was silenced when it became obvious that California Chrome lacked his usual punch in the stretch. Jockey Victor E

NEW YORK -- California Chrome failed in his bid to win the first Triple Crown in 36 years on Saturday, losing the Belmont Stakes to long shot Tonalist and leaving his owner to complain others took "the cowards way out" by skipping the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Before tens of thousands hoping to see history, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner finished in a dead-heat for fourth with Wicked Strong. California Chromes loss extended the longest drought without a Triple Crown champion. California Chrome co-owner Steve Coburn was bitter about horses skipping the first two legs and then stealing the Belmont. Six of the last eight Belmont winners did just that. "Thats the cowards way out," he said. "Its not fair to these horses that have been in the game since day one. If you dont make enough points to get into the Kentucky Derby, you cant run in the other two races. Its all or nothing." Coburn thought the other 10 horses ganged up on California Chrome, who was second early, dropped to fourth and then fifth before dead-heating for fourth. Photos after the race showed Chrome also had a bloody gash on his right front foot, a minor injury that may have hurt his chances. Coburn voiced a similar complaint after the Preakness, saying only the 20 horses that run in the Kentucky Derby should be eligible to compete in the other two legs. He also believed that horses skipping the Preakness should not be allowed to return in the Belmont. Coburn had been in a festive mood earlier in the day, waving his cream-colored cowboy hat to fans and signing items they tossed to him in his box seat. But the mood turned ugly after the race. Three tough races in five weeks proved too demanding for California Chrome, who was sent off as the heavy 4-5 favourite. Affirmed remains the most recent Triple Crown winner in 1978. The raucous crowd of 102,199 -- the third-largest in Belmont history -- was silenced when it became obvious that California Chrome lacked his usual punch in the stretch. Jockey Victor Espinoza realized long before then that his chestnut colt wasnt up to the grueling 1 1/2-mile trip around the tracks sweeping turns. "As soon as he came out of the gate, he wasnt the same," Espinoza said. Alan Sherman, the son and assistant to trainer Art Sherman, agreed. "When Victor started to squeeze on him, he didnt respond," he said. "He was wore out, I think." Once the official result was posted, fans sat in stunned silence before heading to the exits. Penny Chenery, the 92-year-old owner of 1973 Triple Crown champion Secretariat, had been ready to welcome a new member to the exclusive club. She and others with ties to previous Triple Crown winners came to watch what they hoped would be California Chromes big day. "Im very disappointed that we didnt have a Triple Crown winner, but Im happy for the winners," she said. Tonalist, the fifth wagering choice at 9-1 odds, was a fresh and rested horse making his debut on the Triple Crown trail. He last ran and won the Peter Pan Stakes over the same Belmont dirt on May 10. Tonalist beat Commissioner, another newcomer to the Triple Crown, by a head. Those two horses finished in the same order in the Peter Pan. Tonalist ran the distance in 2:28.52 and paid $20.40, $9.60 and $7. Commissioner returned $23.20 and $13.20, while Medal Count was another length back in third and paid $13.20 to show. Samraat was sixth, followed by General a Rod, Matterhorn, Commanding Curve, Matuszak and Ride On Curlin. California Chrome broke quickly but was pressed immediately by Commissioner and General a Rod. Espinoza eased California Chrome back into third along the rail. Approaching the final turn, California Chrome was manoeuvred to the outside. He angled four-wide turning for home, just to the outside of Tonalist, who was close to the pace the entire race. Espinoza started whipping left-handed in the lane but California Chrome had no response. "I thought he was gaining ground, but he didnt have it in him, apparently," Coburn said. Tonalist joined the growing list of Triple Crown spoilers, making California Chrome the 12th horse since Affirmed to lose his Triple try in the Belmont, the longest race in the series. In 2012, Ill Have Another won the first two legs, but was scratched the day before the Belmont with a career-ending tendon injury. "The Triple Crown itself, obviously its tough," winning trainer Christophe Clement said. "If it would be easier to do it, then it would mean nothing." Tonalist was making just his fifth career start. "We actually thought he finished second, but we got lucky, he won," Clement said. "It was great." California Chromes rise from a humble pedigree and his working-stiff owners resonated with sports fans who rarely take an interest in horse racing. His owners spent $8,000 on a mare they bred to a stallion for $2,500, and were called "dumb asses" by a trainer for buying a mare who gave no indication that she could produce a standout offspring who could run fast. Conditions seemed aligned for the Triple Crown drought to end. California Chrome thrived during his three-week stay at Belmont Park. His chestnut coat gleamed and he gained weight after the Preakness on May 17. His owners, trainer and jockey oozed confidence. But this fairy tale didnt have a happy ending. Espinoza lost his second chance at a Triple Crown. He was aboard War Emblem in 2002, when that colt stumbled at the start of the Belmont and lost all chance. "The horse tried, thats all I can ask for. He took me on the ride of my life, Ill always have that in my heart for that horse," trainer Art Sherman said. Coburn, who with Perry Martin formed Dumb Ass Partners to race their one-horse stable, had vowed that California Chrome "would go down in history." It just wasnt the kind they wanted to make. Stitched Arizona Cardinals Jerseys .ca presents a week long look at some of the teams and stories that will shape the up coming campaign. Arizona Cardinals Zach Allen Jersey .com) - The Buffalo Bills will return to the friendly confines of Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday when they welcome the upstart Cleveland Browns to town. http://www.cardinalscheap.com/ . The 42-ranked Czech saved seven break points while converting his one chance, and defeated the No. 3 seed in 1 hour 46 minutes. Rosol, who lost in the final in Stuttgart against Roberto Bautista Agut on Sunday, awaits the winner between Philipp Kohlschreiber or 2011 champion Gilles Simon. Arizona Cardinals Jerseys China . - Chelseas 1-0 win at the Etihad, spoiling Manchester Citys perfect home record continues to be the talking point of the week. Arizona Cardinals Kyler Murray Jersey . - The Detroit Lions have placed tight end Brandon Pettigrew on injured reserve, ending his season.OTTAWA, ON: Sports Officials Canada (SOC) announced Tuesday that Skate Canada judge Beth Crane of Burnaby, B.C., has been named Canadas top female official, winning the 2014 SOC Award of Excellence. Cranes career as a figure skating judge has spanned over 40 years. She is a qualified International Skating Union (ISU) judge and referee in singles and pairs and an ISU technical controller in singles. Her officiating record includes 16 international events, including two ISU World Figure Skating Championships, and six Canadian championships. She is currently the Chair of the Skate Canada Officials Development Committee, and her leadership capabiilities were also recognized with this award.dddddddddddd "It is wonderful to see one of our officials being honoured nationally. Beths expertise as a judge at the highest level is extremely beneficial in developing figure skating in Canada. She is a positive role model for all of our officials and a valued member of our Skate Canada team from the club level to the international level. Congratulations Beth on this distinguished honour," said Dan Thompson, Skate Canada CEO. Crane will receive her award on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the Sports Officials Canada Hall of Fame Dinner in Ottawa, Ontario. 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