The wait for a US Triple Crown winner has been deferred for at least 37 years, from the last one, as the ‘rags to riches’ sensation California Chrome failed to do it this year, thus breaking the hearts of millions of his followers across the globe. A sensational late surge from Christophe Clement trained Tonalist earned him a ‘head’ win over Commissioner in the G1 Belmont Stakes. Medal Count was third another length away while California Chrome dead-heated with Wicked Strong for the fourth place.

Commissioner surprisingly headed to the front early and Tonalist after jumping out well from 11 draw from as many runners preferred to track the pace. California Chrome who had suffered a cut to his root front foot while jumping out was quickly up with the front group nearing the first turn. Rounding the final bend the favourite was pulled out and was five wide on the straight. Tonalist was set alight by jockey Joel Rosario and the son of Tapit produced a gallant gallop to have his nose in front of Commissioner at the wire.

“This is Belmont, so this is great,” exclaimed the winning jockey Joel Rosario. “This horse, he did very good today. I’m a little bit upset about California Chrome. If I was going to get beat, I wanted to just get beat by him,” he added.

An elated trainer Christophe Clement speaking about the victory, said, “It’s a great win, it’s great for the team, for the staff, for the owner, Mr. Evans, who believed in us. He trained great, he looked great before the race. I’m absolutely delighted that he won.”   

“Turning for home, I was just waiting to have the same kick like he always had before, and today he was a little bit flat down the lane” said the favourite California Chrome’s rider Victor Espinoza.

Photo Courtesy Bloodhorse.com