Espinoza Q&A: Pharoah, Triple Crown, and Upcoming New York Appearance
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Victor Espinoza celebrates his victory aboard American Pharoah in the Belmont Stakes to complete a sweep of the 2015 Triple Crown. (All photos by Eclipse Sportswire)
Victor Espinoza, who teamed with American Pharoah to win the Triple Crown for the first time in 37 years, will make a special appearance on behalf of Steiner Sports Marketing on Monday, Aug. 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ET at Steiner Sports in New Rochelle, N.Y.
Packages, priced at $199, include two tickets to the Q&A discussion, a photo with the history-making jockey, and a signed 8x10 photograph.
For tickets and more information, visit www.steinersports.com/events. In a warm-up of sorts, Espinoza fielded questions from Tom Pedulla of America’s Best Racing:
Q: Is there any feeling that compares to winning the Triple Crown?
A: Absolutely not. It was the most amazing time, an incredible experience. Winning the Triple Crown after so many years, I will never forget that day.
ARIPLE CROWN TO REMEMBER
Q: When did you know that you would win the Belmont Stakes to complete the sweep?
A: Honestly, as soon as he came out of the gate and pulled a length in front. I knew then that the race was over.
Q: How could you know so soon?
A: It’s all about confidence. I am an individual, but I am also part of a team. Step by step, we’re a team, the horse and myself. And I have confidence in Bob Baffert. The way he trained him before the race was just amazing.
GAME OVER AT THE START
Q: Do you think the Haskell Invitational Stakes, on Aug. 2 at Monmouth Park, will be a difficult race?
A: I always prepare myself to believe each race is going to be tough. I’m not going to say it’s going to be easy, because it’s not, especially with him. Every time American Pharoah runs, he’s always going to be a target.
Q: Have you ever ridden a horse that compares with American Pharoah?
A: They’re all different, but he is special.
Q: What separates him from the rest?
A: What separates him is he won the Triple Crown. To accomplish the Triple Crown, you have to truly be a champion. There are only 12 of them.
Q: Do you think American Pharoah can go through the season undefeated?
A: I just go race by race. I don’t look too far ahead.
Q: Has it finally sunk in that you won the Triple Crown?
A: I don’t really have time to settle down for a minute. I’m still working. I have to think about the next race.
Q: Why did you recently sign an exclusive deal with Steiner Sports Marketing?
A: A lot of people ask for my signature. Wherever I go, they want me to sign things. I try to sign as often as I can, but sometimes I can’t because I am in a hurry. I don’t want them to get upset. I decided this would be the best thing for them and me.
Q: What kind of relationship do you enjoy with your fans?
A: To me, the fans are number one. Without the fans, my job would be boring. They make me a better person and a better rider. I don’t want to disappoint them.
A PHAROAH TALE ENDING