Nyquist out at the Belmont Stakes with illness, elevated white blood cell count

Nyquist, who won the Kentucky Derby, had developed a slight fever

Nyquist already lost a shot at the Triple Crown after finishing third in the Preakness, but now he won't even get to finish the final leg of horse racing's biggest event.

According to David Grening of Daily Racing Form, Nyquist has officially been taken out of the Belmont Stakes due to high white blood cell count.

BREAKING NEWS: Nyquist out of Belmont Stakes. Has high elevated white blood cell count. Story soon on https://t.co/vF7GYJCXge

— David Grening (@DRFGrening) May 24, 2016

Nyquist won the Kentucky Derby, but developed a slight fever a couple of days after the Preakness. After returning to normal, the fever returned on Tuesday.

Blood work was being conducted "to make sure nothing [was] going on." Nyquist also had an elevated white blood cell count prior to winning the Derby, per ESPN.

"We're going to put him on stronger antibiotics, get him right, get him back to California and let him relax and recover from the trip," O'Neill said via Grening.

The three-year-old colt was undefeated heading into the Preakness. The Belmont Stakes are three weeks away.