll Have Another’s bid for the Triple Crown would have pulled in huge ratings for the network.

Now, not so much.

NBC just released a statement:

While we are obviously disappointed that our show won’t feature I’ll Have Another going for the elusive Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes is still an iconic event on the sports schedule, and the NBC Sports Group broadcasts will treat it as such. We’re working now to adjust the game plan accordingly.

Translated: *$&$*^%!!!!!!!

Indeed, imagine the behind-the-scenes scrambling by producer Rob Hyland and his crew. Anticipating the historic ride, NBC expanded its coverage, with the telecast beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Now all those I’ll Have Another features go to the trash can. Suddenly, Hyland and NBC have a lot of time to fill, and the stories become far less compelling.