Sunday 8th June 2014 - No Crown for California Chrome

No Crown for California Chrome

 

Last night at precisely midnight, I was awake, hoping to witness the first US Triple Crown victor since Affrimed in 1978. For California’s bronze hero, it wasn’t to be. Art Sherman’s colt was another to join the same ranks as Smarty Jones, Big Brown and Sunday Silence, among others, having failed at the final hurdle- the ultimate test, the Belmont Stakes. The memories of Secretariat’s fairy-tale, War Admiral’s dominance and Affirmed’s scintillating battles with Alydar, have painted the history of the Triple Crown. For racing fans all over the world, California Chrome was hope that the thoroughbred racehorse was once again vastly superior to its rivals, beholding all of the qualities required to reach the ultimate vein of superstardom.

 

 

California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza.

 

 

Having never before witnessed a potential Triple Crown winner negotiate Belmont Park’s demanding 1 ½ miles at the time it occurred, I was in awe to discover the support behind what was, and often is, a remarkable story. It appears although California Chrome’s bid for the Triple Crown is now void; the stories continue to circulate in the dramatic aftermath of his brave effort. He officially dead heated with Wicked Strong for 4^th position. I’m sure I was not the only surprised spectator to hear one of his owners, Steven Coburn, and his reaction to the race. Unaware of California Chrome’s injury (a bloody gash to his front right foot), Coburn criticised the nature and method in which entries are determined for the Belmont Stakes. He displayed his opinion on how it is unfair for horses that have run in both previous legs, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

 

 

The injury sustained by California Chrome during the 2014 Belmont Stakes.

 

"If you've got a horse, run him in all three...This is the coward's way out." and "If you can't make enough points to get in the [Derby], you can't run in the [Preakness and Belmont]." were his comments following the race. Obviously due to the high pressure scenario and such a build up, it is understandable he may have been disappointed or angry, and thus used those emotions to display his hurt. Having reportedly shouted at his wife after the interview, it appears to me Coburn threw his toys out of his pram. I personally do not think this is fair or indeed an admirable representation of his horse, or his appreciation for him and what he has achieved. For California Chrome is not aware, nor should be responsible for such an outburst. I am saddened as it subtracted from what was a brave performance by a tough horse.

Whilst fully understanding Coburn’s feelings on the final test in the Triple Crown, I oppose him in that he understood the nature of the sequence before declaring to run his horse. Therefore he surely cannot complain having made the decision to run him. The nation and beyond was hugely excited by the spectacle provided and could have proved a contributing factor to said decision, yet in reality the choice was made by him and his partners alone. Tonalist (Joel Rosario/Christophe Clement) won the Belmont Stakes having won the Peter Pan Stakes prior, beating re-opposing bridesmaid Commissioner (Javier Castellano/Todd Pletcher) by a head. 3^rd place belonged to Medal Count, who was the only horse to have raced in one of the previous two legs, having finished 7 ½ lengths adrift of California Chrome in the Kentucky Derby. He did not contest the Preakness Stakes. You can see Coburn’s frustration as if a horse could only race in the Belmont, given its participation in both the other legs, California Chrome would now be another winner of the Triple Crown. I would like to add I believe his jockey, Victor Espinoza, gave him in my opinion an intelligent ride, and was one man to take out of the incident. I feel he acted with great dignity and pride in his horse, considering he was under perhaps the most pressure of all.

 

 

Victor Espinoza

 

However, Coburn's wishes would undoubtedly mean the Triple Crown would be easier to claim- is this really what racing fans want? I believe the mental and physical constitution of a horse needed to win the trio of races is part of what makes the Triple Crown so valuable and special, in both financial and sentimental aspects. Previous winners of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont have all had the same challenges as California Chrome. Whether it has been due to luck, ability or any injuries sustained during the race, Chrome was not to join them on the illustrious roll of honour. Whether his injury bared any relevance to his finishing position remains to be seen, yet connections do not believe it to be a very serious one.

The purpose of this piece was to outline my own views on the events that unfolded. I think it would be remarkable if here in the UK such showbiz, glamour and fame was incorporated into our sport as it was for those precious moments before the 2014 Belmont. Our sport desperately needs champions to immerse itself in the forefront of the wider public’s imagination. Perhaps people need to look no further than Coronation Cup winner Cirrus Des Aigles, who ironically won Epsom’s 1 ½ mile test injured himself, on Saturday. Corine Barande-Barbe, his trainer, is an inspiring, elegant , engaging and endearing character who adores her 8 year old gelding. For me, she reflects what horse trainers and owners should be. People may say because Cirrus Des Aigles is not an entire racehorse, he is less likely to be admired by the public, as he cannot run in certain races (for example the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe). This however is a totally separate issue, yet fans of horse racing alone, for now, are 100% behind the veteran. I’m sure you will join me in wishing both him and California Chrome successful recoveries.