California Chrome: Groom Raul Rodriguez

Raul Rodriguez, California Chrome's Main Man: Out of the limelight yet playing a vital role, one man provides day-to-day hands-on care for Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome. On Preakness eve, Claire Novak and Scott Tracy tell his story.

[@lynncrozier8945]

Horses know clearly when they are loved and respected, and Raul's gentleness, strength, wisdom, skill and meticulous care are what makes Chrome the confident, happy horse he is. Much like the amazing Zenyatta, Raul and all of Chrome's connections LISTEN to what Chrome communicates to them with respect, and the horse knows it - the key to true partnership. Gracias, Raul, por todo hace cada dia para los caballos! Usted también es un campeón :-)

[@isabellthatzmeh]

That's my tio Raul, he's a very hard working and humble man... He loves California Crome 🏇... Bravo tio y puro "Rodriguez" y el rancho "La Cofradia...Desde Yahualica y Temacapulin Jalisco!!!

[@jahirlopez9542]

Ahuevo puro ranchero, saludos del Zapotillo

[@zenyatta626]

Yes i agree. We spend more time with our horses than anyone. And im happy to hear that finally us grooms get credit where its due. Good job raul!

[@jahirlopez9542]

This man migrated here to the U.S with my dad back in 1973, such a legend, wish to see him again soon

[@RedBev59]

I love this interview with Raul. You can SEE the trust and companionship between Raul and Chrome. The Groom is the one who the horse gets attached to, He knows Raul will take care of his needs. AND he's a great man. His whole family is so darn good with Chrome and the other horses.

[@ninajimfields2762]

RedBev59 was

[@texsun4988]

You sure can tell that Raul loves California Chrome, and taking care of his needs is not just a job for him! Raul and all groom's should always be at the winners circle!

[@charlene274]

Good for you!!! I'm happy you stuck with it!

[@marieprovencio4882]

My favorite of all time. From Marie in Buena Park CA USA. Thank you CC 4 everything guys amazing

[@stanleyjensen1950]

I can't say enough about grooms. I'll go so far as to say that a good horse can overcome a bad trainer, but a even a good horse can't overcome a bad groom...a groom cares for a horse from his feet to his belly.

[@silviac2917]

Wonderful video. Thank you Raul!!! Viva Jalisco!!!

[@Banshee88TK]

The world needs more Rauls.

[@stevie56565]

Even though it is not Raul's horse IT is Raul's horse.... That horse would love him the most for sure.... Not a bad job having one of the best race horses loving you the most.

[@lkmorgan1959]

great to see a groom get the glory! Bravo. anyone else catch the front rundown Burns on Chromie?

[@slickdogg2001]

Its nice to know that there is still people like the owner of California chrome , who gives lots of credit for a lil people like RAUL...You are the rock star Mr. RAUL..

[@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207]

A VIP POSITION....GROOM FOR HORSE...THEY KNOW VERY MUCH ABOUT THE HORSE 24/7.....LOVE MUST BE THERE....THANK YOU FOR FEATURING A VIP IN HORSE RACING....THE GROOM-CAREGIVER.....!!!

[@abrahamserrano2963]

I MET RAUL MANY YEARS AGO AT SEVERINSEN STABLE ,,WE WORKED TOGETHER,I NEVER IMAGINE HE WOULD GET THAT FAR, CONGRATULATIONS MY FRIEND FOR YOU AN YOUR WIFE, GREAT,GREAT PEOPLE.

[@nancycowan5030]

Great story, thank you for sharing!

[@mohamadzwitzerland9437]

I Love California chrome ❤️

[@cristinecameron7015]

Belmont yesterday and already I am so tired of people slamming CC's owner as "crybaby". I for one think he is dead on the money with his criticism of running fresh horses against ones that have run the first two. It is NOT a level playing field and I agree completely with his idea that whoever starts in the Derby are the only ones to go on. We owe it to CC to make his point known. He is not a "fat pig crybaby". I believe he loves that horse, knows that CC gave 100% and can not go against fresh, rested horses in any fair test. I still love CC and the whole DAP team. Go Chrome. You are still my fave.

[@RemyHocAge]

Thanks for highlighting Raul. Mr. Coburn has graciously thanked everyone... I was so happy when he called out the groom's name! CC is in loving hands & the daily care makes a big difference in his performance.

