By Bloodhorse.com
U.S. Horse of the Year California Chrome will return to the United States after missing the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot with a bruised foot,Racing Post reports.
The Lucky Pulpit colt also was among early nominees for the Coral Eclipse Stakes (Eng-I), set for July 4 at Sandown, but will bypass that race as well.
“California Chrome is recovering well and we hope to have a shoe back on his foot on Monday,” said trainer Rae Guest, who has hosted the 4-year-old colt at his yard in Newmarket. “However, we have run out of time to get him ready for the Eclipse and the decision has been made to send him home.
“Him missing Royal Ascot was a shame for the meeting, a shame for the owners and a shame for racing. It’s been wonderful being associated with the horse, and thanks to (trainer) Art (Sherman) and the owners for thinking of us.”
Co-owner Steve Coburn said on Twitter June 20 that California Chrome would depart for the U.S. at the beginning of July and would be prepared for the Arlington Million (gr. IT), to be run Aug. 15, when he clears quarantine.