Elmont, NY -- American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes and claimed the Triple Crown on Saturday, becoming the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to achieve the pinnacle of horse racing.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, American Pharoah was a 3-5 favorite. American Pharoah goes with a wire-to-wire win. It was a very strong showing for trainer Bob Baffert's horse.
Thirteen horses had failed in the third leg of the Triple Crown since Affirmed's win. The 37-year gap between Triple Crown winners is a record; previously it was 25 years, from Citation in 1948 to Secretariat in 1973.
American Pharoah broke that 37-year jinx. He now enters the pantheon as the 12th Triple Crown winner, joining Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978).
American Pharoah broke from the No. 5 gate, went right to the lead and led the whole way, pulling away in the stretch for the victory. He finished the mile and a half in 2:26.65. Frosted was second, five and a half lengths back, and Keen Ice third.
American Pharoah paid $3.50 for a $2 bet as the favorite.
