Belmont Stakes 2015: Examining American Pharoah's Results and Place in History

The longest Triple Crown drought in horse racing history came to an end on Saturday, as American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes by a commanding 5 ½ lengths to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont.  

The historical magnitude of the event transcended thoroughbred racing, causing excitement throughout the sports world and popular culture in general. American Pharoah's victorious romp earned him a spot on the front page of the New York Post, bumping aside the NBA and NHL finals:

Jordan Burroughs, 2012 gold medalist and arguably the finest freestyle wrestler in the world, was caught up in the excitement:

Legendary St. Louis Cardinals shortstop and Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith also took to the Twitterverse to express his enthusiasm over the big event:

There are few things sweeter for a sports fan than seeing history made. So it should come as no surprise that the stately American Pharoah has captured the imaginations of so many.

For the 2:26 that the horse took to cover the Belmont track, he treated fans to the spectacle of pure sport. Oblivious to the heavy weight of history hanging over the event, American Pharoah ran with everything he had, simply for the joy of running and for the thrill of running at the head of the pack. 

And now his name is entered forever in the records of immortal horses alongside the other 11 who previously won the Crown. His name will sit beside such legends as Sir Barton, War Admiral, Secretariat and Seattle Slew. 

To be one of just a dozen in history is rare ground for any athlete in any sport.

For a brief moment, at the start of the race, it looked as if history might be thwarted, as American Pharoah broke slow from the gate. But he took the lead by the first pole and would never relinquish it, holding off a brief rally by runner-up Frosted before pulling away in the home stretch.

Once he took the lead, an already-confident Victor Espinoza was sure he would win. The jockey told Joe Drape of the New York Times: "He was right in the lead where I wanted to be, in front of everybody." 

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

It was a history making day for Espinoza as well. At 43, he became the oldest jockey ever to win the Triple Crown and the first jockey from Latin America to do so. Twice before Espinoza had come to Belmont as the winning jockey at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness only to have his hopes dashed on the long oval in New York. 

For American Pharoah trainer Bob Baffert it was four times the charm. In 1997 and 1998, he won at the Derby and Preakness with Silver and Real Quiet, only to come in second with both horses at Belmont. In 2002 he won the first two legs again, with War Emblem, only to finish out of the money at Belmont.

But in American Pharoah, trainer and jockey found a horse whose greatness couldn't be denied. Since finishing a disappointing fifth in his first race in August 2014, the bay colt has won seven straight races with only the Kentucky Derby finish a close one.

With the Triple Crown now on his resume, American Pharoah can look forward to earning over $30 million in stud fees. But the superstar horse might not be done thrilling fans just yet.

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Owner Ahmed Zayat told ESPN on Sunday: "I've already sold the breeding rights, but it is my genuine desire, as a fan, as someone who loves horses, to race him as long as I possibly can."

So while history has already been made, the ride will continue for a little while longer.