Itsme - 2014-05-04 7:35 PM From the BBR facebook page... What a fabulous story! Proof that most expensive/richest doesn't mean BEST! Way to go California Chrome and Art Sherman! Congratulations to Art Sherman who has become the oldest trainer in history to win the Kentucky Derby at the age of 77. But that’s just the tip of the amazing story of California Chrome’s victory in the 140th Run for the Roses. In a game dominated by millionaires and billionaires, this was a win for all the little guys. California Chrome's mother was purchased for $8,000 by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin and bred to a $2,000 stallion --a move that prompted one trainer to call them “dumb asses” for even getting involved in racing. Inspired by the criticism, Coburn and Martin named their operation DAP Racing, which stands for Dumb Ass Partners. You might have seen the image of a donkey on the back of California Chrome’s jockey. With a one-horse race stable, Martin and Coburn hired Art Sherman, a 77-year old trainer, who’s last trip to the Derby was as an exercise rider for Swaps, the horse that won the race. Sherman slept in the barn with Swaps. They chose Sherman because, “He’s a regular guy and so are we," says Coburn, a press operator for a small company that makes magnetic strips for credit cards. Martin runs a laboratory in that tests air bags and medical equipment. The two turned down a $6 million offer for 51 percent of their horse after he won the Santa Anita Derby in his previous race. Had they sold him, Sherman would have likely been out as the trainer. Congratulations to Art Sherman who has become the oldest trainer in history to win the Kentucky Derby at the age of 77. But that’s just the tip of the amazing story of California Chrome’s victory in the 140th Run for the Roses. In a game dominated by millionaires and billionaires, this was a win for all the little guys. California Chrome's mother was purchased for $8,000 by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin and bred to a $2,000 stallion --a move that prompted one trainer to call them “dumb asses” for even getting involved in racing. Inspired by the criticism, Coburn and Martin named their operation DAP Racing, which stands for Dumb Ass Partners. You might have seen the image of a donkey on the back of California Chrome’s jockey. With a one-horse race stable, Martin and Coburn hired Art Sherman, a 77-year old trainer, who’s last trip to the Derby was as an exercise rider for Swaps, the horse that won the race. Sherman slept in the barn with Swaps. They chose Sherman because, “He’s a regular guy and so are we," says Coburn, a press operator for a small company that makes magnetic strips for credit cards. Martin runs a laboratory in that tests air bags and medical equipment. The two turned down a $6 million offer for 51 percent of their horse after he won the Santa Anita Derby in his previous race. Had they sold him, Sherman would have likely been out as the trainer.

NJJ - 2014-05-04 7:42 PM The story begins five years ago when Coburn, convinced the government was taking too much of his money, went looking for a tax break. He wanted to buy an airplane and write it off, but that's a $250,000 venture. So, he and his wife, Carolyn, took a more cautious approach: They'd buy a horse.



In 2008, the Coburns became part of a 15-partner syndicate for a small filly named Love the Chase. They put down $3,900 for a 5 percent stake. But after Love the Chase flopped as a thoroughbred, the partners wanted to cut their losses and offered the horse to Coburn for $8,000. One other partner Perry and Denise Martin, from Yuba City, Calif. was interested, too, so they bought the horse together having never met. 

jd&ez - 2014-05-04 7:42 PM  Great story but this is an aberation. Just the fact that it is a story should tell you that. Proven breeding lines and proven training methods are proven because they work. We will have the occasional outlier in this business. They for good stories because of that.

Canchasr1 - 2014-05-05 9:25 AM If you take a look at the breeding on this horse, his dam is well bred. Just because she didnt run, doesnt mean she wont produce. And just because the stud fee wasnt 150k, doesnt mean it wasnt a good cross.

Pretty ignorant statement if you ask me....  

Murphy - 2014-05-05 8:53 AM I think CC is bred very well. Our local news station says that he comes from "no name bloodline". I wrote to them and said that wasn't true at all. I really wish horse people would be responsible for reporting on Derby horses.... not the sports guys that only cover basketball and football.  

Lightfoot - 2014-05-05 10:13 AM I read that the mare had an undiagnosed breathing problem when she was racing. I wonder how many other babies she has had and how much Lucky Pulpits breeding fee will go up now? 

jd&ez - 2014-05-04 7:42 PM  Great story but this is an aberation. Just the fact that it is a story should tell you that. Proven breeding lines and proven training methods are proven because they work. We will have the occasional outlier in this business. They for good stories because of that.