California Chrome out of Royal Ascot with foot bruise

The much anticipated Royal Ascot run for California Chrome now appears highly unlikely. America’s reigning Horse of the Year will likely be kept out of action from Wednesday’s Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes due to a bruised foot, according to Racing Post.

The likely scratch would prevent the California-bred star from competing in one of the most glamorous stops on an extremely ambitious 2015 schedule of races mapped out by co-owner Perry Martin. California Chrome has already finished second in both a showdown with Shared Belief in the San Antonio, as well as in the world’s richest race, the Dubai World Cup, back in March. Future plans for the Art Sherman trained champion include the Arlington Million, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Riding the wave of the Triple Crown sweep of American Pharoah, the presence of last year’s popular Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner had piqued American race fans interest in the Royal Ascot meet to unprecedented levels.

If somehow California Chrome is announced fit to run on Wednesday, he has drawn post position 6, in a ten-horse field, which includes international stars; The Grey Gatsby, Free Eagle, and Ectot, and will be ridden by William Buick.

More information on this developing story will be posted as it becomes available.

*Update - While his connections call it a very minor injury, California Chrome has been officially scratched out of Wednesday's Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.