Chrome Diaries: Celebrating a Champion

Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old colt California Chrome during a bath. (All photos by Kathleen Waldvogel)
For the past three days I’ve been considering what to write about my whirlwind experience at the 44th Annual Eclipse Awards. Like you, I’ve read the many articles written by more talented and well-credentialed writers than me, with details and commentary of who won in every category and the sentiments and gratitude expressed by those honored with awards.
I took photos, but none that are remarkable in any way or that tell a story. (My apologies to the friends I was with who may be the subject of some pictures … I’ve included some shots of Chrome that I happen to like, though.)
So what can I add? A glimpse behind the scenes is what I generally offer, but there were very few private moments with Team Sherman this time out. Those who typically occupy my attention were noticeably absent - jockey Victor Espinoza, exercise rider Willie Delgado, groom Raul Rodriguez … and the chestnut colt himself.
I can tell you that just being at the Eclipse Awards was a surreal experience. The entire event was elegant and well appointed, from the tables to the programs, and everything in between.  With the attendees dressed in their finest, and a red carpet and photographers at the entrance of the theater, there was certainly an air of celebrity and special occasion.
ECLIPSE AWARDS SCENE

THE SHERMANS' NIECES DIANNE AND KAREN

As I entered the theater and found trainer Art Sherman and his elegant wife, Faye, at their table, I was immediately aware of their proximity to the main aisle way and route to the stage. A good omen.  
Each place setting held a program of events, as well as a special Eclipse Awards magazine containing stories about each finalist. The week prior I had joked with Art that I have never asked him to sign anything for me personally - only for fans who have purchased photos or calendars from my website.  On this night, however, I passed him a Sharpie and asked him and his son and assistant trainer, Alan Sherman, to sign my copy for me, which they did with a smile.
Dinner was served and as the program began and the first awards were presented, for the turf male and female champions, I took it all in, reflected, and recalled a few of the lessons I have learned this year as I followed Thoroughbred racing.
Grace. Patience. Dedication. Humility. Service. Relationships.
An elegant and joyful Barbara Livingston accepted her third Eclipse Award for photography, and spoke with passion about her determination at the age of 17 to have a career as a photographer in Thoroughbred racing. The program was coming out of a commercial break, and many in the auditorium were milling around, finding their seats and chatting loudly with one another as she spoke, but I was riveted.
I first met Barbara at Santa Anita Park this past October.  It was my first time shooting the Breeders’ Cup, and she was warm and welcoming when I introduced myself to her.  She was equally as witty and kind when I extended my congratulations after the ceremony, and she even acknowledged my work. (Really?  To have my name uttered in the same breath as hers would be an honor.) Ms. Livingston’s body of work is impressive, year after year, and while I have encountered a variety of attitudes from other photographers this season, no one has been as gracious and encouraging as Barbara.  
When Drayden Van Dyke took the podium to accept his outstanding apprentice Eclipse Award, there was very little about him that would tip you off to his youth, as he was poised and polite in situations that would make most people who have yet to exit their teens more than a little nervous.  
Watching him on Saturday, I recalled standing with him in the paddock at Del Mar before a race, the day after his father had passed away, and hearing him say to a reporter that his father would have wanted him to ride. I’ve witnessed his dedication and hard work on numerous occasions, with some of my favorite, unpublished photos being shots that I have taken of him working out with his mentor, Mike Smith, on the track at Del Mar.  This young man’s remarks, however, were all about gratitude:  for the work of his agents, and the opportunities presented to him by owners and trainers. He was genuine and charming.
When the name California Chrome was announced as champion three-year-old male, and then Horse of the Year, it felt like pieces of a grand puzzle falling into place, and the joy I felt for my friends Art and Alan Sherman, was immeasurable. I was one of the first to congratulate each of them with a warm hug and kiss on the cheek, but I felt selfish in doing so.  
SHERMAN AND COBURN SPEAK AT THE ECLIPSE AWARDS

These men have brought so much to Thoroughbred racing and its fans over a combined 80+ years of dedication to this sport, most notably in 2014.  I’ve seen them brave the rain and freezing cold, and give interviews when they could barely speak. They’ve signed autographs for hours on end and have posed for more photos than I can count.
When I entered the scene in August, the media attention and fanfare was at an ebb after Chrome’s injury and failure to capture the Triple Crown title at Belmont. Coming off of a restful layup at Harris Farms, the champion colt was back in training, but he was just one of 20+ horses being prepared for races by Team Sherman.  
My first day at the barn was eye opening and glorious.  I arrived at 5 a.m., having driven with Art from our homes in San Diego, and was quickly introduced to the team as they took to their daily chores. Over the next few months I developed personal relationships with these people, learned their motivations and what it takes to do their very demanding jobs, and was honored as they began to call me their friend.
WALDVOGEL'S FIRST SHOT OF CALIFORNIA CHROME

