Trainer: California Chrome to return to racing in 2016

DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) Trainer Art Sherman says California Chrome, winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Horse of the Year, will return to racing next year.

The 4-year-old colt is currently recovering from a bone bruise injury at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky, which triggered speculation that his racing career might be over.

Sherman says California Chrome will likely need three months of recovery, and then the colt will return to his base at Los Alamitos Race Course in Southern California. The trainer says California Chrome will be pointed toward next year's Pacific Classic at Del Mar.

Sherman spoke Sunday at Del Mar, saying he's ''elated'' to eventually have the horse back in his care.

Last week, Taylor Made purchased the minority ownership share of Steve Coburn, leaving Perry Martin as the majority owner of California Chrome.

The colt won the Preakness last year, but his Triple Crown bid was derailed with a fourth-place finish in the Belmont. California Chrome was set to run in the Arlington Million on Aug. 15 near Chicago, but those plans were canceled when his injury was found.