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California Horse a Favorite at Kentucky Derby
California Chrome is the first horse from the Golden State to win it all at the Kentucky Derby since 1962.

YUBA CITY-

The Mayor of Yuba City, Kash Gill, has publicly applauded California Chrome and his owners Perry and Denise Martin for their victory Saturday at the 140th Kentucky Derby.

“I’ve been to San Francisco for the World Series game. This is just like that,” race fan Mark Germandt said.

California Chrome, the 3-year-old colt, is the first Californian horse to win the iconic race at Churchill Downs since 1962.

“California Chrome brings pride to California and pride to Yuba City,” said Mayor Gill. “With his humble pedigree and the family’s working-class roots, this is a powerful lesson for all in what’s possible when you dare to dream.”

The Martins, who share ownership of the colt with Steve and Carolyn Coburn of Nevada, have lived in Yuba City for 20 years. While California Chrome was already a favorite to win Saturday, cheers could be heard throughout the Yuba-Sutter area when the champion crossed the finish line, said Mayor Gill.

“I was just watching it right now with my daughter, and I was like, ‘That’s our neighbor right there,'” neighbor Lorenzo Jimenez.

Jimenez lives across the street from the Martins, and says the win couldn’t have happened to nicer people.

“From his first race to the first leg of the Triple Crown today, California Chrome continues to dazzle with his sweeps to victory,” Gill said. “We wish him and the Martins all the best as they move on toward their next great race.”

Yuba City has a population of 65,000 people, and is located 40 minutes north of Sacramento.

Greg Cotta and Doug Johnson filed this report.