Horse Racing News

A racehorse died Thursday at Churchill Downs after a freak fall that the trainer blamed on the sound of a starting gate bell blaring on the track's new sound system.

Triple Crown hopeful California Chrome set foot on the Belmont Park main track for the first time May 21, leisurely jogging once around the 1 ½-mile course with exercise rider Willie Delgado aboard.

The Brook Ledge horse van carrying California Chrome and Ride On Curlin pulled up to Barn 26 at Belmont Park at 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, where the pair will reside for the next 18 days leading up to the June 7 Belmont Stakes.

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Arkansas Derby winner Danza, who was most recently a troubled third in the May 3 Kentucky Derby, will miss the June 7 Belmont Stakes.

California Chrome has gotten approval to wear a nasal strip during the Belmont Stakes, keeping alive the horse's chance to become just the sport's 12th Triple Crown winner.

Steve Coburn, part-owner and breeder of California Chrome, said he loves Pimlico Race Course and its hospitality, and also had some choice words for Churchill Downs.

Trainer Art Sherman says California Chrome might not pursue a Triple Crown bid in the Belmont Stakes if New York officials won't allow the colt to wear a nasal strip.

California Chrome has won the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes, keeping hopes of a Triple Crown alive.

Augustin Stable's Utley, winless since last April, got back on track with an off-the-pace upset score in the $400,000 Dixie Stakes at Pimlico Race Course May 17.

Somali Lemonade had never been to Pimlico Race Course before, but on the track's biggest card in front of a Preakness Day throng, the 5-year-old mare held on to victory in the $150,000 Gallorette Handicap.