I call groom Raul Rodriquez “the hardest working man in show business”.  His affection for California Chrome is palpable.  This lithe, powerful and elegant man gives everything he has, never complains or asks for anything, and exudes a love for his work and the family around him that is inspiring.  If you’ve never heard Raul “break it down” prior to a race, you’re poorer for having missed the experience.
RAUL RODRIGUEZ AND CALIFORNIA CHROME

Florentina, AKA Mama, Raul’s wife is always close by. She walks immeasurable miles around the oval, cooling out Chrome and other horses after their work, and speaking to each one in a soft, soothing voice and ensuring they are well behaved.  A sweet, gentle soul with a keen sense of humor … no one messes with Mama!
Exercise riders Willie Delgado and Anna Wells are a well-spring of laughter. They go about their work with full understanding of the dangers ahead and an appreciation for the opportunities.  Each has been sent to the trauma ward this season - with neither incident the fault of either seasoned rider. I ride regularly, and am extremely comfortable around horses of all temperaments, but I am constantly amazed at the poise and composure of these riders, especially when a high-strung Thoroughbred is traveling laterally along the home stretch at Los Alamitos Race Course.
CALIFORNIA CHROME WITH WILLIE DELGADO ABOARD
 
Jockey Victor Espinoza was aboard three 2014 Eclipse winners - American Pharoah, Take Charge Brandi, and California Chrome. During the past couple of months I’ve had the pleasure of getting acquainted with his humor and dedication.  After this weekends’ awards, his remarks, both public and private, have been nothing short of statesmen-like and his unbridled pride and gratitude for having the experience of riding Chrome, as well as both champion two-year-olds, endearing.
ESPINOZA WITH CALIFORNIA CHROME

Art Sherman is an entity unto himself.  The stories of his years as a jockey are entertaining, and he has thousands.  This man has forgotten more about horses than I will ever know - and I swear, based on his recollection of the horses and races he has ridden, he has forgotten little.  I’ve learned racing lingo, and how to properly navigate the 605 to 405 interchange under his stern tutelage, but my favorite thing about Art Sherman is that I can tell where he is at any track by listening for his laugh. You never have to wait more than a minute or two before you hear it.
SHERMAN

Alan Sherman is identical in that fashion.  When you connect with Alan and trigger his genuine laughter, you can’t help but break into a smile yourself.  Aside from the humor, his thorough understanding of the temperament and training of each horse in his charge is impressive, but reflexive for him. He’s up at 4 a.m. every day, like his dad, and rarely takes a vacation.  He is as hard working as he is warm-hearted, and though he is a few years younger than me, he frequently channels my older brother, giving me a hard time about anything … just for fun.
ALAN SHERMAN

And there’s the gallery. The cheerleaders. The friends and close connections who come to support the team as they endeavor to achieve the dream. Life-long friendships have been forged as we have braved the elements, been coffee and breakfast burrito sherpas and administered the Heimlich maneuver. Inside jokes and private anecdotes are too many to count. (Seve … golf cart … manure pile ... enough said.)
CALIFORNIA CHROME'S SUPPORTERS ARE MANY

I’m rarely as happy as when I am on the backside of a track with these hard-working folks. They laugh more than any group I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing time with, even if it is sometimes at my expense.  They protect and defend one another, help each other, and have access to the BEST donuts.
There is one underlying cause for all of this human connection, joy, laughter and celebration. One reason we share the highs and the lows, get invited to fancy events and have reporters, photographers and fans clamoring for a glimpse. It’s the gorgeous, spirited chestnut colt who had a remarkable year in 2014, and who was resting comfortably in his stall at Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday night when the racing world was celebrating his coronation.
This amazing equine athlete brings things into stark focus. 
CALIFORNIA CHROME

I tell stories and take photographs, but without him, there would be nothing to share.  I’m grateful to the Shermans and their team for taking me into their family, but without California Chrome - his charisma, his fans, his team and remarkable story - I’d have nothing to share.
I’ve visited other barns, met incredible horses and trainers and taken great photos this year. I’ve been asked to forge the same relationships and to write similar stories to the Chrome Diaries, about other teams and other horses, with dismal output. I would never say that there is no other experience like being with Team Sherman and California Chrome, but I can tell you that it’s pretty special.
CALIFORNIA CHROME IS AN UNFORGETTABLE HORSE

I do hope that I have the opportunity to share in an experience like this again, and to capture images and moments that connect with fans, but I also acknowledge that this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.  A horse like this is rare.  Zenyatta.  Barbaro.  Smarty Jones.  Secretariat.  California Chrome. This horse has helped to energize Thoroughbred racing, and has brought fans out in support who have NEVER watched a Thoroughbred horse race before, let alone attended one.
In a couple weeks the team will be back at Santa Anita, and Chrome will be preparing for the start of his campaign as a four-year-old as he is nominated for the San Antonio Stakes on February 7.  I’m looking forward to being back in my straw hat and blue jeans, dressing in layers to deal with the cold and being sleep deprived so that I can listen to the stories and jokes, capture some poignant images and tell some more stories.  All thanks to California Chrome.