NEW YORK (AP/WFAN) — Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I’ll Have Another was ailing well before he was retired from racing with a tendon injury the day ahead of his bid to win the Belmont Stakes and become the first Triple Crown champion in 34 years.

The New York Times reports in a story Wednesday that veterinary records obtained from New York state racing officials show that I’ll Have Another was being treated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in the weeks after his win in the Preakness on May 19 and before the Belmont, which was June 9.

According to the records, X-rays of the colt’s front ankles and knees taken four days after the Preakness showed that I’ll Have Another had osteoarthritis. Two days before the Belmont, the colt was injected with painkillers and a synthetic joint fluid.

Trainer Doug O’Neill announced the next day that I’ll Have Another was being retired, citing an injury to the colt’s left front tendon.

Owner J. Paul Reddam recently sold the colt to a farm in Japan for $10 million.

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