Trainer Art Sherman has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) to receive the 2014 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service in the California Thoroughbred racing industry.
Last year at age 77 Sherman became the oldest trainer ever to saddle a Kentucky Derby winner with favorite California Chrome. Two weeks later, they won the Preakness Stakes en route to California Chrome being named 2014 Champion Three-Year-Old and Horse of the Year.
For more than 60 years, Sherman has been an integral part of California racing – from stable hand to exercise rider to jockey to trainer. He also served on the TOC board of directors from 2002 to 2006. California racing greatly benefited from the excitement surrounding California Chrome’s three-year-old campaign, and even amidst controversy Sherman remained a wonderful ambassador for this sport.
“We are very pleased to honor Art with this award,” said TOC Chairman Mike Pegram. “His integrity, humility and dedication to hard work have been inspirational and a source of pride for all of us.”
Sherman will be recognized at TOC’s Southern California Annual Meeting at Del Mar on Saturday, August 15th.
TOC Online