Dubai: Former Kentucky Derby (G1) champion California Chrome is settling down to his all-too-familiar routine at his new home in Dubai as he prepares for a second shot at the world’s richest horse race – the $10 million (Dh36.7 million) Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 26.
The five-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit, who finished a 2 ¾ runner-up to Prince Bishop in the 2000m contest last year, arrived safely following a 20-plus hour trans-Atlantic flight from California.
He is currently housed at the Dubai World Cup Quarantine Centre where he will be confined to for the next 48 hours in keeping with the post arrival recovery period procedures.
Meanwhile, back at Los Almitos Stables, his 78-year-old handler Art Sherman took to twitter to post this message - Great news from the #ChromeCrew this morning!#CaliforniaChrome shipped well to Dubai & has arrived safely! He is in his stall in the quarantine barn.
Having already banked $6.4 million, California Chrome can become America’s all-time highest-earning racehorse should he win the Dubai World Cup. Two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who won the race when it was staged at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in 2008, currently holds the record with just more than $10.5 million in career earnings.
In his five-year-old debut and first race since last year’s Dubai World Cup, California Chrome comfortably landed the Grade 2 San Pasqual on January 9 at Santa Anita Park. The victory also pushed the dual-Classic winner, now owned in partnership by Martin and Taylor Made Farm, to become the highest-earning California-bred edging out 2001 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Tiznow, with $6,427,830.
The 2014 Horse of the Year has been accompanied to Dubai by Alan Sherman, the senior Sherman’s son and assistant trainer, exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, groom Raul Rodriguez and vet Chuck Jenkins.
In a notable change of tactics from his last Dubai campaign, California Chrome is expected to have a prep race in the third leg of the Al Maktoum Challenge on Super Saturday, March 5.
Last year after racing in Dubai, California Chrome was an intended starter at England’s Royal Ascot meeting but a foot abscess ruled him out.
This time, however, his new connections plan to bring him back to the United States where is is scheduled to run in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita at the end of the year.
CAREER HONOURS
Eclipse Award 2014 Horse of the Year
Eclipse Award 2014 Champion 3 Year Old Colt
TRIPLE CROWN HIGHLIGHTS
1st Preakness S. - 2014
1st Kentucky Derby - 2014
