The Richest Kentucky Derby winner and two time horse of the year California Chrome has been selected as the 2018 Rood & Riddle Comeback Award winner.

This award is presented to a horse who has performed at the highest levels of competition, faced a medical/ surgical issue, received veterinary care by a Rood & Riddle veterinarian, and subsequently returned to compete at his/ her previous performance level.

This year’s winner, California Chrome, of course, was the exciting winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1). He then followed up his Derby win with a big win in the Preakness Stakes (G1). Following this he continued to race successfully, and was scheduled to race in England in 2015, but he encountered physical issues which prevented him from racing there.

After evaluation by Dr. Larry Bramlage, it was decided that California Chrome would be treated medically and rested. He shipped to Dubai the following year where he won the 2016 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1), and became the world’s richest race horse.

“We are extremely pleased to present the 2018 Rood & Riddle Comeback Award to California Chrome. He exemplifies the characteristics of an outstanding equine athlete who suffered a health issue, returned to elite competition and continued his winning ways,” said Dr. Tom Riddle.

The award will be presented to representatives of Taylor Made Stallions, Denise and Perry Martin, and California Chrome by surgeon, Dr. Larry Bramlage, who will be accompanied by Dr. Debbie Spike-Pierce, the chief executive officer of Rood & Riddle.

Duncan and Ben Taylor said, “We would like to thank Dr. Larry Bramlage, Dr. Bart Barber, and Dr. Debbie Spike-Pierce and the entire Rood & Riddle Team in the recovery of California Chrome in his return to racing and Dr. Charles Scoggin for California Chrome’s success in his transition to stud duty.”

California Chrome is now standing at stud at Taylor Made Farm and his first foals, which are outstanding, were welcomed into the world this year. Just as he excelled on the racetrack, great things are expected from his foals in the sale ring and at the races.

In 2016 the Rood and Riddle Comeback Award was presented to champion Thoroughbred racehorse and Horse of the Year, Wise Dan, owned by Morton Fink and trained by Charlie Lopresti. The 2017 Comeback Award winner was the World Champion Fine Harness Saddlebred mare, Tempt Me owned by Susan G. Bartlett and trained by Chuck Herbert.

Press Release