NEW YORK (KRON) — American Pharoah raced into the history books with its victory at Belmont Stakes on Saturday, making the horse the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.
American Pharoah led all the way to win easily by 5 ½ lengths. The event was 37 years in the waiting to witness one of the rarest feats in sports, a sweep of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and now the Belmont Stakes.
“The crowd was just thundering and I was just enjoying the crowd and the noise and everything happening,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “What a feeling.”
American Pharoah is the 12th horse and first since Affirmed in 1978 to win three races on different tracks at varying distances over a five-week span. He won the Derby by one length on May 2 and then marked a seven-length victory in the Preakness two weeks later before the historic win over the weekend.
“Wow! Wow!” jockey Victor Espinoza said moments after crossing the finish line. “I can only tell you it is just an amazing thing.”
The 3-year-old colt has more racing in his future. Pharoah’s owner says that he owes it to his fans. The plan is for the horse to get some rest and then continue racing.
Sports Night Live takes a look at the emotional and history making win.