Eddie Espinoza will be cheering a little louder than anyone else for California Chrome in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
If the colt becomes the first horse to sweep the Triple Crown in 36 years, Espinoza will win $1 million.
The 71-year-old racing fan from Whittier, Calif., is in line for the big payout as part of a contest staged by Santa Anita Park. Espinoza was randomly selected April 5 to participate. That day he placed a $5,000 win be—funded by the track—on California Chrome, who won the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I). Espinoza collected $8,000: the initial wager plus the payout.
On May 3, Espinoza bet $7,500, again paid for by the track, on California Chrome to win the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). The colt won and Espinoza earned $26,000.
He used $10,000 provided by Santa Anita to wager on the Preakness (gr. I), which Espinoza and his wife attended as part of the contest. California Chrome won again, allowing Espinoza to cash for $15,000; he has earned a total of $49,000 on the three races.
Espinoza plans to watch the Belmont June 7 at Santa Anita.
