NEW YORK (AP) — California Chrome sustained a bloody gash to his right front foot during the Belmont Stakes, an injury that may have hurt his chances in his failed bid to sweep the Triple Crown for the first time in 36 years.
Photos taken while the horse was walking back to the barn after his loss in the third leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday show the injured hoof.
It isn’t clear when the injury happened, but the colt’s camp says it’s not serious. Chrome finished in a dead heat for fourth with Wicked Strong.
The horse was the overwhelming favorite in the Belmont and his supporters were hoping he would become the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978.
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