The story of California Chrome is as compelling as his breathtaking wins in the first two legs of the Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
His 77-year old trainer, Art Sherman, had never had a Kentucky Derby start, let alone a Triple Crown candidate. The horse's bloodline is weak, especially compared to the horses that fetch millions of dollars for their prestigious heritage. And the owners, well they’ve never owned a racehorse before.
“It’s a sport that needs a shot in the arm,” said Drape. “People get excited. They want to see something, you know, that is truly great and that they haven’t seen for almost 40 years.”
So the horse with four white feet, which is apparently considered bad luck in horseracing, continues to defy his history and superstition. The underdog has become the favorite. Yes, California Chrome breaks all the rules, except the one at Belmont Park about wearing a nasal strip, stewards made sure of that.
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By Rick Freeman
Associated Press
NEW YORK — California Chrome can breathe easy — he'll be allowed to wear a nasal strip when he goes for the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes.
Belmont Park stewards cleared the horse Monday to use the strip he wore while winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
New York tracks have a rule prohibiting any equipment not specifically approved by stewards, and nasal strips were not on the list.
A statement from the New York Racing Association and the state's Gaming Commission says three stewards unanimously gave approval.
The strip worn by California Chrome during his six-race winning streak is thought to improve airflow through his nostrils. That will come in handy during the Belmont's grueling 1½ miles on June 7.
