California Chrome fans pack into Fresno Fairgrounds for watch party

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California Chrome was hoping to make history by winning the Triple Crown. But instead, he fell short on Saturday at the Belmont Stakes.

Here in the Valley, many fans attended a watch party at the Fresno Fairgrounds. A lot of sad faces and empty pockets filed out of the fairgrounds after the race. But some people remain supportive of the Coalinga-bred racehorse.

It was a packed house at the Fresno Fairgrounds with people trying their luck until the last minute. But even with wins from the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes under his belt, California Chrome couldn't nab the Triple Crown title.

"Pretty disappointing, actually, not just the loss but for everyone up there. Everyone was pretty not pleased with the outcome. But all things considered it was a good event," said Brian Whelan of Fresno.

Though the race lasted only mere minutes, fans lined up here for hours and at a sold-out Harris Ranch to support the local horse.

"What are you going to do? There's a lot of hope in the Valley that was riding on that horse and I don't know. That's how it breaks, that's why it's so rare," said Whelan.

Despite the loss, Chrome is still America's horse. From humble beginnings at a small-town ranch, to defying odds against critics and naysayers alike. Chromies everywhere are hoping for another run next year at the Triple Crown title.

California Chrome came in dead heat for fourth on Saturday. Had he won, it would have been the first time in 36 years that any horse would have won the Triple Crown title.