Alas, ’twas not to be. California Chrome did not achieve the first Triple Crown win since 1978. People throughout Northern California, and underdog rooters everywhere, were pulling for the three-year-old colt, who had made such a spectacular showing at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
Two of California Chrome’s owners, Perry and Denise Martin, live in Yuba City, California. The town turned out in force for a major celebration of the good fortune of one of their own. The party took a subdued turn when California Chrome finished tied for fourth in the Belmont Stakes, but the accomplishment of winning the Derby and Preakness remains.
Could I say the full story of California Chrome is yet to be written?