California Chrome Through The Lens of Jim Wehrly (VIDEO)

Most racing fans have come to recognize the entourage of California Chrome: Raul Rodriguez, America’s number one groom is constantly with the Lucky Pulpit chestnut son and Alan Sherman is frequently on the other side of Chrome, while Art Sherman is close by, graciously giving an interview to a media representative. However, there is another person who constantly follows America’s Horse. His friendly hazel eyes are camouflaged by the equipment of his occupation. Although semi-retired, this gentleman who is an ever-present member of Team Chrome, is Jim Wehrly. Well known to all fervent Chromies, Mr. Wehrly has been documenting the brilliant chestnut’s every move since Chrome arrived from the historic Hollywood Park, where he won the last stakes race, The King Glorious, for 2-year-old Cal-breds by 6 ¼ lengths.

With the closing of Hollywood Park, the Sherman Barn, and their burgeoning star, moved to Los Alamitos in Cypress, California. Chrome had just begun writing his story and after every consecutive win, the country began to believe in this Cal-bred owned & bred by newcomers who named their stable “DAP”, tongue firmly placed in cheek, for “Dumb Ass Partners” because that's what so many people in the thoroughbred industry had called them when they purchased Chrome’s dam, Love The Chase.

So, as the now 3-year-old California Chrome became acquainted with his new home, he also became familiar with his newly acquired videographer. And, Jim Wehrly was no amateur. After attending the University of Southern California, Jim worked at ABC Movies before becoming president of Broadcast Edit.  He then created Wehrlwind Media in 2000. Jim has always loved the creativity a video camera provides as opposed to taking still photos. He loves to tell a story and is very talented. He has gone from filming Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator (many years ago) to the most popular thoroughbred in America, California Chrome, who thinks he is the terminator!

Last Friday, January 6, was quite chilly and the usual upbeat feeling was missing from the Sherman barn when Jim arrived at 2 a.m. Raul’s wife, Florentina, (who everyone calls “Mama”) was holding Chrome while Raul rewrapped his legs, combed his forelock, and changed his blanket after grooming him. Everyone was singularly focused on their tasks as they attempted to push away thoughts of the soon to be empty suite, home of Chrome.  Art Sherman quickly arrived and looked at the crowd of Chromies and the media, “Are we ready?” he chuckled.

Yesterday, I documented the barn’s activity and Chrome’s departure. However, my words did not do justice to the video by Jim Wehrly (below). Have Kleenex ready.