California Chrome's horse nasal strips have been the subject of controversy heading into the Belmont Stakes, but it appears the horse's team won't have abandon their Triple Crown bid after all, as the strips were approved Monday.
The New York Gaming Commission released two statements Monday morning via Twitter saying that the strips were approved for all horses based on professional medical advisement.
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"Pretty much every state in America has been letting horses run with nasal strips. New York had a rule in place saying the trainer had to ask permission from the stewards. Mr. Sherman [Trainer Art Sherman] did that yesterday at 3:45," said New York Racing Association Secretary Martin Panza,
CBS Sacramento reported.
On Sunday, trainer Art Sherman had said, "I'd have to leave it up to the owners," in reference to the upcoming June 7 race,
according to The Associated Press. "I know they'll be upset."
California Chrome has worn a nasal strip — similar to those worn by football players — during all six races of his winning streak, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes races.
Because the rules of each race are governed separately state-by-state, the strips were allowed in previous races, however it seemed a formal request was needed for their use in New York.
"If a request to use nasal strips is made, the decision on whether to permit them or not will be fully evaluated and determined by the stewards," said Gaming Commission spokesman Lee Park over the weekend.
After all the hullabaloo, however, it appears Chrome will be allowed to make a bid for the crown with nostrils flaring.
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