For nearly four decades, the horse racing world waited anxiously for a champion capable of ending one of the sport’s longest droughts. That champion finally arrived in 2015, when American Pharoah blazed into history by becoming the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown. His speed, stamina, and charisma electrified fans around the globe, turning him into a household name and reminding the world why horse racing is called the “Sport of Kings.”
This is the story of American Pharoah and his unforgettable Triple Crown triumph.
Early Life and Breeding
American Pharoah was foaled on February 2, 2012, at Stockplace Farm in Kentucky. He was bred and owned by Ahmed Zayat of Zayat Stables, a prominent figure in American racing.
- Sire: Pioneerof the Nile – runner-up in the 2009 Kentucky Derby.
- Dam: Littleprincessemma – a mare whose lineage carried both speed and endurance.
Even as a foal, American Pharoah was recognized for his smooth stride and calm temperament. Interestingly, his name came from a fan contest organized by Zayat Stables—though it contained a misspelling of “Pharaoh,” which stuck and became iconic.
Training and Development
American Pharoah was trained by Bob Baffert, one of the most successful trainers in horse racing history. Under Baffert’s careful eye, the young colt developed not only raw speed but also mental maturity.
His regular jockey, Victor Espinoza, became an essential partner, guiding him with a perfect balance of patience and aggression. Together, the pair would go on to make history.
See also: Frankel: The Unbeaten Champion
Racing Style
What made American Pharoah so special was his effortless, fluid stride. Many compared it to gliding—he appeared to move without strain, covering ground with remarkable smoothness. Unlike many racehorses, who rely on late bursts, American Pharoah had the ability to set the pace and sustain it, breaking the will of his rivals long before the finish line.
The Road to the Triple Crown
Before 2015, American Pharoah had already shown flashes of brilliance. He was named the 2014 Champion Two-Year-Old Colt after winning the Del Mar Futurity and the FrontRunner Stakes. However, it was his three-year-old campaign that cemented his place in history.
Kentucky Derby (May 2, 2015)
Run at Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby is the first and most famous leg of the Triple Crown. Facing 17 rivals, American Pharoah started strong, stalked the leaders, and surged ahead in the final stretch to win by one length over Firing Line.
- Margin of Victory: 1 length
- Time: 2:03.02
The dream of a Triple Crown was alive—but many had been disappointed before.
Preakness Stakes (May 16, 2015)
Two weeks later, at Pimlico Race Course, the conditions were dreadful—heavy rain had turned the track into a muddy mess. But American Pharoah relished the slop. Breaking from the rail, he seized the lead early and never looked back, winning by seven lengths in a commanding performance.
- Margin of Victory: 7 lengths
- Time: 1:58.46
Now only the Belmont Stakes stood in his way—a race nicknamed the “Test of the Champion” for its grueling 1½-mile distance.
Belmont Stakes (June 6, 2015)
Belmont Park in New York has broken the hearts of many Triple Crown hopefuls, but not American Pharoah. Roaring out of the gate, he set the pace, controlled the race, and drew away in the stretch to win by 5½ lengths, finishing in 2:26.65—the sixth-fastest Belmont in history.
- Result: First Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978
As he crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in tears, cheers, and celebration. After 37 years of waiting, the drought was finally over.
The Grand Slam of Racing
American Pharoah didn’t stop with the Triple Crown. Later in 2015, he won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, becoming the first horse in history to win the so-called “Grand Slam of American Horse Racing.”
This victory further solidified his status as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Retirement and Stud Career
American Pharoah retired at the end of 2015 with a record of 11 wins in 13 starts and career earnings of $8.6 million.
He began his stud career at Ashford Stud in Kentucky, commanding one of the highest stud fees in the industry. His offspring quickly began making headlines, with many winning graded stakes and showing his trademark smooth stride.
Awards and Honors
- 2015 Horse of the Year
- 2015 Champion Three-Year-Old Male
- Eclipse Award winner
- Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (2021)
American Pharoah wasn’t just a horse—he was a cultural phenomenon. His Triple Crown triumph drew global attention and brought new fans into the sport.
Legacy of American Pharoah
American Pharoah’s place in history is secure. He ended a decades-long drought, inspired millions of fans, and re-energized horse racing in the United States. His name is now mentioned alongside legends such as Secretariat, Affirmed, and Seattle Slew.
More than just a racehorse, he was a symbol of hope and perseverance, proving that greatness often comes when you least expect it.
Conclusion
The story of American Pharoah and the Triple Crown Triumph is one of destiny fulfilled. With breathtaking performances in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, he captured the hearts of fans and etched his name into racing immortality.
American Pharoah didn’t just win races—he restored faith in the possibility of greatness and gave the world a moment of pure sporting magic.
In every sense, American Pharoah will forever be remembered as the horse who brought the Triple Crown back to life.