Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 

California Chrome’s trainer Art Sherman has raised the startling possibility the colt could miss the final leg of the Triple Crown because of New York rules barring nasal strips.

If California Chrome were to win the Belmont Stakes on June 7, he would be the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years.

The idea that the charismatic horse can pull off the signature achievement has the thoroughbred racing world abuzz.

For years, racing lovers have said the sport needs a superstar in the mould of Secretariat or Seattle Slew to mitigate declines in attendance and mainstream interest.

California Chrome’s connections have seemed as excited at the possibility as anyone. But that didn’t stop trainer Art Sherman from raising doubts when asked about the New York policy.

“Hey, we might have a little controversy here,” the 77-year-old Sherman said as he bantered with reporters at Pimlico the morning after California Chrome’s Preakness win.

The New York State Gaming Commission responded in a statement saying they had not received any application for the nasal strips to be used.

“If a request to use nasal strips is made, the decision on whether to permit them or not will be fully evaluated and determined by the stewards,” the statement said.

It wasn’t clear how serious Sherman was, and he did say he could not speak for the horse’s co-owners, Steve Coburn and Perry Martin.

“It might be an issue,” he said. “I’m not saying it will be.”

The Flair equine nasal strip is similar to adhesives used by some professional athletes who say the strips, worn across the bridge of the nose, help them breathe in the heat of competition.

Sherman said Martin raised the idea of using the strip for California Chrome, and the trainer believes it has helped.

“I think it gives him that extra oomph,” he said.

“Anytime you can have a good air passage, it means a lot.”

The issue highlights an enduring frustration in thoroughbred racing – the arcane differences in rules from state to state.

California, Kentucky and Maryland, for instance, have no regulations prohibiting the use of nasal strips, which have been common in the sport for about 15 years. In New York, the strips are allowed in harness racing but not for thoroughbreds, although the decision ultimately lies with stewards governing each track.

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au