American Pharoah Is Just What Horse Racing Needs

In his first race since becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner in history in June, American Pharoah somehow exceeded expectations once again, delivering yet another scintillating performance in winning the Haskell Invitational Stakes at Monmouth Park on Aug. 1.

The gifted son of Pioneerof the Nile has rightfully become a crowd favorite and poster boy (he is featured in the August issue of Vogue magazine) for the sport of horse racing, which is accustomed to seeing its stars make an impression on the race track and just as quickly get whisked off to stud duty at the height of their popularity.

American Pharoah’s owner, Ahmed Zayat, vowed following the Belmont Stakes in June that his plan was to keep his superstar in training to target the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in October. It’s a sporting gesture by American Pharoah’s connections and one that should be applauded. Fans responded in kind as a record crowd of nearly 61,000 turned out at Monmouth Park on the Jersey Shore to catch a glimpse of the Triple Crown winner as he scrimmaged against six overmatched rivals in the Haskell. The reception he receives from fans wherever he goes, combined with swelling support for the horse on social media channels is making American Pharoah one of the most popular racehorses of all time.

Clearly, American Pharoah is no ordinary athlete. With little left to prove, except for a win against older horses, American Pharoah continues to enhance his already lofty reputation. Following a grueling schedule through the Triple Crown (three races in five weeks), American Pharoah appeared none the worse for wear in his first race back since becoming the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to sweep the highly coveted series.

Judging by his incredible performance in the Haskell, American Pharoah seems invincible. Always comfortable and well within himself during the running of the race, American Pharoah tracked the early pace set by Competitive Edge. When the real running began around the far turn, jockey Victor Espinoza asked American Pharoah for a quick burst of speed, and as usual he obliged. Within a matter of strides, American Pharoah effortlessly grabbed the lead and waved goodbye to the field.

The official winning margin was a deceiving two-and-a-quarter lengths as Keen Ice rallied through the stretch to finish second. American Pharoah crossed the finish line under wraps and could have won the Haskell by the length of the stretch. Instead, Espinoza wisely made sure American Pharoah didn’t overextend himself, gearing the champ down approaching the wire.

The 60,000-plus in attendance weren’t at Monmouth Park to watch a horse race. They were there to witness living, breathing history. If American Pharoah, now a winner of eight consecutive races, remains sound and healthy, fans will have just one or two more opportunities to watch this brilliant racehorse strut his stuff on the track.

Following the Haskell, Baffert said, “As a trainer, you wait your whole life to get one like this.”

It’s fair to assume that many in attendance at Monmouth Park were hardcore racing fans, a legion of racing aficionados, who like Baffert, have waited a lifetime for a horse like American Pharoah. It’s also safe to say that American Pharoah’s popularity is introducing much-needed new fans to horse racing.