Churchill crowd shows its appreciation for American Pharoah

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – American Pharoah was publicly celebrated for the first time since he became the first horse to complete the Triple Crown in 37 years when Churchill Downs held a parade and tribute in his honor Saturday night between races.

With throngs of fans seemingly capturing his every move with their cellphone cameras, American Pharoah was paraded on the track and in the paddock for about 30 minutes before being led into the winner’s circle soon after the Grade 3 Regret Stakes, the sixth of 11 races, was run. Shortly after a phalanx of photographers and cameramen took their shots with all the colt’s connections standing behind him – and owner-breeder Ahmed Zayat gave the colt a couple of kisses smack on the muzzle – American Pharaoh was led back to the barn to a final round of applause.

Then came presentations of the engraved Kentucky Derby trophies to owner-breeder Ahmed Zayat, trainer Bob Baffert, and jockey Victor Espinoza.

Baffert, a Hall of Fame trainer and four-time Derby winner, told the crowd: “I’ve enjoyed all my Derby winners, but this Triple Crown … tonight is such a special night.” In parting, he said: “I would like to hear one more roar for this horse before I leave town,” and the crowd gladly responded with one.

Zayat, surrounded by family members, said: “This is an awesome feeling. American Pharoah is a special, special, special animal. I am proud and privileged. He is the horse of America!”

American Pharoah will continue to train daily at Churchill through Wednesday morning before being flown to Baffert’s home base in California on Thursday. Baffert and his family were scheduled to return home Sunday.