The Triple Crown went unclaimed for a 36th year as Tonalist captured the 146th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday at Belmont Park by a head over Commissioner, with Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome finishing in a dead-heat for fourth in the “Test of the Champion.”

California Chrome became the 20th horse to fall short in a Triple try in the oldest and longest leg of the Triple Crown. The last horse to win all three races was Affirmed in 1978. Since 1919, only 11 horses have succeeded in sweeping the series.

“It’s a tough grind on these young horses,” said Alan Sherman, son of and assistant to California Chrome’s 77-year-old trainer Art Sherman. “He tried hard and ran hard and took us all on the ride of our lives.”

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