By DRF.com
ELMONT, N.Y. (May 19, 2014) — California Chrome can wear a nasal trip in the June 7 Belmont Stakes, just as he has done for his prior six wins in three other states, Martin Panza, a senior vice president for the New York Racing Association, said Monday morning.
“I can confirm the stewards have been in touch with Art Sherman and told him he can use it,” Panza said.
The use of a nasal strip became a cause celebre the past 24 hours after Sherman, who trains California Chrome, was surprised to find out Sunday morning at Pimlico he might not be able to use the nasal strip in the Belmont Stakes, in which California Chrome will go for the Triple Crown. The use of a nasal strip is not specifically banned by state law in New York, nor even a house rule at the track. It is strictly up to the discretion of the track’s stewards.
Two years ago, the stewards denied I’ll Have Another the use of a nasal strip in the Belmont Stakes, a decision that became moot when I’ll Have Another was scratched on the eve of the race with a career-ending injury.
The make-up of the stewards, and NYRA’s executive staff, has changed since then, and the state now has an equine medical director, Dr. Scott Palmer.