GMA: California Chrome America’s Horse & Steve Coburn Public Apology

Good Morning America: California Chrome

California Chrome, the race horse up for this year’s Triple Crown, came up short on June 7 2014. His co-owner, Steve Coburn, made some surprising statements in the press following the loss, and he visited Good Morning America to speak with Robin Roberts about the response.

GMA: Steve Coburn Apology

Steve Coburn shared his anger in the aftermath of the race. “It’s all or nothing,” Coburn said on NBC immediately after the race, calling the winner “a coward’s way out.” The next morning, he was on Good Morning America and said he had no regrets about his remarks.

Wearing a cowboy hat, he was on the set of GMA with his wife Carolyn. How does he feel now? He said he is “very ashamed of myself,” adding that he wanted to apologize to a lot of people, including his wife.

Good Morning America: Tonalist Wins Belmont Stakes

He also congratulated the winners of the Belmont Stakes, including the horse Tonalist, as well as his trainer. Coburn seemed contrite and was very emotional.

Robin Roberts said it was good of him to own up, and recalled that the story was inspirational leading up to the Triple Crown chase. Carolyn said that she did not recall what exactly she wanted to say to her husband in the immediate aftermath.

GMA: Steve Coburn Public Apology

Coburn even went on to congratulate Tonalist on his deserved win. California Chrome did sustain an injury during the race, but he is expected to recover within a couple weeks.

This public apology struck me as excessive, maybe because I was not that invested in the Triple Crown, but it’s not like he is the first person to have a negative reaction in the heat of a moment.

Good Morning America: California Chrome America’s Horse

“This is America’s horse. I wanted so much for this horse to win the Triple Crown for the people of America,” Coburn said as he choked back tears.

Maybe we should have a regularly scheduled apology segment, since America loves its theater of public apology. Coburn also promised to do better in the future. Carolyn said that she is proud of her husband for doing the right thing, and she hoped that people would be able to see his true colors.

Then she talked about his compassion for disabled children who are racing fans. “Our story has given so much joy to so many people, and I hope this 30 seconds isn’t going to destroy all of that,” she said.