From Swaps to California Chrome old school horsemanship defines trainer Art Sherman
“You gotta be lucky!” Those are the words of trainer Art Sherman, the epitome of old school horsemanship.
And Art has been lucky, enjoying some of the most exciting years of his training career since turning 77. That’s when he saddled California Chrome to win the 2014 Kentucky Derby.
And Sherman, known for his contagious laugh, was chosen to train the handsome chestnut colt because of his old school horsemanship!
In today’s podcast Art recalls his start as a stable hand in California, exercising 1955 Kentucky Derby winner Swaps for Mesh Tenney and Rex Ellsworth. Initially, Sherman recalls traveling cross-country by train with the stable’s horses, sleeping between them on a bed of straw.
Next, Art recounts his years as a jockey, riding at race tracks around the country. And even learning as an apprentice from the great Bill Shoemaker. Shoemaker brought old school horsemanship to the saddle and was one of the most celebrated jockeys of all time.
Sherman marvels at the contrast between train-travel as a stable hand in the 50’s to flying First Class to Dubai with his wife Faye. The couple enjoyed the luxuries of a private cabin on Emirates Airlines before Art saddled California Chrome to win the 2016 Dubai World Cup.
Finally, Sherman compares training and riding in the old days to the state of the industry now. The old school horsemanship of trainers like Art Sherman seems under-appreciated these days. And at the age of 83 Sherman is pondering retirement, which would make his wife Faye very happy.
Fortunately for Art, his involvement with horse racing will continue through his sons Steve and Alan, and a few rambunctious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And of course, a handful of talented youngsters by California Chrome.
Really enjoyed the Art Sherman Podcast!!
Thank you Cary! Glad you tuned in!
~ Carolyn
Its great to know arts still doing what makes him smile, had the pleasure of working for him in Northern ca in the 80s,i went by the nick name skip, he was a very astute trainer, great to be around and loved a flutter on the gee gees, mday he enjoy his pending retirement for many years to come
Thank you for the memories Ian (Skip). And you taught me a new racing term!
~ Carolyn
Great stuff! it’s so nice to hear the passion in someones voice when they talk about stuff that they love. I was lucky enough to get a picture with Chrome when he was at Gulfstream for the Pegesus what a day
That’s a photo for the ages Paul! Well done!
~ Carolyn
I, like Art, am old school. I rode races, until I got too big, back in 1959. Joined the Army, and after three years, put the racetrack back in my life. Started back breaking babies and galloping horses, became a jock’s agent, and than left the track for the “real” world, and eventually back to owning and training horses for fifty years, and still keep connected to the real world thru Real Estate during the same time. I finally just own horse partnerships, but in the years I have left, the bug will only die when I do.
I understand Jim. Racing in your blood is forever. Thank you for your service!
~ Carolyn
Wonderful interview with Art Sherman. My wife and I had the good fortune of meeting Art at breakfast in Schwanies, the backside kitchen at Los Alamitos a couple of years ago. He’s just what you hear in this interview, a real human being who has lived the dream of making his way doing what he loves. Great stories of the golden years in racing.
Thanks Dave! Glad you were able to visit with Art in the morning at Los Al. He loves it there!
~ Carolyn
Great interview,Art sounds to me as a real down to earth individual.As a boy even though I lived in the city I always enjoyed horses and trains.When he described train travel I felt that I was in the car with the horses and Art.Best of luck to you and your blog,I for one will be atuned.
Hi Eric,
When I was a groom at Playfair racetrack in Spokane, WA while I was in high school the trains used to run right behind our barn. The horses were never bothered by it. And once in a while I would hear a few hobos out there having a conversation. Surreal.
~ Carolyn
Thank you for this wonderful interview with Art Sherman. It was delightful. I am a huge fan of California Chrome, and Art at that time came across as the wonderful person that he truly is. California Chrome and Team’s story was so inspiring. In this podcast, Art’s stories of the yesteryears was so much fun to listen to. Thanks again.
I appreciate the kind words Linda. Art is the epitome of old school horsemanship and old school values!
~ Carolyn
Great interview! Loved Arts old school stories! Made my heart happy!
Me too Tammy! Art’s old school stories give me hope.
This was a great interview Carolyn. I just adore Art, and this was great to hear how it “was” back in the day!
Glad you enjoyed it Shema! Art is the best!
~ Carolyn
Great story Carolyn, The history is so wonderful.
I met Meshach and Rex at Del Mar in the late 50’s really enjoyed all the early great horses. Tracy, Meshach’s son and I met ten years later and were married 1973.
Tracy helped his father at the track….did some ponying he remembers helping Art in the early days. We celebrated over California Crome what a lovely animal.
Hi Renny,
I’m so happy to hear from you!! Thank you for sharing your memories! Is “Meshach” Mesh’s full name? Are you and Tracy involved with race horses?
Best,
Carolyn