NEW YORK, (Reuters) – 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 yesterday.
Ridden by Mexican jockey Victor Espinoza, 4-4 favourite California Chrome moved into contention down the final stretch but could not catch the 9-1 chance Tonalist, ridden by Joel Rosario.
Commissioner, a 28-1 longshot, held on for second after leading until the final turn while Medal Count (24-1) took third.
California Chrome dead-heated with Wicked Strong for fourth, sending the huge crowd in New York into a stunned silence at the realisation that another Triple Crown attempt had failed.
After winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes last month, California Chrome was bidding to become just the 12th horse to achieve the feat – regarded as the ultimate challenge in American racing – and the first since Affirmed in 1978.