Epicharis out of Belmont Stakes after failed medical exam

The Belmont Stakes is being simulcast in Japan for the first time ever, but ratings may take a hit with Japanese-trained Epicharis being ruled out on the morning of race day.

Epicharis was a veterinary scratch due to "lameness" in his right front limb. He was treated with phenylbutazone June 7 and was given another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory June 8. Epicharis was not sent out to train Thursday or Friday but was walking around the quarantine barn.

"It’s a big deal because it’s Epicharis. It’s a big deal because it’s the Belmont Stakes. It’s a big deal because of what it means to Japan, but it’s a routine process we go through every race day," said New York Racing Association equine medical director Scott Palmer

Epicharis will be shipped back to Japan on June 15.

The scratch drops the field from 12 to 11, with Patch moving into post 11.