[@OakHillsDog]

Such dedication, pride, love show in this man's face, voice and actions. It shows in the demeanor of his charge, who shines like a copper penny because of him. This video, almost more than any other of Chrome, brought tears to my eyes. Raul, this Crown's for you!

[@cocainebear714]

Raul did a awesome job , junior always looked like a million bucks 👍😉

[@raxson9493]

SUPER HARD WORKING GROOM WELL DONE.

[@seanallheart]

GO CALIFORNIA CHROME !!!! thank you guys so much. way to go Raul !!!

[@gaaarrromeo9782]

I was just with Raul yesterday and he loves horses. Especially CC, of course.. Great man!

[@luckyshoeshine]

Pleasure to see him cared for- Nice post thanks

[@silvercharm]

I just LOVE this video. Shared it on my Facebook.

[@sicnarfbuen917]

Passion to the sport , love for the animals..

[@kathyleming7515]

Wonderful interview! Good luck to CA Chrome and all his connections!

[@charlene274]

We just bred and recieved a stallion baby early this morning, out of the original Halo stallion and double papered mare , secretariat. The baby as soon as he realized he was here became very busy and stood up! Cannot wait to start training him and get him out on the track at 3. We start our baby training early and get them rode and trained at 3 to allow proper growth of the legs.

[@tessdurberville711]

You have a Colt, not a stallion. Secretariat was not a mare. Received. Ridden, not rode.

[@virginialawler7725]

Charlene What a sweet comment...and such good information, too. Thank You!

[@mikeryan2959]

After the heart pounding victory in the Preakness... Chromes owner on National Tv is thankimg not Art Not Victor not Jesus But RAUL.... Because Raul SLEPT and guarded His Derby Preakness and soon to be Belmont winner every night!!!!

[@mikeryan2959]

Of course... Raul spends 18 hours with him..excersize rider 20 minutes ...art @20 minutes Alan 1,5 hours Victor 30 minutes a month... Well deserved pat on the back... For the man away from the camera

[@albertdavila6808]

+mike ryan the true hero of them all the groom! saludos!

[@MocoritosinMex]

Hope there paying this guy top dollar !!!!

[@mikeryan2959]

Raul Im sure your checking this posting Art and his family ate great people Known them forever.... Keep up the great work

[@XxSodano]

All of the PETA people and animal rights activists that give racing a bad name need to watch this video. Good on you Raul

[@stevie56565]

I hear ya but there is also a very dark , sad side to horse racing .... Not all horses are royalty winners like California Chrome, Arrogate, Zenyatta etc.... If you are not a big winners the barns are not as fancy..... Some of the race horses are rewarded with a bullet between the eyes after there is no use for them...

[@jamesstewart628]

Peta is a scam last two Peta executive directors are in prison for tax evasion. One took 27 million and tried to hide it the other 17 million and got caught both doing long bids both ratted out by other Peta members who didn't get thier share then they. Arrested them too one his wife exposed him in divorce court. Can you believe people still give these people money. They give millions. Peta never any protests about cows chickens lambs anything. It's because no millionaire's going to give them 100000 to save the 3 million cows who get thier heads cut off every year. Unbelievable idiots.

[@tessdurberville711]

@@stevie56565 What 1930's Damon Runyon short story have you been reading?

[@CityLadyLA]

I am keeping California Chrome and all his handlers in my prayers. Only 5 more days to a Triple Crown for Cali!!! Luv him!

[@eddy123085]

I love doing this job so proud off this men!

[@prodbyvessels]

This is the routine with every single horse in every single barn, maybe not as much attention but it's the same.

[@Irished58]

Raul, you can help California make history!! DO your best!! Mucha sue rte amigo!

[@Nibbles2point0]

Omg this guy is great!! He does pretty nice wraps, too.

[@logcabinkid7792]

I love you for the care you give to California Chrome! - but not as much as he does! I believe he thinks of the DAP family as his herd----he speaks to those who are listening ((that reporter from the Meet interview certainly was not listening)) I will be rooting for him and your team in the Triple Crown Race--especially for a safe but as usual, magnificent run!

[@caroladcock61]

GREAT story

[@gloriabriere6435]

Raul is the best there is.

