The second biggest Kentucky Derby crowd in history of almost 165,000 saw a dream come true when the favourite California Chrome raced away with the 140th edition of the Run for The Roses at Churchill Downs.
California Chrome, ridden by Victor Espinoza for 77-year-old veteran trainer Art Sherman, pulled clear in the stretch to win by 1.75 lengths over closer Commanding Curve for his fifth successive win.
"Danza finished third.
Espinoza was winning his second Derby after his2002 success aboard War Emblem while Sherman becomes the oldest winning trainer in Derby history. He is one year older than when the late Charlie Whittingham won his second Derby with Sunday Silence in 1989.
"He’s given me the biggest thrill I've ever had in my life," said Sherman, who was the exercise boy for the 1955 Derby winner Swaps.
"I knew he'd be the horse to beat once we got him here.”
"It's been a long haul. I'm just the same old Art Sherman, except I won the Kentucky Derby."
California Chrome is owned by his breeders Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, who bred him from an $8000 mare they sent to Lucky Pulpit, a California-based sire standing for only $2500.
He prepped for the Derby at Los Alamitos in Southern California, a track better known for quarter horse racing.
The victory was worth $1,417,800 to his connections. California Chrome has now earned $2,552,650 with seven wins in 11 starts.
California Chrome has unique silks of purple with a green donkey on the back.
On the front of the silks and on his blinkers are the letters "DAP" which stands for "dumb-ass partners." Coburn and Martin took that to heart when someone called them that after they purchased the colt’s dam.
"This is just a dream come true and a great birthday present," Coburn said as he celebrated his 61st birthday.
"This horse just loves to run. To see this horse win the Kentucky Derby, I have no words right now except we've got another California-bred to win the Kentucky Derby."
He said California Chrome would now head to the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes in an attempt to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the Triple Crown.
Sherman, who became a jockey after his Derby experience with Swaps, paid credit to Espinoza.
"I thought he rode him perfect," he said.
"I was riding the last 70 yards with Victor. He had a lot of weight on him, I can tell you that."
"He's an amazing horse," Espinoza said. "He started very well. I wanted to let him go the front, but I backed off.
“I went to the outside early and it wasn't a problem.
"At the three-eighths pole I thought it was over. The others seemed to be struggling.
”When we hit the lane he put his head down and went on.
"I don't know why but we get along together very well. I let him do his thing. I let him enjoy the race."
Commanding Curve came from far back to get second ahead of Danza, who had a rough trip.
Wicked Strong was fourth followed by Samraat, Dance With Fate, Ride On Curlin, Medal Count, Chitu, We Miss Artie, General a Rod, Intense Holiday, Candy Boy, Uncle Sigh, Tapiture, Harry's Holiday, Vinceremos, Wildcat Red, and Vicar's in Trouble.
California Chrome won three of seven starts in California as a 2YO at Hollywood Park, Del Mar and Santa Anita and is perfect four from four this year.
He began his 3YO campaign in the California Cup Derby at Santa Anita, winning by 5.5 lengths.
In the G2 San Felipe Stakes he went wire to wire in a 7.25 lengths romp and then took the G1 Santa Anita Derby by 5.25 lengths.
California Chrome is the fourth California-bred winner of the Derby and first since Decidedly in 1962.
