In 1957, Sherman became a licensed jockey, enjoying modest success, and began training horses in 1979.

Sherman had trained ten Graded stakes winners and is credited with over 2,100 wins prior to becoming the trainer of California Chrome.

From Ellsworth and trainer Mesh Tenney, he learned to care for, ride, and breed horses.

[11] In 1959, he won a race in Maryland where then Vice President Richard Nixon awarded the trophy, attracting national attention.

[8] The highlight of Sherman's career came when he beat his idol and future Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Arcaro in a race.

[11] After they were married, she worked in the gift shop at Bay Meadows Racetrack for 30 years before retiring.

"[12] California Chrome owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn chose Sherman to train their horse because "he's old school.

That record made California Chrome the pre-race favorite in the 2014 Kentucky Derby, but there were still many doubters due to the horse's modest pedigree and Sherman's inexperience at the sport's highest stage.

[8] Jockey Victor Espinoza held California Chrome behind the front-runners in the early part of the race, before making his move on the final turn.

[16] Previously, Charlie Whittingham held the record, training Sunday Silence to win the 1989 Kentucky Derby at age 76.

"[17] He said the win was unlikely to change him because he had "been around a long time" already and added "I'm just the same old Art Sherman, you know – except, I won the Kentucky Derby.

"[12] Sherman then conditioned California Chrome for the remainder of the horse's career in the United States.

Rather than run an independent training stable like his brother Steve, Alan has worked with his father since 1991.