Triple Crown winner American Pharoah has established himself as one of the greatest racehorses of all time by winning the Breeders’ Cup.
It was a historic first. The 3-year-old becomes the first racehorse to win the so-called Grand Slam grabbing the nearly impossible Triple Crown – the first horse to do so since 1978 – and then capping it off with the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“We want him to go out as a winner. American Pharoah is a winner,” owner Ahmed Zayat said in the winner’s circle after the race. “We are so thrilled and grateful and humbled. This is for America. This is for the sport.”
The Halloween Day race at Keeneland in Lexington saw American Pharoah easily finish 6 1/2 lengths ahead of Effinex and 11 lengths in front of Honor Code. The purse — $5-million — half to the winner.
And, American Pharoah and jockey Victor Espinoza won the mile and a quarter in a record-breaking 2:00.07. Because, well, of course they did.
Thank You to ALL My Great Friends and Fans, Grand Slam Baby 🙂 pic.twitter.com/Sc1JW9wyST
— Victor Espinoza (@EspinozasVictor) November 1, 2015
IT HAPPENED! @KateUpton made out with World Champ #AmericanPharoah, @FallonTonight! #BC15 pic.twitter.com/OrwIGleCqV — Breeders’ Cup (@BreedersCup) November 1, 2015
American Pharoah now gallops into retirement, which coincidentally comes as the thoroughbred fulfills a promise that a percentage of earnings would go to help retired racehorses find homes.
We got to thank American Pharoah this morning! Truly a once in a lifetime horse! Thank you to Zayat Stables LLC & Bob Baffert for your Breeders Cup Pledge and your continued support of Thoroughbred aftercare!
Posted by New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program on Sunday, November 1, 2015
Zayat Stables posted its glee on Facebook:
“American Pharoah went out in style, caputuring the Breeders’ Cup Classic in breathtaking fashion! Doing so American Pharaoh is the first horse to win the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup Classic, thus becoming the first horse to accomplish the “Grand Slam”. The past year has been an incredible journey. Thank you to Bob Baffert, Jimmy Barnes, Georgie Alvarez, Martin Garcia, his groom Lalo and the rest of his team for an amazing job. As well as Victor Espinoza for giving “The Champ” amazing rides. Lastly, thank you to American Pharoah! He is a horse of a lifetime!”
You can watch the historic race here:
Main Photo Zayat Stables/Facebook
