Our Team

Pamela Davis-Lumley

I have been obsessed with horses ever since I saw my first one at age 6, and was often disciplined in elementary school for drawing horses instead of taking notes. My first job was green-breaking mustangs that were run off the range in Nevada— a rescue in a way, since any horses I couldn’t gentle within 2 weeks would have been sent to slaughter. My passion for horses has been a guiding force in my life; as an artist, trainer, owner of a horsemastership school, and journalist (I am the editor of “How California Chrome Changed My Life.”) I am so happy to be part of a group that is making horses' lives better.

Carol Fox

I was raised in Clifton, NJ which is practically a suburb of New York City. I have fond childhood memories of visiting the American Museum of Natural History. I fell in love with horse racing after reading Walter Farley's Black Stallion series and with Swaps after reading about him in an old Sports Illustrated. I worked for many years as a school psychologist in PA and as a staff psychologist in an institution for the retarded in SC, but am now retired. In 2014, I met my friend Mary Gale when we were both involved with rescuing a cat. She and her husband owned 5 TB mares and they let me partner with them to breed a filly which I now own. In 2017 I met my friend Karen Oman through Facebook and she introduced me to Art Sherman. I am now writing his biography.

Eleanor Frederiksen

Hi everyone this is Ellie from Fallbrook, CA. The love of horses came to me in March of 2010 when twin foals, Sunny and Angel, were born near me. They live at Helen Woodward Animal Center and both have grown up to become therapy horses. In my photo you see their mother, a quarter horse called Lena. And then in 2014 along came California Chrome! I am a wife of a retired Marine. As a volunteer at our food pantry, I love to help those in need of food. My biggest happiness is being around horses, people and most of all my family.

Sharon Lee

When I was a child, my father took us on family outings at the local track. I liked watching the horses, and always wanted to see them up close and pet them. Dad usually had a copy of the Daily Racing Form, and we always saw the news about the Triple Crown races. My siblings and I used to play with our two toy horses and called them Seattle Slew and Affirmed. As I grew up and became interested in doing things with my friends, I didn't go back to the track with my dad. For a short time, I worked down the street from Santa Anita Park and would hear people talk about the races, but didn't go to the track. That was until 2014, when California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby. He captured the imagination of many, and his humble beginnings had many cheering for him, myself included. When Chrome came back to Los Alamitos, I treasured the time I spent watching him train and the staff take care of him. They let me pet Chrome, which was the first time I got to pet a thoroughbred, and they showed me how to feed him his favorite cookies. Friendships with fellow Chromies were made and continued after Chrome retired from racing. Although my dad passed away before California Chrome was born and raced, I like to think that if he was here, Dad would have been a Chromie, too.

Wendy Lembke

The effect of growing up in Inglewood, near the shadow of Hollywood Park, transformed this city girl into a lifelong horse lover. Although I never got one of my own, a steady stream of Walter Farley's Black Stallion books, anything written by Marguerite Henry and legendary sportscaster Jim McKay's Triple Crown TV coverage sealed my fate. In 2014 a very special local boy turned up the fire on my horse racing fandom. I was lucky enough to be a frequent visitor to watch his morning works at Los Alamitos and then most of his races, starting with his Belmont. California Chrome introduced me to some of the dearest friends I have ever known, was the reason for many wonderful travels and now has become the inspiration for our philanthropy.

Penny Loeb

Author, journalist, screenwriter, filmmaker, horse owner (and caretaker) my entire life, mostly retired racehorses.

Martha Uber Lusk

Coming soon!

Zowe Malaguit-Mendieta

My name is Zowe. Friendly. Easy to talk to. Open-minded. I have always been an animal lover, all sorts of animals. As a California Chrome lover I will always be a Chromie! Horses have always held a dear spot, but I was mesmerized when I saw one crossing a busy city street in the neighborhood. Fast forward to 2014 when my long-time boyfriend Ray, took me to the Santa Anita Derby. It was there I fell in love with California Chrome. Experiencing that moment was like a magnet, straight to him. Through California Chrome I met wonderful people, some have become good friends. California Chrome has brought nothing but joy to me and his life continues to be a most enjoyable ride.

