Art Sherman saddles final runner
An emotional Art Sherman saddled his final runner on Friday at Los Alamitos.
Sherman, 84, announced his retirement last month, and had his last starter in the seventh race when Chasing Alchemy finished seventh.
Sherman was honored in the winner’s circle with a brief retirement ceremony attended by track owner Ed Allred, other Los Alamitos executives, and Sherman’s friends and family.
Sherman is best known for winning the 2014 Kentucky Derby with California Chrome, who was honored as Horse of the Year that season and in 2016.
Sherman’s voice cracked when he thanked Allred and the Orange County racing community at Los Alamitos.
“They’ve always been close to my heart, and I’ll miss them,” he said.
Sherman has been based at Los Alamitos since early 2014, shortly after the closure of Hollywood Park.
Sherman started in racing as an exercise rider and later as a jockey, ending that portion of his career in 1978. In 1955, he was the exercise rider for Kentucky Derby winner Swaps. Sherman won more than 2,200 races as a trainer.
“You start out as a 16-year-old young lad and you make it through an era that isn’t around anymore. I used to travel by train from state to state.
“I got lucky and won the Derby and I’ve had a ball.”
Sherman nominated California Chrome’s 2016 win in the Pacific Classic as another career highlight.
“I always thought the race down at Del Mar in the Pacific Classic was one of his outstanding races,” Sherman said. “Winning that race meant a lot.”
Sherman said he plans to “do some bloodstock work” and follow the progress of his two sons who train – Steve and Alan.
“They’ll keep me busy,” he said.