California Chrome's Triple Crown hopes could be over by a nose.
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The New York Daily News is reporting that the colt who won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes may not be allowed to wear nasal strips that he used to win the first two jewels of the Triple Crown.
The New York Horse Racing Association bans thoroughbreds from wearing the nasal strips - the only state in the union to do so. The strips are alleged to allow for better air flow. Ironically, the strips are allowed in harness racing.
The ban could cost California Chrome a shot at winning the June 7 Belmont, his trainer Art Shermann said Sunday.
"That's not fair to me," Sherman told the Daily News about New York's rule that doesn't allow the strip. "That's really bogus. I don't understand."
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The Daily News added that California Chrome requires the approval of Belmont Park's three stewards to wear the nasal strips.
California Chrome's handlers made an official appeal to the stewards. The New York State Gaming Commission told the Daily News that the appeal was under consideration.
If the appeal is denied, Sherman could take his colt and go home. That would be a financial jolt to the
"These people (the owners) tell me if at any time the horse isn't ready to go to the races don't hesitate (to withdraw him)," Sherman said. "The horse comes first. I'm just leaving it at that."
California Chrome is trying to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to earn horse racing immortality. It is the 13th horse since Affirmed to have won the first two jewels. The previous 12 have been unable to capture the Triple Crown.
The Daily News said I'll Have Another also wore nasal strips in 2012 during the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, was not allowed to wear nasal strips he had during his first two wins of the Triple Crown.
Doug O'Neill, who trained I'll Have Another, said an official of NYRA had told him the horse couldn't wear the strip, and doesn't remember ever being told he could appeal the rule. Ultimately, the issue became moot when the colt injured a tendon in his leg and was scratched.
"Good for them," O'Neill said about California Chrome's connections having a chance to make their case. "It's such a small piece of equipment and it's in the best interest of the horse. For them not to allow it, it's silly."
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