California Chrome co-owner Steve Coburn has offered a tearful apology for his post-Belmont Stakes complaining about the race.
California Chrome finished a disappointing fourth on Saturday, ending hopes for horse racing's first Triple Crown in 36 years. Coburn appeared with his wife on "Good Morning America" today, saying he felt "very ashamed" for his comments, which did not exactly portray him as a picture of sportsmanship. In a live post-race interview Saturday, Coburn complained it was unfair that horses who have not raced in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, and are thus fresher, are allowed to race in the Belmont Stakes. Belmont winner Tonalist did not run in either the Derby or the Preakness.
"This is the coward's way out," Coburn said. "Our horse had a target on its back. Everybody else lays that one, or they won't run in the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness. They'll wait until the Belmont. You know what, if you've got a horse, run him in all three."
Coburn stood by his comments on ABC News Saturday, saying he did not regret them "one bit." ESPN called Coburn's remarks a "tactless tirade," and other commentators called it a bad case of sour grapes.
But today, Coburn was contrite, saying he was "very ashamed of myself." Breaking into tears at one point, he apologized to everybody associated with Belmont winner Totalist, to his co-owner, his trainer, California Chrome fans, his wife, and to "all the horse racing in the world."