California Chrome

Just months ago, no one would believe--or bet--that California Chrome would earn a place in history as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. For the first time, here is the complete story of Chrome's journey. Begin with Steve Coburn, a man who wanted to purchase a horse in order to garner a tax write-off. He bought into a syndicate ownership, acquiring 5 percent of Love the Chase, dam to California Chrome (almost dubbed Seabisquik), alongside managing owner and breeder Perry Martin. Scoffed at by the so-called experts, the Coburn-Martin pair created DAP Racing, and the Dumb Ass Partners boldly declared their intent to leave their hoof-print on the horse-racing world, creating an unlikely recipe for success comprising a colt of mediocre pedigree, seventy-seven-year-old trainer, and formerly equinophobic jockey. With contagious charm and flair, the bodacious equine defied expectations and won America's heart--in addition to the country's preeminent horse races. The California-bred horse triumphed over the Kentucky elites to become the first in thirty-six years to emerge thrice victorious in the grueling seven-week-long Triple Crown circuit. Journalist Elisabeth Meinecke delivers nail-biting, heart-racing action in this rags-to-riches tale of the American Thoroughbred who overcame adversity and became a legend.