Tonalist Wins Belmont Stakes, Denying Triple Crown for California Chrome Sports Entertainment Network
go to original June 8, 2014

Tonalist won the 146th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday at Belmont Park, denying California Chrome his shot at becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first since Affirmed in 1978.

California Chrome, who won his previous six starts by a combined 27½ lengths, including the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, finished in a dead heat for fourth under Victor Espinoza as the 4-5 favorite. He got a good start, and ran on the rail in striking distance for most of the race. He swung four wide turning for home, but came up empty in the stretch.

Tonalist caught and edged Commissioner by a head at the wire. Medal Count was third. Tonalist ran the mile and a half in 2:28.52 and returned $20.40 for a $2 bet.

Tonalist, trained by Christophe Clement and ridden by Joel Rosario, was running in just his fifth race. He won his last race, his stakes debut, the Peter Pan at Belmont by four lengths.

The loss brought out a bitter reaction from Chrome co-owner Steve Coburn (see video below), who was upset by the fact that the winner of the Belmont once again did not race all three legs of the Triple Crown. "It's not fair to these horses that have been in the game since Day 1," Coburn told NBC. "... This is a coward's way out in my opinion ..."

Tonalist spoils California Chrome's bid for the Triple Crown; Chrome owner cries foul (NBC Sports)

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