California Chrome's foot injury keeps him out of Royal Ascot meet

Published Jun. 16, 2015 7:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

California Chrome was ruled out of the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday by a bruised foot.

The Art Sherman-trained 4-year-old, winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, was due to race on Wednesday until the bruise was discovered on Monday.

California Chrome has been at the stables of trainer Rae Guest as part of the preparation for Ascot.

''He's been X-rayed and there's no damage, there's just a bit of pus, and it will take a few days to come right,'' Guest said. ''It's just a minor thing but it's very disappointing. It's inconvenient timing, and he will probably be back to 100 percent in a couple of days.''

California Chrome's last appearance was a runner-up finish at the Dubai World Cup in March.

''It's a shame that European racing fans won't get to see him in action,'' Guest said. ''Everybody has put in a lot of work and was looking forward to seeing him run.

''The main thing is that it's not life-threatening or anything, it could be much worse for the horse, and while it's disappointing for us, the key thing is that the horse is OK.''

Guest said on Monday the cause of the injury was unknown.