Two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome arrived Sunday at Taylor Made Farm near Nicholasville, Kentucky, where he will soon begin his new career as a stallion. California Chrome’s arrival video, courtesy of Taylor Made’s John Hall, is on the TwinSpires.com Facebook page.
California Chrome traveled the day after his anticlimactic career finale in Saturday’s $12 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) at Gulfstream Park. Expected to serve up a terrific rematch with his Breeders’ Cup Classic (G) conqueror, Arrogate, the popular chestnut faded to ninth in an effort that was too bad to be true.
The reason was forthcoming that very evening: California Chrome was reportedly off in his right knee.
“We can see he’s a little off in his knee – he has a little fluid, nothing major,” trainer Art Sherman told the Blood-Horse’s Frank Angst. “Maybe he has a small chip in the lower capsule.”
The unfortunate turn of events didn’t affect California Chrome’s shipping plans. Departing Gulfstream Sunday morning, he and Arrogate hopped on the same plane – and flew side-by-side – to Kentucky. There the rivals bid each other adieu, with California Chrome disembarking into retirement, and Arrogate staying aboard for the next leg of his journey home to Santa Anita.
California Chrome was scheduled for X-rays upon his arrival. According to Daily Racing Form’s Jay Privman, Dr. Larry Bramlage is on the case.
“He’s got some heat and some filling,” Taylor Made’s Frank Taylor told Privman. “He’s sound to walk, but he’s off at the jog. If he’s sound to walk, he’s sound to breed mares.”
Before the breeding season begins in the middle of February, California Chrome will have a little practice in the amorous arts starting later this week. The six-year-old will stand for a fee of $40,000, live foal (stands and nurses).
California Chrome ranks as North America’s all-time leading earner with a bankroll of $14,752,650, and during a Hall of Fame-worthy career, the California-bred compiled a record of 27-16-4-1. His major victories in 2014 include the Kentucky Derby (G1), Preakness (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1), and Hollywood Derby (G1), propelling him to the champion three-year-old male title and his first Horse of the Year crown. California Chrome regained Horse of the Year honors for his brilliant comeback in 2016, highlighted by top-level wins in the Dubai World Cup (G1), Pacific Classic (G1) and Awesome Again (G1).
Please take extra good care of this extraordinary horse, Taylor Made. He has touched so many people’s hearts, including mine, in a way that I don’t think most race horses do. There is just something very special about him. All of us Chromies are already feeling the loss of not seeing daily articles about him. Anytime you can post an article or video like you just did, will be greatly appreciated. We know he is in very caring hands. Thank you.
Happy days forever for California Chrome. I hope your leg heals up so we can watch you strut your stuff in your very own paddock. We will miss him and look forward to any updates you would like to share with his many devoted fans. Take very good care of this horse who has given us so much joy and excitement. Thanks for today’s update
Thanks for updating us on Chrome’s condition! So happy that it’s treatable and he’ll be back to normal soon. Hoping he heals quickly and we’ll see pictures of him romping around the farm. It looks like he has settled in to his new home well. I love his shiny new name plate on the door! Looking forward to visiting with him this spring!!!
What an exciting 4 years. So many horses only race a couple of years and then retire very typical in horse racing these days. Chrome was lucky to have four years and to have a great following. Now it is time for your new chapter in the hills of Kentucky. Keep us updated on this great new part of your new life.
California Chrome may not of won yesterday’s Pegasus World Cup race but, I know one thing that is a FACT it is more important then winning any race…Chrome, Victor, Art and Alan Sherman, Raul, Dihigi, Martin’s, Kat Palma and Taylor Made Farms have HEART <3 and SOUL of CHAMPIONS! Thank you one and all for the "ride" over the past several years. Class act all the way. I would also like to Thank the Coburns for loving Chrome.
To all Chromies the "ride" is not over it begins on a new fork in the road @ Taylor Made Farms. We will witness CC being taken care of in the lap of luxury, loved, cared for and treated with respect all while he makes little Chromie's heart <3. He will still be surrounded by an excellent staff, new horse friends and a place to call HOME <3
"When ever California Chrome is on a track it is his canvas and with every stride he has taken over time he has painted a masterpiece."
~ Jo Ann Staire
I will forever be a Chromie <3
I’m going to miss seeing Chrome racing like he used to, but am so happy he gets to retire at Taylor Made Farm, where he will be so well cared for. Taylor Made is the greatest place n my opinion for any horse to retire too, and personally, I think Frank Taylor is as happy as a little kid on Christmas Day, and he should be. Thank you Chrome, for all the wonderful years of racing. I’m so thrilled to hear your injury was not serious and you are on the mend, Enjoy yourself with the ladies and the time running around the paddock. You will always be my favorite horse, not because of what you’ve accomplished, but for always being so sweet to me when I got to visit you at Los Alamitos. You are a very special horse and I love you so much.
How wonderful to have ‘shared’ this magnificent horse – all the superlatives have, rightfully, been used. A special thanks to Art and his wonderful team, who treated him with kindness and expertise and who so greatly contributed to making him the horse that he is today. Please visit him often – he will no doubt miss you as much as you him, but Taylormade will no doubt be there for him. We were all devasted at his injury but so relieved that it will not affect him.
A big gap in my personal daily routine – the bulletins updating all the happenings were great so please continue doing so and also please say ‘hello and well done’ to him from a great fan in South Africa – you brought so much pleasure to this avid horse lover.
What a magnificent horse. He captured my heart from the beginning. I looked forward always to see him race. Watching those four white stocking and that white blaze coming down the home stretch. “what a wonderful sight to see.” I love this horse. can’t wait to see him this summer. Alyce fink February 21, 2017
Loved him from first time I saw him run. Thanks for posting his photos
Thanks for letting him finally be a “horse”
California Chrome is a very beautiful masterpiece made by God. His fun , wanting to please nature is so heart touching , you can definetely see it in His pictures. Out of all the thousands of horses I’ve ever seen He is The Most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. So glad he’s happy, healthy and gets a Awesome retirement , He deserves it. Enjoy your days Chrome on being a horse and a daddy. Great to see him safe and happy. Please continue posting updates and pictures so we all can keep up with him and what he’s doing in his retired life. Thank you & May God Bless You All beyond measures. “Mimi”
I was so passiontate and still am.. That I tricked the farm out of Steven Coburns cell # after lets face it ..a would be win even over a full rested.. What was Bobs horses name.. Who cares.. Had he not been injured.. And got him to send me souveniers ..but I didnt get the one I wanted.. A braided main or tail piece for this beautiful chestnut. Maybe next grooming eyy??