Marianne Malczewski

I was born and raised in WNY and plan on moving to KY sometime soon.  I love, support, and enjoy watching horse racing. Yes, I love all horses but there is one particular horse who absolutely stole my heart, and his name is California Chrome! I enjoyed watching him race on tv and in person. It was all because of California Chrome that I was able to meet several of his fans called the "Chromies." I am looking forward to the near future when a few of my very close Chromie friends and I will be planning a trip to Japan to see California Chrome at Arrow Stud!

Teresa Matta

A casual conversation with an enthusiastic riding instructor prompted me to look up California Chrome on the internet. I had always been a horse-lover, but I was blown away by his story and by all the wonderful information I found about this magnificent horse. I fell in love with him and, like so many, I became friends with people I may never otherwise have met.   Chrome and my new friends helped me through some tough times and health issues in addition to introducing me to world of thoroughbred horse racing. I am happy to be involved with California Chrome’s Legacy of Love and its mission to raise money and awareness to horses in need.

Gordon Myers

I was born and raised in Lakewood California. Surrounded by racetracks, my parents often took me to Hollywood Park.  It was so much fun to be a little kid and go to the races.  I guess you could say I loved the races and when my wife asked me to take her to meet California Chrome, after he won the Kentucky Derby, I was willing to go even at 4:15 in the morning. What followed was a love for this amazing horse.  I worked for Rockview Dairy Farms, the largest family owned dairy in California my entire career and now I am retired. I fully support the horse racing industry and am actively involved with We Support Horse Racing. I own a small share in three thoroughbreds of racing age and enjoy watching them race. 

Jeannetta Myers

I am a Chromie who fell head over heels from the first time I heard his name. Born and raised in Southern California I was over the top excited that a horse from my home state could win the Kentucky Derby. I had the chance to meet him along with making some super great friends soon after he won the Kentucky Derby.  We have traveled together and had some really wonderful times celebrating our love for Chrome.  I am by profession a Registered Nurse still working in a Post Anesthesia Care Unit. I am blessed to own small shares in three partnerships with racing age horses and find that it is dear to my heart to see them step off the track into a new career.  I am actively involved with educating the public about horse racing and supporting our industry in a positive light with the group called We Support Horse Racing.  It is a privilege to work with California Chrome’s Legacy of Love and the good people who are involved with this group.

Carol Williams Nakoneczny

As a life-long horsewoman, I have lived my entire life in Michigan.  My heart, however,  has always been in Kentucky with the Thoroughbreds and in the West with the wild horses.  I am a retired Optician and Realtor, a wife, Mom and simply the proudest Grandma. In 2014, along with the rest of the racing world, I fell in love with one particular, very special Thoroughbred called California Chrome.  As a result, thanks to Chrome, I have been blessed with beautiful friendships. One result is, because of this particular horse, I am now part of an extensive network of “Chromies.” I feel blessed to be a member of California Chrome’s Legacy of Love.

Karen Oman

I am a licensed clinical social worker and have worked in hospice for the past 32 years. Living close to Los Alamitos Racetrack, I found my perfect way to unwind and relieve stress was to watch California Chrome train for the Kentucky Derby.  The first time I saw him, I was in love! I was blessed to become friends with Art Sherman and a wonderful group of people who shared the highs and lows of his racing career. I am so proud and honored to work with this group of Chromies who are dedicated to helping less fortunate horses live a good life in retirement through California Chrome’s Legacy of Love.

Brittany Pannell

Hi! My name is Brittany. I have been involved with horse racing for 6 years now. I started in the industry in 2012 as a Test Barn Technician at Hoosier Park. After working one year i decided I wanted to be more involved in the industry and in 2015 I bought my first Thoroughbred racehorse. Since becoming an owner I have had the privilege of racing in Indiana and watching my horses compete. It is so thrilling and exciting to watch your own horses in your silks race around the track. I am excited to say I will also get to add Breeder to my resume in February of 2021 as my first Thoroughbred is going to have a baby!