Dubai World Cup runner-up California Chrome has been given the go ahead to run at Royal Ascot.
The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner could arrive in England as early as next week, with the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury earmarked as a possible starting point.
The four-year-old will be based in Newmarket at Rae Guest’s stables in preparation for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal meeting in June.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to race at Royal Ascot and hopeful that California Chrome can put up a good show,” co-owner Perry Martin said.
“We are looking forward to the experience.”
Nick Smith, Ascot head of communications and international racing, expressed satisfaction at being able to persuade connections of California Chrome to send him to England although trainer Art Sherman would prefer to rest him.
“I first met Art at the Breeders’ Cup last year and then again at Los Alamitos in February and it was a great pleasure to meet the owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn in Dubai to discuss details,” he said.
“To have another Kentucky Derby winner at Royal Ascot is exciting and he could spearhead a strong international presence for the week.”
California Chrome finished 2-3/4 lengths behind surprise winner Prince Bishop at Meydan on Saturday night.
Sherman, however, had wanted to give his prized asset a break after his exploits in Dubai.
“I was looking forward to giving him a rest,” he told the Daily Racing Form.
“I’m not sure everyone realises that this is going to be a tired horse. That was a hard race on him.”
“I’m going to miss looking down the shed row and seeing the horse in his stall.
“It’s going to be hard on him, too. He’s been with the same groom, the same people since he was a two-year-old.”
