California Chrome captured the hearts of racing fans during his Cinderella rise to Triple Crown glory. But years after retiring from the track, he continues his winning ways – by siring a new generation of champions carrying on his brilliance. Here‘s an expert, in-depth examination of Chrome‘s second act and the impressive accomplishments of his offspring.
From Modest Beginnings to America‘s Horse
Bred in California on a shoestring budget of just $10,000, California Chrome was an unlikely champion from day one. His owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin purchased Chrome‘s modestly bred dam for $8,000, hoping for an affordable racehorse. The bay colt rewarded that faith with determination and heart.
Trained by Art Sherman, Chrome took the racing world by storm in 2014. He dominated the Kentucky Derby by 5 lengths and followed up with a Preakness victory to set up a Triple Crown bid. A tiring fourth in the Belmont dashed those hopes, but Chrome claimed Horse of the Year honors.
Over the next four years, California Chrome thrilled fans with wins around the globe – adding the Dubai World Cup, Pegasus World Cup wins, and Arc de Triomphe to his resume. He retired in 2016 as North America‘s richest racehorse with career earnings exceeding $14 million.
"We set out to prove that an everyday horse could become a champion with the right care and training," said Coburn. "Chrome exceeded all our expectations and really became America‘s horse."
Launching His Second Career
After departing the track, California Chrome began standing stud at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky in 2016. With his remarkable speed and determination, many expected Chrome would pass those talents along.
"We were thrilled when his first foals arrived in 2017," said Taylor Made‘s Duncan Taylor. "They possessed the same strength and athleticism as their sire right from the start."
Starting at an initial stud fee of $40,000, California Chrome has been bred to well-regarded mares. He‘s now commanded as much as $75,000 per live foal. While costly, breeders have seen that price rewarded many times over.
By The Numbers: A Growing Dynasty
In just a few years at stud, California Chrome‘s offspring are excelling on the track – living up to their sire‘s towering reputation:
- 420+ foals sired since 2017
- Progeny earnings to date: $13+ million
- 95+ foals earned black-type honors
- 14 wins in Chile and Peru by his offspring
- 4 graded stakes winners to date
- 2nd place Holy Bull Stakes: California Day
| Year | Foals Born | Stakes Horses | Stakes Wins | Graded SWs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 137 | 10 | 4 | 1 |
| 2018 | 119 | 15 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 87 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| 2020 | 51 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 394 | 38 | 10 | 2 |
With just four crops of racing age, these figures promise to skyrocket as more of Chrome‘s progeny reach the track.
Spotlight on Chrome‘s Early Stars
California Chrome‘s first runners hit the track in 2019, and were soon reeling off wins in stakes company:
- Dangerous Edge – Chrome‘s very first foal won 4 races including the Laurel Futurity
- Heza Dasha Fire – Won Rainbow Stakes at Santa Anita in October 2020
- Iron Fist – Dominant winner of the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes at age 2
- Best Bites – Won the CTBA Stakes in just second career start
- Creativity – Easily won UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes in February 2022
They‘ve also found success abroad, with Chrome‘s offspring winning 14 races already in Chile and Peru as of February 2022.
"We‘re seeing that versatile speed and determination from so many of his babies," notes Duncan Taylor of Taylor Made. "It‘s clear his talents translate everywhere."
Bringing Big Prices at Auction
California Chrome‘s reputation led yearlings by him to sell for premium prices, including:
- $600,000 – Colt out of G1 winner It Tiz at 2021 Keeneland September Sale
- $425,000 – Colt at 2021 OBS June 2-Year-Old Sale
- $300,000 – Filly out of Take Charge Indy mare at 2021 Fasig-Tipton July Sale
"Buyers recognize Chrome‘s potential and are willing to pay well over typical market prices for his offspring," says Duncan Taylor of the high sale prices.
The Story Behind An All-Time Great
California Chrome‘s modest upbringing shaped his legacy as a tenacious competitor who overcame obstacles.
Owners Coburn and Martin represented everyday owners, workers at a manufacturing plant and a lab tech respectively. They relied on an unheralded dam and sire. But with Art Sherman‘s training, Chrome developed into a horse for the ages.
Even with his breeding operation now big business, Chrome still channels that gritty spirit. Fans reminisce about his working-class backstory, much like champions Seabiscuit and Secretariat.
“Chrome really resonated with people and became America’s horse because of where he came from,” Coburn told America’s Best Racing. “He’s a true underdog champion.”
Carrying On the Legacy
Today Chrome enjoys the good life at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky, near his old rival American Pharoah. As fans visit to relive Chrome‘s glory days, a new generation carries on his legacy.
His offspring inherited his speed – winning stakes almost immediately at tracks from Kentucky to Dubai. They show the same fight and courage that defined Chrome.
"We‘re so proud of what Chrome accomplished on the track," says Coburn. "And now seeing his babies prove their talents, it‘s incredibly rewarding."
With youngsters still hitting the track, California Chrome‘s fame as a sire is just getting started. But it‘s clear his brilliance lives on through his offspring dominating racetracks worldwide.
