Dubai: Veteran trainer Art Sherman is hoping to bow out in style with California Chrome cementing his legacy in this Saturday’s Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse.
The four-year-old chestnut colt, sired by Lucky Pulpit and to be ridden by Mexico’s Victor Espinoza, has “won it all”, according to Sherman, including last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and was named American Horse of the Year in 2014.
But the 78-year-old, who became the oldest trainer to win those two races, will look to add to that impressive record this weekend before he himself enters retirement
“The idea is to build on his legend and get him a much better resume,” Sherman said of California Chrome. “I want him to leave some kind of legacy behind. That would be great for my family and me personally. He has won it all as of now and anything else that follows is just going to be a huge plus for him.”
Sherman added that he would like to be able to add a finishing touch to his own glittering career, which has spanned 36 years as a trainer and, before that, 22 years as a jockey. He has trained ten graded stakes winners and is credited with more than 2,100 wins even before becoming California Chrome’s trainer in 2013.
“I’ve put in more than 55 years in racing now,” said Sherman. “It’s time to move on. When you are 18 or 19 years old, you don’t think too much, but experience is something that makes you think and appreciate things more. And now, when I reflect, I feel all these years have been well worth it.
“As you get older you reflect on what you’ve achieved over the years. You don’t have to be a millionaire or a billionaire to make your dream come true. Even a small man like me can dream and achieve this dream. To me, this looks so much like a movie and I am hoping this movie has a happy ending on Saturday.”
