No Triple Crown for California Chrome

07 Jun, 2014

California Chrome’s bid to complete U.S. racing’s elusive Triple Crown ended in disappointment when he finished fourth behind Tonalist in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday.

Ridden by Mexican jockey Victor Espinoza, California Chrome moved into contention down the final stretch but could not sustain his run and catch the flying Tonalist (9-1), who won in a thrilling photo-finish.

Commissioner, a 28-1 longshot, held on for second, beaten by just a head, after leading until the final turn while Medal Count (24-1) took third, a further length behind.

California Chrome (4-5 favorite) dead-heated with Wicked Strong (9-1) for fourth, sending the huge expectant crowd of more than 102,000 into a stunned silence at the realization that the long wait for a Triple Crown winner would continue for at least another year.

Tonalist missed both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness and showed the benefits of being fresh as he surged to victory in the 1 1/2-mile (2,400 meters) classic, the longest and most grueling races of the Triple Crown series.

Tonalist had been earmarked as one of the early favorites for the Kentucky Derby but was forced to skip the race after he suffered a lung infection and missed a key qualifier.

After winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes last month, California Chrome was bidding to become just the 12th horse – and the first since Affirmed in 1978 – to achieve the rare feat, regarded as the ultimate challenge in American racing.

Reuters

Image Matt Slocumb

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