An American in Ascot: California Chrome will race in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes

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10 Jun 2015, 06:56 am

California, June 9 (NITN): California Chrome, 'America's Horse,' 2014's Horse of the Year, and darling of the racecourse in the United States, is confirmed to compete in the Royal Ascot this June.

Famous for his Kentucky Derby and Preakness wins and close bid for the Triple Crown, California Chrome most recently won second place in the $10 million Dubai World Cup.

The Royal Ascot hosts nine of the U.K.’s annual Group One races, including the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

The competition for the £525,000 prize money will be fierce. California Chrome will go up against Japanese contender Spielberg, Criterion (representing Australia, and winner of Queen Anne’s Stakes) as well as Ireland’s Free Eagle, Cirrus Des Aigles of France, and The Grey Gatsby of the UK.

Nick Smith, Head of Communications and International Racing, expressed his excitement with regards to California Chrome’s participation, saying, “To have another Kentucky Derby winner at Royal Ascot is exciting and he could spearhead a strong international presence for the week.”

International representation will be diverse; Group One competitors will be comprised of representatives from 10 countries, 75 of which are from Ireland, and 46 from France. Additionally, there will be 11 from the United States, 8 from Australia, 4 from Hong Kong, 3 from Japan, 2 from Germany, and one each from Spain and Sweden, for a grand total of 388 entries.

The Royal Ascot will take place beginning Tuesday, June 16th and finish on Saturday June 20th.

California Chrome will race on Wednesday the 17th in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

Though overall it is a moderately paced day, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes are considered by many to be the most important race of the modern era of the Royal Ascot.

Chrome’s co-owner, Perry Martin, kept the focus on the spirit of the event: "We are grateful for the opportunity to race at Royal Ascot and hopeful that California Chrome can put up a good show. We are looking forward to the experience."

While his inclusion in the Royal Ascot is a great honor in and of itself, and will undoubtedly be entertaining to horse-racing enthusiasts, California Chrome’s performance in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at the 2015 Royal Ascot could secure his position among prestigious racing legends for decades to come.

#American in Ascot #America #California Chrome

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