ELMONT, N.Y. (WTXL)-- American Pharaoh wins Belmont Stakes, earning the colt the Triple Crown and a spot in record books on Saturday.
It was in 1978 that Affirmed won all three races; Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and the Belmont. But in the 37 years no other horse has been able to win the Triple Crown. Saturday, American Pharaoh followed in Affirmed's path becoming the 12th Triple Crown Winner.
American Pharaoh held a strong lead, running away from seven rivals. And even though the highly favored colt didn't have a great start at the gate he never slowed, widening his lead to 2:26.65. This is the quickest time in Belmont Stakes since 1992.
Steered by Victor Espinoza, American Pharaoh beat second place finisher Frosted by 5 1/2 lengths, just three weeks after a rainy race in the Preakness and five weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
American Pharaoh's victory wasn't just shared with Jockey Victor Espinoza, but for trainer Bob Baffert. Baffert has been training horses to win the Triple a crown for 18-years.
For 43-year-old Espinoza, this was his bird stab at the crown. Espinoza is the first native of Mexico to achieve the honor. He is a former rider on War Emblem and California Chrome last year.
This is American Pharaoh's seventh victory in six different racetracks.
