American Pharoah routs Breeders’ Cup Classic rivals
The only horse to claim the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes since Affirmed in 1978, the Bob Baffert-trained three-year-old bounced back from a shock defeat in the Travers Stakes to confirm beyond any doubt his superstar credentials.
There might have been a brief moment when his rivals had a flicker of hope as they closed down the back, but it was just a flicker as he strode away in magnificent fashion when Victor Espinoza got lower in the saddle.
Effinex, a huge outsider, ran a big race to be second, as American Pharoah took a huge chunk off the track record.
In contrast, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Gleneagles never looked happy at any stage on the dirt and came home in his own time when it was clear his chance had gone.
Ahmed Zayat, proud owner of American Pharoah, who retires to Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky, said: “What a horse, the kindest, friendliest, happiest, easiest, most brilliant horse I have ever seen in my life.
“We have been very privileged. We owe American Pharoah everything. He is once in a lifetime.
“This race was only about American Pharoah, we wanted to go out as a winner. He had run so brilliantly for such a long, taxing time.
“I doubt we will ever see a horse who is able to take what he has done, shipping in and out, seven or eight different tracks.
“He just does it all, he runs with his heart. He is a different kind of animal.
“He connects with people, he loves people. I didn’t watch the final eighth, I knew it was done and I got extremely emotional.
“I will let history place him properly, it’s not for me to say.”
Baffert said: “I feel so proud of the horse, but also a sense of relief. After the Travers I was pretty down on myself. I thought he had been doing well enough to win that race.
“But when he is right you saw what he can do. It was very emotional, this horse has brought so much to racing. It’s been a privilege to train him. He gave everyone what they wanted to see today. It’s tough to win here, you need to bring a good horse and be ready.
“He’s probably the greatest horse I’ll be involved with, I’ve never seen anything like him. He is a gift from God.
“I’m just glad the Pharoah goes out as the champ he is. I think he has done enough, he’s proved enough. We’ll miss him – he’s going to be a tough act to follow.”
Espinoza said: “I knew it was his last race and I was ready for it. I didn’t want to take any chances or let anyone get close to me.
“Turning for home I was gone, I was trying to open it up as much as I could. I wanted that wire. He’s one of the best horses I will ever ride.”
O’Brien said of the dual Classic-winning Gleneagles, who has had plans constantly interrupted due to unsuitably soft ground through the summer: “It was a massive ask, and I take my hat off to the lads for letting him run.
“I’ve always thought he was a really good, fast-ground miler and when you consider the things that have happened to him this year, it’s just nice to see him come back safe and sound. He is going straight to stud now.
“He was trained for four other races without running, but let’s take our hat off to the winner – you won’t see many things in your life to rival what he has achieved.
“All in all it has been a great week, and we have no complaints at all.”
