American Pharoah All the Buzz After Belmont Stakes

American Pharoah glides to victory in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday at Belmont Park to become the 12th Triple Crown winner in U.S. racing history. (Photos by Eclipse Sportswire)
After American Pharoah drew clear to a dominant 5 ½-length victory in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, his connections and the connections of the other horses in the race tried to put what they had just witnessed into perspective.
Here is a sampling of quotes from those in the race about American Pharoah’s historic win, which etched his name in the history books as the 12th U.S. Triple Crown winner and the first since Affirmed in 1978.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert after winning the Belmont Stakes with American Pharoah to complete the Triple Crown: “Down the backside, he was in his groove, and I knew that if he’s a great horse, he’s going to do it. He’s just a great horse. It takes a great horse to do it.”
BAFFERT HUGS HIS SON BODE AFTER THE BELMONT

American Pharoah’s jockey, Victor Espinoza: “[I knew we would win] in the first turn. He broke a little step slowly, but in two jumps I was just right on the lead. That's right where I want to be, a length in front of everybody and just steady, steady all the way around. I tell you, I had the best feeling ever when he crossed the first turn.”
ESPINOZA CELEBRATES THE HISTORIC WIN

Dale Romans, trainer of third-place finisher Keen Ice: “It’s an amazing thing to be a part of. Bob Baffert is the greatest trainer of all time. My hat’s off to him. Congratulations to the Zayats.” 
Javier Castellano, who finished sixth in the Belmont aboard Madefromlucky: “American Pharoah was much the best horse in the field. I give him all the credit in the world. We have been waiting 37 years to see this. It’s great for the sport and the fans.” 
VELAZQUEZ

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who finished eighth in the Belmont aboard Materiality: “American Pharoah is a great horse, that’s the only way you can describe him. My horse ran as good as he could but he was done early. The best horse won the race. He’s obviously a great horse to do all the things he’s done, race after race; you have to take your hat off to him.” 
Joel Rosario, rider of runner-up Frosted: “My horse ran great, but the horse everybody expected to win won the race. … It’s exciting because we have not seen this for so long and the winner really looked brilliant.”
Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens, who finished seventh in the Belmont on Tale of Verve: “That’s a hell of a horse. The race was over in the third jump from the gate, it was over. It’s great to come back to a screaming crowd in a happy way instead of booing. It’s a pretty cool moment.” 
2015 BELMONT STAKES