Breathe easy, racing fans: The nasal strip controversy is over before it started.
New York regulators have cleared Triple Crown hopeful California Chrome to wear his nasal strips in the Belmont Stakes, as he looks to become only the 12th horse to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
New York tracks have a rule prohibiting any equipment not specifically approved by stewards, and nasal strips were not on the list. The 4-by-6-inch adhesive patch — similar to the Breathe Right strips worn by N.F.L. players and chronic snorers — designed to ease breathing by decreasing upper-airway nasal resistance.
A statement from the New York Racing Association and the state’s Gaming Commission says three stewards unanimously gave approval after consulting Scott Palmer, the equine medical director for the New York State Gaming Commission, who advised instructed state stewards to discontinue their ban.
“I recommend that the stewards at state-based thoroughbred racetracks discontinue their ban on equine nasal strips,” Palmer said in a letter. “Equine nasal strips do not enhance equine performance nor do they pose a risk to equine health or safety and as such do not need to be regulated.”
The strips are legal in most jurisdictions. California Chrome has been wearing the nasal strip since Perry Martin, one of his owners, suggested he try one after the colt finished sixth last fall in a stakes race. California Chrome has won six straight races since turning to the patch.
Up next is the Belmont’s grueling 1½ miles on June 7 and a chance at horse racing immortality.
On Sunday, trainer Art Sherman raised the possibility California Chrome might not run if he could not wear the nasal strip.