[@josemezatorrez]

"He is the Patron"LOL, uno mas victory in NY and into the history books.

[@justlove5371]

True

[@DouglasBracho]

Best wishes and best luck

[@knoskarhernandez2053]

Way to go man ..

[@MissKiotosClips]

What an amazing man and an incredible job! Such love and passion in his heart for these horses and especially chrome:)

[@r.c.3gamefarm996]

Orgullo Mexicano

[@CableMan67]

Adelante paisano, a ponder en alto a Mexico!! Dios te Bendiga y suerte a llega rally Triple Crown!

[@ramirorubio1451]

Un orgullo hispano.

[@arturoruiz1053]

felicidades padrino es todo y vamos por la triple corona que orgullo que alguen del rancho la cofradia mpio. de cañadas de obregon jalisco mexico este al pendiente de uno de los mejores caballos de USA y su entrevista llegue a este canal y ya tenga mas de 21,940 visitas

[@shirleybrown345]

Gorgeous

[@AdrianHernandez-is9uw]

Saludos Raúl

[@saifrrehman3882]

Nice horse

[@user-yy7uf3yo4w]

Where is Raul now

[@vivianpowell1732]

By now I guess everyone has heard the news about California Chrome being sold to interests in Japan by his "syndicate". I have no idea where Raul is now since California Chrome has been at Taylor Made farm in Kentucky for several years. Just this week I saw a video on Twitter made by a visitor to Taylor Made earlier this month, and the farm's tour leader was assuring the group that California Chrome had his "forever home" at Taylor Made and was going nowhere else. Within days, the Japan story broke.

[@tessdurberville711]

Vivian Powell Nothing is "forever".

[@virginialawler7725]

2/14/22 now. Upsetting, all of it, for sure, including where Raul and his family are now. I believe I did read that Taylor Made had first rights if "they" in Japan want to sell C.C.. Also that he was expected to "retire" to Taylor Made. But, who knows about any of it. He certainly made enough money for enough people that All need to treat him fairly in return...and...we know Art Sherman would certainly do his best (which is pretty durn good) to assure that. We all must hope this beautiful, sweet high achiever doesn't end up like Ferdinand. Surely enough good watchdogs are keeping an eye out for him to avoid that. If you ever learn any update about all this, I know there are many, like me, who would much appreciate your posting of it. Many thanks....

[@christinematton4125]

Seems like he was sold out !! He did so much for everyone around him and they sold him out !!

[@jennifernazario417]

He, Firenze Fire, and other of our spectacular horses are standing in Arrow Stud in Japan. I worry when the usefulness runs out!

[@equissage9701]

​@@jennifernazario417Contact the farm and arrange a return. I live in Japan now and the Japanese people were horrified by what happened to Ferdinand because of the decision of ONE person, Not the entire country. If the Kecks, Mr.Wittingham, or Mr. Shoemaker had requested Ferdinand to be returned the U.S. upon retirement from stud duty, It would have been done. The same with Exceller from Sweden. No one kept track of these horses. Alysheba was returned from Dubai, Silver Charm from Japan, and others because someone took the time to ask.

[@user-rx2ph5de1w]

офигенный конь

[@heatherallan2695]

raul u are wonderful w chrome he will win the belmont i know it chrome see u at the race at least on tv

[@kelseyk530]

I cringe a bit looking at the bandages being wrapped...bow a tendon.

[@rangerrick3535]

I love that horrse

[@chilango024]

Que orgullo

[@ryant.hughes6823]

Bad Luck to put the saddle on before the bridle.

[@tessdurberville711]

Ryan T Hughes Where on earth did you learn that? We always saddle the horse first, no matter what breed or discipline, and especially racehorses.

[@aavaz3043]

This is a bad hombre for some people lol but the patron for the smart and rich man

[@jamesstewart628]

480 a week 7 days a week 100 bonus for a win.isnt that great for taking care of the fastest horse in the world.you get what you pay for not a bad guy but the skill level isn't there. California chrome deserves better he deserves the best but art Sherman is a cheap skate all for him and his son.

[@user-en2ji5ni2e]

Тулпар гой

[@eddy123085]

I love doing this job so proud off this men!

[@mikeryan2959]

Raul Im sure your checking this posting Art and his family ate great people Known them forever.... Keep up the great work