DefinitelyDressage.com

And surpasses Curlin to become all time leading American winner - not too shabby for this rags to riches story - and did it half dressed too!

"Espinoza's athleticism was tested as California Chrome's saddle slipped far back past his barrel, but the jockey maintained his balance, his brilliant chestnut mount unleashed a powerful burst exiting the last turn, and the duo left their rivals in the dust in the world's richest race.

"I was just trying to keep my balance and not move my body," Espinoza said. "I just kept looking forward and thinking 'where's the wire?' It was not coming fast enough"

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... ld-cup-win

Wow, that had to be a bit of a scary finish!

That is amazing all the way around. I do love CC.

What that must have felt like for both rider and horse is hard to imagine; girth behind the barrel!

Amazing! I hadn't realized Chrome was still racing.

This is his third race and win of the year...

Most horses would've gone berserk bucking with that girth. Speaks to how on task he was that he ran to a track record time all on his own and ignored that frooferol.

He was second in this race last year, and then shipped to England in an attempt to win there too. But he was worn down to a nub, and I actually think that finish last year spoke to the amount of heart he has. But he came home, got a long vacation and freshened up. And boy has he, I saw him in person a few months ago and he is a beast. Ran like it, too. I'm so glad for them.

His pedigree is such that they're trying to really make him a desirable stud prospect by continuing to race him, although Taylor Made now co owns him so he has that set up already. Next goal is the Breeders Cup this fall, then retirement. Maybe he will be like Seattle Slew - able to outrun and outsire his pedigree, and thus make his own pedigree.

man that was scarry to see that slid back girth in the video

I wonder how often this happens

As a rider, the picture is terrifying, but one thing I do like about the picture is how much more of the horse's front end you can see and appreciate the physical beauty of this animal in motion. He's magnificent!

A nice tribute to his "family" after his Derby victory:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvAgbIMzD3o

Oh that is a nice video. What a kind man. He does not brag but you know that CC change from a cranky 2yo to a people lover has a lot to do with his management

That sliding saddle must have been terrifying for Victor and distracting to CC. I wish we could see what happened after he pulled the horse up. Did he jump off to adjust/remove the saddle?

As I recall, Victor did get off on the back straight after stopping Chrome in his cool out and regirthed the saddle before going back to the winner's circle.

Holy moly that girth was WAY back like a bucking strap. I just watched the You Tube video. He did get off and adjust the saddle. Whoever put that saddle on needs a talking to!!

Koolkat wrote:As a rider, the picture is terrifying, but one thing I do like about the picture is how much more of the horse's front end you can see and appreciate the physical beauty of this animal in motion. He's magnificent!

A nice tribute to his "family" after his Derby victory:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvAgbIMzD3o

I enjoyed that. But am I right that this horse doesn't get any turnout? Ever?

He had plenty of turnout when he was at Taylor Made for a few months last year, but racetracks don't have turnout areas.

A few trainers may have room to set up a small pen/outdoor stall, and many off track training centers have some turnout available, but generally racehorses get all their exercise under saddle or hand walking.

He's on his way back to Taylor Made for another 30 days R&R.

I read that Zenyatta was hand grazed for multiple hours/day, don't know how common that is. A lot of dressage horses don't get that. . . .

Chrome arrives back in Kentucky today from Dubai for ~30 days rest. Strutting his stuff! Gorgeous beast.

"Welcome home Chrome"
http://www.thechampisback.com/video.html

Huh looking at the photo at top looks like he lost the shoe on the RF