Justin Zayat, racing manager for Zayat Stables, looks hopefully at every young horse his family breeds or purchases, wondering if another American Pharoah might come his way again. He looks in vain.
The inspiring story of California Chrome that feels more like a fairy tale opened when first-time breeders Steve Coburn and Perry Martin purchased Love the Chase for $8,000. The mare was slightly built and not much to behold, especially when she ran. She had won once in six career starts.
A groom thought so little of their decision to buy Love the Chase that he was overheard ridiculing it as a “dumb ass” move. Their stable name – Dumb Ass Partners – was born.
In a plain brown wrapper, the yearling colt did not leave the same impression that struck those closest to Secretariat when he was that age. With a fair pedigree and a front leg that toed out, he did not pass muster with one sales company and instead was relegated to the upstart alternative. But this would not deter fate. Neigh. Instead, the long-legged colt with an awkward stride was available for a price far below what he would eventually be worth.
Nine new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The class of 2024 is comprised of jockey Joel Rosario and racehorses Gun Runner and Justify in the contemporary category.
