California Chrome bolted across the finish line in first place on Saturday, leading Art Sherman to become the oldest trainer ever to win the Kentucky Derby.
According to Fox News, Sherman’s win comes a whopping 57 years after he attended the Derby as an exercise rider for then winner Swaps. At 77 years old, this was Sherman’s first time training a horse in the Derby. With California Chrome’s push to first place in the last leg of the race, Sherman found himself living quite the fairytale ending.
“It’s been a long haul,” Sherman told press after the race. “I’m just the same old Art Sherman, except I won the Kentucky Derby.”
As for Chrome’s jockey, Sports Illustrated reports that this was the second win for Victor Espinoza. His first came in 2002, when he rode War Emblem.
Chrome’s owner, Steve Coburn announced at Saturday’s race that the star racehorse will attend the upcoming Preakness with eyes set on achieving the Triple Crown.