The previous Haskell record crowd was 53,368 in 2003, when Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide finished third behind Peace Rules. The Haskell win gave American Pharoah an expense-paid berth in the BC Classic. "I couldn't be happier that this is happening in the great state of New Jersey. He was the 12th Triple Crown winner in history, and in winning all four races, became the first horse to win the Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing. Chris Christie appeared in the winner's circle and was loudly booed. American Pharoah (foaled February 2, 2012) is a Thoroughbred racehorse who won the American Triple Crown and the Breeders' Cup Classic in 2015. And the fans loved it, except for a moment when New Jersey Gov. "It's very rare that I'm speechless, but I am extremely proud," Zayat said. When American Pharoah was led into the paddock, the crowds stood 15 deep around the railing, straining to get a cellphone photo of American Pharoah.Īnd the horse came through with a truly remarkable performance. Distance: At 1.5 miles (or 12 furlongs) Since Affirmed bagged the 11th Triple Crown victory in 1978, there have been 13 horses who’ve come close to. Location: Belmont Park, Elmont, New York. But it wasn't until late afternoon before the place looked packed. Closer Look at the Triple Crown Odds on American Pharaoh to Win at Belmont. The long day at Monmouth Park began with gates opening at 9 a.m., and fans strolled into the Jersey Shore track after waiting in line, some since 5 a.m. Thank you for being behind Pharoah the whole way." "I couldn't believe the crowd, how loud it was," an emotional Baffert said, his voice breaking. With the $1.1 million payday in the Haskell, the son of Pioneerof the Nile's career earnings soared to $5.6 million.Īs he was led back to the winner's circle, the cheers continued. One, Count Fleet, was retired after the 1943 Belmont with an injury.Īmerican Pharoah opened his career with a loss, but has won eight in a row since - seven of them Grade 1 races.
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Of the 12 Crown winners, eight have now won in their first race after the Belmont. American Pharoah - Triple Crown Winner 2015 at the Kentucky Derby. "That was nerve-racking," Bob Baffert said after his eighth win in the Haskell, five more than any other trainer. The final margin was deceptive since Espinoza never asked American Pharoah to run any harder than necessary. And then, with one overpowering surge he seized control and was alone in the stretch as the crowd roared. Espinoza kept his horse in second until midway on the far turn. But it was Competitive Edge who took the early lead. And then, he's headed down the road to the breeding shed at Coolmore's Ashford Stud.Ī few minutes after rocker Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" blared as the horses walked onto the track, American Pharoah broke well from post No. If all goes according to plan, American Pharoah will run his final race in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky on Oct. Saturday morning, American Pharoah remained the odds-on favorite at 5-7. "No clue," American Pharoah owner Ahmed Zayat said when asked about his colt's next race.