Racing Leaders: Triple Crown Would Lift Sport

Many horse racing leaders believe that if American Pharoah wins the Triple Crown there will be an opportunity for the sport, but work will be needed to fully take advantage of the event.

The idea that racing will have to work to capitalize on a Triple Crown winner, if it becomes reality, was expressed by several responders when a cross-section of industry leaders was asked what the first Triple Crown sweep since 1978 would mean for the sport. 

American Pharoah will try to become racing's 12th Triple Crown winner with a victory in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday, June 6 at Belmont Park.

Trainer Bob Baffert, Racing Hall of Famer who conditions American Pharoah

"The last time it happened it was 37 years ago and we lived in this totally different world. Now with social media and the way things get around now, who knows (what the reaction will be)... I think a lot has to do with what he does in his next start (after the Belmont Stakes)... If Secretariat lived today, (the amount of coverage) would just be incredible. So I think that nobody knows the answer to (the impact). First he has to do it, which is not going to be easy...

"I think if it does happen, it's going to be very important that his next races are well thought of and I think people will really want to pick them up. The fans will want to watch him run and get a close look at him. I can tell that at Churchill Downs (while preparing for the Belmont), the crowds—just to watch him train—are coming from all over the place; that's just to see him gallop and train in the morning... They're thinking, 'Well maybe this is the one, the great horse,' and they want to get close to him.

Alex Waldrop, National Thoroughbred Racing Association president and chief executive officer

"Short-term we will see much greater mainstream media exposure for a superstar horse whose athletic achievement transcends the sport. Long-term it is hard to gauge the impact. It will require careful planning and diligent execution for the industry to fully capitalize on a Triple Crown winner. Best case, after a winning trip on Saturday, American Pharoah will continue to train and win for months, if not years, which will magnify his impact."

Bill Thomason, Keeneland president and chief executive officer

"A Triple Crown winner would raise awareness of racing by capturing the attention of non-traditional media and a segment of the audience who may have never noticed horse racing. That exposure could create new fans and in some, kindle an interest to chase their own dream and invest in a horse. It will be up to racing, though, to take advantage of this moment in history and use it to create long-term, positive opportunities for growth."

Penny Chenery, owner of Triple Crown winner Secretariat

"I'm sure a Triple Crown winner would raise our profile temporarily. The Triple Crown brings out the instinct to root for something that hasn't been done, and so we get temporarily a lot of attention...

"I guess the idea of something that has been out of reach (is the attraction). People like records and outstanding feats, and it just catches their eye that it's been, what, 37 years since this has been accomplished? And they think, 'Wow, that's interesting.' Why is that? If we had a Triple Crown winner every other year, they wouldn't look up."

Michael Beychok, National Handicapping Championship winner

"An American Pharoah Triple Crown win means more new eyes on horse racing. Competition for 'eyes' or fans among sports or entertainment has never been keener or more intense. Horse racing can reap huge benefits by attracting new viewers to the sport with an American Pharoah win. The effects will trickle down to all facets: handle, attendance, TV ratings, and the growing handicapping contest niche."

John Sikura, president of Hill 'n' Dale Farm

"I hope this horse wins the Triple Crown. I think it would be great for horse racing. Despite some sentiment toward changing the Triple Crown, I think it shouldn't be changed. I feel strongly that it should be reserved for great horses... Unique achievements in sport attract people, whether it's hitting .400 in baseball or Jack Nicklaus winning all of those majors in golf... With the Triple Crown on the line, the whole world is focusing on our business. That's a good thing!"

Jim Hill, co-owner of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew

"I think it would be great if we had another Triple Crown winner. It would be terrific for racing. It would stimulate a lot more interest. Certainly this colt has done everything they've asked of him. You know, it's an amazing trip that he's had... and if he's good enough, it'll be terrific for racing.

"I see the racetracks almost de-emphasizing the best horses and the racing, and worrying more about getting the 13th race on the book; getting enough horses so that they get good handle. I would hope that they would use not only American Pharoah but the other really good horses to try and stimulate interest in racing itself. They certainly haven't demonstrated that in the past; in the recent past anyway."

Billy Turner, trainer of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew

"It's the major event that we have to offer, and it, the Triple Crown, catches the public's eye. A Triple Crown winner will develop new fans for life in the industry. There's no question about it... I think (racing) is prepared to (promote a Triple Crown win). If the situation comes along, I think they'll do a whole lot better job... We need another star, and we haven't had a star for awhile. I think they'll work it out. I really do."

Corey Johnsen, Kentucky Downs president

"A Triple Crown winner equals more mainstream media coverage which equals more interest in horse racing which equals more attendance, mutuel handle, and purses at North American racetracks."