California Chrome to Return to Racing in 2016
Image:
Description:
California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year, will return to racing for his 5-year-old season, trainer Art Sherman said July 19.
Although the original plan was to retire the son of Lucky Pulpit to stud after his 4-year-old season, it was altered when injuries derailed his 2015 campaign. The most recent came July 12, when a cannon bone bruise sidelined him for the rest of the year.
BALAN: California Chrome Likely Out for the Year
"It's all coming together now," Sherman said. "He's coming back to California."
The trainer said the dual classic winner will return to his base at Los Alamitos Race Course in "75 to 80" days, after a stay at Taylor Made Farm in Central Kentucky. The farm recently bought 30% interest in the colt from previous co-owners Steve and Carolyn Coburn.
MITCHELL: Taylor Made Buys Share in California Chrome
Sherman also said California Chrome could return to racing as soon as January if all goes as planned.
"It feels good knowing that you're going to have a nice 5-year-old horse in the handicap division because so many have gone away," Sherman said. "Personally, it's very gratifying for me. We missed so much with him this year. We didn't get the chance I wanted to have with him. It will be great to have a game plan and go for it."