California Chrome went above and beyond all expectations in his racing career. He was a horse with obscure breeding and humble beginnings, but went on to become royalty in this “Sport of Kings”. He wasn’t born with greatness or thrust into it like so many are. In fact, it was quite the opposite. California Chrome earned his greatness through pure heart and perseverance, boldly working his way to the top and refusing to stop until he got there. In doing so, he reminded everyone that a true champion can come from anywhere, at any time.
California Chrome won sixteen races out of twenty-seven career starts, seven of which were Grade 1 victories. His triumphs included major races, such as the Santa Anita Derby, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, Hollywood Derby, the Dubai World Cup, the Awesome Again Stakes, and the Pacific Classic, just to name a few. He retired in 2017 with earnings of $14,752,650, and four Eclipse Awards to his name, two of which were coveted Horse of the Year titles.
California Chrome’s inspirational underdog story easily made him a favorite among the fans of the sport. A void was left in the hearts of thousands when the striking, red stallion walked off of the racetrack for a final time. But the horse had done enough, and he was ready to embark on the next chapter of his life. It was time for California Chrome to head to stud duty with hopes of siring racing’s next champion.
California Chrome's first foal, photo credit to Taylor Made Farm
The first reported foal by California Chrome slipped into the world at Calumet Farm on January 20, 2018. It was a strong, bay colt, out of the millionaire and multiple stakes-winning mare, Pay The Man. Excitement surrounded the arrival of the fuzzy, little one. His first foal had finally arrived, and the good news for California Chrome fans wasn’t about to stop there.
Just two days later, the second foal by California Chrome arrived. At 2:25 in the morning, Alexis Tangier delivered a strapping, chestnut colt at Taylor Made Farm. The Tiznow mare is the winner of the 2014 Unzip Me Stakes, and the 2015 edition of the Swingtime Stakes. She earned over $200,000 in her racing career.
California Chrome's foal out of Alexis Tangier, photo from Taylor Made Farm
On January 23, California Chrome’s first filly was born. The leggy filly is out of the Unbridled’s Song mare, Scandalous Song. The dark filly was stamped with chrome markings on her face, just as her father was.
California Chrome's first filly, photo from Taylor Made Farm
Just one day later, yet another "Chrome Baby" came into the world. This one was another colt, and was out of the mare, Our Fantene. The bay foal was delivered at Country Life Farm, and is yet another foal stamped with the beautiful white markings that California Chrome was so famous for.
Our Fantene and her baby, moments after he came into the world. Photo credit to Christy Holden of Country Life and Merryland Farms.
The dam of California Chrome's latest foal, Our Fantene, is by Belmont Stakes winner, Touch Gold, and is the producer of graded stakes winner, Javerre. Javerre, by Outflanker, won the New Jersey Breeders Handicap in 2012, and the Grade 3, General George Handicap in 2013. Like her son, Our Fantene was also a stakes winner during her days as a racehorse. She claimed victory in the 2006 edition of the Sorority Stakes, and the New Jersey Futurity the same year.
California Chrome's colt with Our Fantene loves to snuggle! Photo credit to Christy Holden
California Chrome’s pedigree is not impressive at first glance, being by Lucky Pulpit and out of the mare, Love The Chase, who spent her racing days chasing faster horses in claiming races. But if you look deeper into it, California Chrome’s pedigree is loaded with champions. You can find famous names in his bloodlines, such as Pulpit, A.P. Indy, Mr. Prospector, Seattle Slew, Secretariat, and Northern Dancer, just to name a few. Class surrounds him once you look beyond the first couple names in his pedigree. And hopefully, that class will be passed on to the next generation through him. California Chrome’s foals are coming into the world with high hopes surrounding them, and with three healthy colts and one pretty filly so far, the California Chrome babies are already off to a strong start. They are the ones who will carry on his legacy on the track as they strive to become racing’s next champion. The hidden class in California Chrome’s pedigree combined with the quality of his mares only makes the future look bright for these young, spirited foals. It will be exciting to see what unfolds as the rest of his progeny make it into the world.
Below are some more pictures of the Our Fantene colt that Country Life and Merryland Farms was kind enough to share with me! The cute, little guy is owned and bred by Bo and Stella Smith. Photo credit goes to Ellen Pons!
Standing for the first time!
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