Reflecting on American Pharoah and His Impact

The stars aligned in Lexington Oct. 31 as American Pharoah completed his storybook career that included a sweep of the Triple Crown and attracting a large following of regular and non-traditional horse fans.

Following the colt's impressive romp, the post-race conversation turned to how the Pioneerof the Nile   colt became one of the most successful horses in history. He now retires to Coolmore Stud's Ashford division near Versailles, Ky., as the fourth all-time in purse earnings among all North American-trained horses with $8,650,300 and a record of nine wins and a second from 11 starts.

The Classic win puts American Pharoah behind only Curlin  , Cigar, and Skip Away for career earnings.

In becoming the first horse to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont, and Breeders' Cup Classic (all grade I), American Pharoah attracted a broad following from the general public. A beast on the track, the son of Pioneerof the Nile was a gentle ambassador of racing as owner Ahmed Zayat and trainer Bob Baffert allowed the public close access to their prized Thoroughbred.

"I am very happy for the sport being able to enjoy a horse like American Pharoah go out on a high note," the owner said. "I wish I could bring him back for another year to race and that would be the icing on the cake. But the reality of the sport does not allow us to do that."

Baffert had hoped American Pharoah would be able to deliver one more monster effort.

"I was so worried because I wanted this horse to run well, not only for him but for all the fans of racing who were watching him," Baffert said. "It's an extreme amount of pressure you have when you have a horse like this.

"We realized this spring what an incredible animal he is," Baffert said. "His mechanics are totally different from those of any horse I've ever had. I'll never have another horse like him."

Baffert said he takes responsibility for American Pharoah's defeat to Keen Ice in the Travers Stakes (gr. I) but he would do it again because of the large number of fans who showed up at the track simply because the classic winner was running.

"That was my fault but I would do it again because that was the best day of my career (when) I was watching those fans. That was an incredible few days," Baffert said. "He (owner Zayat) could have put him away after the Triple Crown... but we were ready for all challengers. He's that strong of a horse. He's hickory.

"It's been emotional for us. It's going to be a tough act to follow."

One of the observers at the post-race press conference was none other than Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who thanked Baffert, Zayat, and jockey Victor Espinoza "on behalf of every trainer who gets up and tries to make a living."