More than an Ocean Separating California Chrome Camp Fans

Perhaps not since the days of Seabiscuit, Secretariat or Seattle Slew has a horse gathered as much attention or as great a following as California Chrome. And if the discussion about racing in Dubai caused a rift between Chromies, then the news that he’s going directly to Newmarket has caused a tidal wave.

Whereas there was definitely differing opinions among fans when it was decided that California Chrome would be running in Dubai, those differences were quickly laid aside, and the theme then centered on the welfare and safety of the horse.

Fans were concerned with the safety issues involved with flying the horse to and from Dubai, security while he was there and the effect that all this would have on California Chrome after everything was said and done, and he returned to America.

Several of those questions have been answered at this point, and California had an event free flight to Dubai, trained well up to, and performed well in the world's richest race, the Dubai World Cup.

Only one or two questions seemed to remain. How would the journey affect California Chrome, and how long would it be until we saw him racing again here in America? However, those questions will remain unanswered forever, because, as we all know, the horse is now heading to Newmarket where he is to begin training up to the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

This decision has sent an almost tsunami-sized tidal wave throughout the California Chrome fan clubs on Facebook leaving many having to decide which side of the water they will be on when the storm clears. Moreover, the news also points towards differences of opinions inside the camp of California Chrome, re: DAP.

In the days leading up to the trip to Dubai, fans and connections alike ultimately came to an understanding that Dubai was a logical option for Chrome. In addition, most joined in support of their champion, as he boarded the flight across the waters and trained up to a solid performance in the Dubai World Cup.

However, this newest decision defiantly has a greater repercussion. Sides are being set, and lines are being crossed and perhaps the only player without an opinion is California Chrome. A poll on the Paulick Report indicates that 57% are not in support of this decision while 43% are.

It seems quite apparent that this decision came from the controlling party involved in California Chrome's ownership. This has sent some California Chrome fans into a feeding frenzy and Perry Martin is the popular choice on the menu.

A rash of unsavory behavior has already led to the shutting down of DAP's Facebook Fan Page, and it appears that the California Chrome Athlete page will no longer be posting updates beginning today.

Other pages have taken secret status or have blocked former members. As for myself, it is safe to say that while I am not altogether in support of Perry Martin's decision, I understand that he and Steve Coburn pay the bills. I do not pay those fees, nor do any of the other California Chrome fans, who might callously choose to criticize Mr. Martin for being heartless, or money hungry.

How many have considered, I wonder, if Mr. Martin, and perhaps Coburn, as well, have viewed this opportunity as a once in a lifetime experience that few if any will ever have the opportunity to embark upon. If this decision is about the money, consider this, the purse for the Prince of Wales's Stakes currently converts to less than $700,000 US Dollars.

There are several races here in America that offer equal or greater purses, including the $1 million Manhattan Handicap at 1 ¼ miles turf on June 6, on Belmont Stakes day. Moreover, the Gr. 1 Whitney Handicap on August 8 at Saratoga, and the Arlington Million on August 15, just naming a few available options, also have a bigger purse.

So what is the deciding factor behind this decision to send California Chrome on to Newmarket? Is this a case of greed in breeding value, assertion of authority, the quest for adventure? We may never know.

However, there is one thing we can be certain of; California Chrome has created a legacy. Only one question remains at this point; Will that legacy be marred by broken promises, mistrust, damaged friendships, and shame?