Thousands Turn Out To See California Chrome Race In Pennsylvania Derby
By Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- The gates opened at 10am at Parx Race Track in Bensalem for the Pennsylvania Derby, and thousands of people turned out to see Kentucky Derby winner, California Chrome, in his state debut.
Jimmy Dintino of South Philadelphia and his wife Terry have traveled the nation following California Chrome.
"We've been chasing him all over the country," Dintino said. "We were in Louisville to watch him in the Kentucky Derby, we went to Baltimore to watch him in the Preakness, and then unfortunately he lost in the Belmont, we were there, and now we're here."
Chris Ianiri of Wilmington explains his attraction. "I like a horse who's multi-dimensional, go the front, show a lot of speed, or can relax sitting second or third, and he really doesn't run any bad races," he said.
Barbara of Roxborugh has another take. "I just wanted to see California Chrome, it's kinda like seeing a celebrity I guess," she said.
Brett has a prime seat right near the track and explains why he likes watching California Chrome race. "He brings everything you look for in horse racing. He was considered the average horse, the way he was bred, and he's been very successful, and it's what the average person should like about horse racing," he said. "He's great for racing, evidently he works hard when his work outs, he's a typical blue-collar horse which is what you're looking for."
There are hundreds of people like him here, and they are prepared for a long day of racing.