Tonalist sprinted across the finish line to win the Belmont Stakes, spoiling California Chrome's bid to win the first Triple Crown in 36 years.

California Chrome finished in a dead heat for fourth. The result means the longest drought without a Triple Crown champion in history is extended.

California Chrome came to Belmont Park aiming to be the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 but it was not to be.

"I thought he was gaining ground, but he didn't have it in him, apparently," owner Steve Coburn said.

Coburn then complained that some of the horses did not race in the other Triple Crown races and were entered in the Belmont just to knock out California Chrome.

"It's all or nothing," he said.

"This is not fair to these horses and to the people that believe in them. This is the coward's way out."

California Chrome jumped cleanly but was pressed immediately by Commissioner and General A Rod. Victor Espinoza eased California Chrome back into third along the rail.

Approaching the final turn, California Chrome was manoeuvred to the outside. He angled four-wide turning for home, just to the outside of Tonalist who was close to the pace the entire race.

Espinoza started whipping left handed in the lane but California Chrome had no response.

Tonalist kicked strongly in the final strides, edging Commissioner by a head. Medal Count was third with California Chrome finishing in a tie for fourth with Wicked Strong.

California Chrome became the 12th horse since Affirmed to lose his Triple try in the 2400m Belmont, the longest race in the series.

Conditions seemed aligned for the Triple Crown drought to end.

California Chrome thrived during his three-week stay at Belmont Park. His owners, trainer and jockey oozed confidence. And so did the punters who made him the overwhelming favourite in the Belmont.

But this fairy tale didn't have a happy ending.

Espinoza lost his second chance at a Triple Crown. He was aboard War Emblem in 2002, when that colt stumbled at the start of the Belmont and lost all chance.

Art Sherman, the 77-year-old trainer of California Chrome, had said beforehand that his colt didn't need to win another race because he was already such a pleasure to be around.

Coburn, who with Perry Martin formed Dumb Ass Partners to race their one-horse stable, had vowed that California Chrome "would go down in history".

It just wasn't the kind they wanted to make.