Coburn apologizes for his Belmont Stakes post-race comments
20.6 million viewers watched as California Chrome’s run at history came up short. As Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist entered the winner’s circle, it was the tone of Chrome’s co-owner Steve Coburn that was making headlines.
Coburn said, “Those 20 horses that start in Kentucky are the only 20 eligible to run in all three races. This is the coward’s way out.”
Sunday Coburn went for the Daily Double:
“These people, they nominate their horses for the Triple Crown, which means three… triple, three. Then they hold out two, and they come back and run one. That would be like me at 6′ 2” playing basketball with a kid in a wheelchair.”
Monday the 61-year-old was seeing the sour grapes in his post race comments.
“I need to apologize to the world, and America… our fans that have written us and given us so much support. I apologize, I sincerely apologize.”
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Director of Media Mac McBride said “I think an awful lot of it is the fact that Steve Coburn is basically brand new to the game. I don’t think he understands all the rules, I don’t think understands all the tradition.” McBride added, “I understood what he was trying to say, I don’t think he chose, perhaps, the best way to say it.”
While California Chrome’s summer plans may still be up in the air, San Diego racing fans may get their chance to see the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner where the turf meets the surf.
“If he should possibly be well enough to come back around and actually perform in the Pacific Classic, oh my… I think we probably have the biggest day we’ve ever had at Del Mar.”
