Steve Sherman enjoying father's success

Northern California-based trainer Steve Sherman was at a nice little family get-together over the weekend – in the Churchill Downs winner’s circle after the Kentucky Derby. Sherman is the son of Art Sherman, who won the Kentucky Derby with California Chrome on Saturday.

“That’s the most excited I’ve ever been,” he said. “I haven’t had a feeling like that since my daughter was born.”

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Art Sherman was based in Northern California for many years. When Art left for Southern California, Steve took over the family stable and has expanded it with clients of his own.

“I’m more happy for my dad than anything,” Steve Sherman said.

There was more than the normal amount of Derby fever at Golden Gate Fields given the connections. California Chrome’s jockey, Victor Espinoza, rode here in the 1990s when he began his career. Loud cheers had Golden Gate Fields rocking after the race.

The win gave Espinoza a 5-for-5 record aboard California Chrome.

“He won a lot of races for us when he was up here,” Sherman said.

Before races, Sherman often will tell owners when leaving the paddock, “Let’s get lucky,” a phrase he picked up from his father. Because he wants his father’s luck to continue, he has plans to attend the Preakness.

“I’m going to try to make that one, too,” he said. “There might be a big entourage there.”