No Royal Ascot Start for California Chrome
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Horse of the Year California Chrome has been officially ruled out of the June 17 Prince of Wales's Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot due to a bruised foot.
Trainer Art Sherman had said Monday, June 15, that it was unlikely the 4-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit owned by Perry Martin and Steve Coburn would run due to the slight injury that apparently happened while training at Newmarket.
Newmarket-based trainer Rae Guest, who had been overseeing California Chrome's preparations, said, "He's been X-rayed and there's no damage, there's just a bit of pus, and it will take a few days to come right... It's just a minor thing, but it's very disappointing."
According to Ascot Racecourse, the colt was officially scratched after a lameness certificate was presented.
Efforts to reach Sherman or his son and assistant, Alan, to determine if California Chrome would remain overseas or return to the U.S. were unsuccessful.
The 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Preakness Stakes (both gr. I) winner has been training in Newmarket with Guest since a runner-up finish in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 28. California Chrome previously missed an expected start in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (Eng-I) May 16 at Newbury to allow him more time to recover from his trip from Dubai.
The colt has a 9-3-1 record in 18 starts, with earnings of $6,322,650.