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King colt: Triple Crown winner American Pharoah rules horse racing

Sports

King colt: Triple Crown winner American Pharoah rules horse racing

Horse racing hasn’t had it this good in years, and it isn’t hard to figure out why. The sport’s reigning superstar and it’s first Triple Crown champion in 37 years is wrapping up preparations to run Saturday in the nationally televised Travers Stakes at Saratoga in New York in what is likely to be his next-to-last race. The sport’s biggest events — the Triple Crown races, the Breeders’ Cup Classic and a handful of others — are as big as ever.

People like to see greatness and they know American Pharoah’s got the goods. They also know they won’t get many more chances to see him.

Howard Sudberry, the marketing director at Arlington Park in Chicago

Jockey-turned TV commentator Jerry Bailey says it’s been years since he’s this sort of buzz around horse racing. What’s especially unique is how American Pharoah has kept fan’s attention, Bailey says. Racing wants to make sure the benefits don’t disappear when American Pharoah goes out to stud.