Q & A: California Chrome's groom talks life in Japan

The same day two-time Horse Of The Year California Chrome left Kentucky to fly to Arrow Stud in Japan, two die-hard Chromies went on a mission. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner had been part of their lives since he was a 2-year-old colt, and they were not ready to relinquish contact with him.

Enter the internet. David Trujillo and Jeff Chandler began the popular Facebook group "California Chrome In Japan." They befriended Makoto Fujita, Chrome's groom, who gave them photos from his Instagram site.

I too, have followed the charismatic chestnut since he was a 2-year-old and have written extensively about him for Horse Racing Nation. I wanted to know about his new life in Japan, so I contacted Makoto through a translator. The following is a transcript of our interview.

I've read that you have been a fan of California Chrome since he won the Kentucky Derby. What specifically attracted you to him?

I always liked chestnut horses with white markings. I was immediately drawn to him because of his good looks.

Have you followed California Chrome's races since his 2014 Kentucky Derby?

We do not get many American races here in Japan, but I followed his races on YouTube videos.

What is your favorite Chrome race and why?

The 2016 Breeders' Cup Classic, in which he dueled with Arrogate. Chrome didn't win, but I think the race showed two great racehorses at their best.

How long have you worked at Arrow Stud?

This is my seventh year at Arrow Stud. Before that I worked at a breeding farm for seven years.

What was your reaction when you discovered Chrome was going to stand at your farm?

No way. You're not talking about that California Chrome, are you? My mind just couldn't register.

When is your breeding season and how many mares did he cover last season?

February through July. In 2021, he covered 154 mares.

I've read he's more attracted to gray mares. How can you tell?

When he covered a gray mare for the first time ... he got excited like I'd never seen him before. He was almost out of control. The degree of excitement he displays towards gray mares is at a totally different level."

What's the layout in the barn like? What stallions are close to him?

His next door neighbors are American horses, Sinister Minister and Shanghai Bobby. Chrome used to roar at other stallions when they got too close to him. He doesn't do that anymore. He just curiously looks at them.

What are some of Chrome's personal characteristics? Does he ever try to take your ball cap like he did (assistant trainer) Alan Sherman's?

Yes, he does. When I'm standing close to him, he steals my hat. He also loves to rub my shoulder with his face.

How often does Chrome go to the paddock?

He stays in the paddock from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day. The first thing he does in the paddock is run around. After that he relaxes and munches on grass.

Do you all allow farm visits?

You can visit the farm July through December, 3-4 p.m., every day.

How much interest is there in Chrome?

People are fond of the horses they've seen race in Japan. Chrome is famous but never raced here. But people fall in love with him when they see him, and his fan base is growing.

I know there are cats around the barn. Does Chrome interact with them?

Because Chrome is gentle, cats often go up to him. I sometimes find Origini, our black and white cat, sleeping in his stall.

Staying in touch

Like all the other Arrow Stud employees, Makoto lives on the farm. Since I first sent my interview questions to be interpreted, Makoto also became the groom to Arrow Stud's newest arrival from the U.S., Firenze Fire. 

You may see photos and videos of Chrome, Firenze Fire and the other horses and cats on Makoto's Instagram account. To see them, look up Makoto Fujita or uuma1018.

Makoto posts new photos and videos at least four times a week. He knows how much this means to Americans. After Chrome's arrival he began receiving boxes of Mrs. Pastures cookies and cat treats from Chromies organized by Marianne Malczewski. She sends packages about four times a year and is planning a trip to Arrow Stud in 2022.

I had a conversation with Alan Sherman right after his father, Art, had his retirement celebration. Alan is now training solo in Lexington, Ky., at The Thoroughbred Training Center. I asked about his trip with Chrome to Japan. They had traveled so many miles together, it was fitting that Alan, who had been there through everything, should accompany his special horse overseas. 

"Flying to Japan with Chrome was kind of bittersweet," Alan said. "I knew he was going to be bred to some really good mares and have a great home but hated to see him leave. I think he is going to prove to be a terrific sire. I am looking forward to getting back to Japan and seeing him."

That you can bet on.