Reports say that California Chrome might not participate in the Belmont Stakes Triple Crown race if New York officials do not allow the colt to wear a nasal strip. Among the Gaming Commission’s rules governing Belmont Park is one that states: Only equipment specifically approved by the stewards shall be worn or carried by a jockey or a horse in a race.
California Chrome ridden by Victor Espinoza
Although trainer Art Sherman has made no threats about the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner passing on a chance to become a Triple Crown winner, he has suggested it is a possibility if the horse is not allowed to wear his customary nasal strip.
© 2014 by Bill Brine
California Chrome has worn a nasal strip during his current six-race winning streak after co-owner Perry Martin wanted to try it. Sherman is based in California and said he wasn’t aware that using one in New York might be a problem. He said he would talk to New York racing officials and the horse’s owners.
To date, neither the New York State Gaming Commission nor the New York Racing Association stewards has received a request to use nasal strips in the Belmont on June 7.
“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,” Gaming Commission spokesman Lee Park said Sunday.
Although trainer Art Sherman has made no threats about the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner passing on a chance to become horse racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner, but he has suggested it is a possibility if the horse is not allowed to wear his customary nasal strip.
Some horses, like humans, wear nasal strips to assist breathing. The colt wears the strip only during races, not training.
“I think it opens up his air passage and gives him that little extra oomph that he needs, especially going a mile and a half,” Sherman said. “Anytime you can have a good air passage, that means a lot for these thoroughbreds.”
Other states allow nasal strips while racing, and even some jockeys wear them.
“It’s something nonmedical that can be beneficial to a workout or a race,” California-based trainer Doug O’Neill said by phone. “If you think your horse could use some help with their nostrils, you do it.”