California Chrome cleared to wear nasal strip at Belmont Stakes

Breathe easy, California Chrome fans.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winning horse will be allowed to wear a nasal strip when he takes aim at the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, after stewards from the New York State Racing Association voted to grant approval of the nasal strip on Monday.

Trainer Art Sherman had raised the possibility of California Chrome sitting the race out if he were not allowed to wear the strip, which helps keep the nasal cavities open and facilitate easier breathing during races. But, the controversy will no longer stand in the way of California Chrome's pursuit of one of sports' rarest accomplishments.

The Belmont Stakes will be shown live on NBC and NBC Sports Live Extra on June 7. California Chrome will attempt to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.