American Pharoah

American Thoroughbred racehorse who became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years and achieved the Grand Slam by winning the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Born on February 2, 2012, at Stockplace Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, this bay colt was sired by Pioneerof the Nile out of the mare Littleprincessemma. His pedigree traced back to notable bloodlines, with his grandsire being Empire Maker, winner of the 2003 Belmont Stakes. Initially named in honor of the great racehorse Secretariat, whose nickname was "Big Red," the colt's name was later changed to American Pharoah due to a spelling variation preferred by his owner Ahmed Zayat. American Pharoah began his racing career under trainer Bob Baffert in 2014, showing immediate promise with victories at Del Mar and FrontRunner Stakes. His two-year-old season established him as a Kentucky Derby contender, setting the stage for his historic three-year-old campaign. Throughout his career, jockey Victor Espinoza formed a partnership that would prove instrumental to his success. The 2015 Triple Crown campaign marked American Pharoah's ascension to racing immortality. He captured the Kentucky Derby by one length on May 2, followed by a commanding seven-length victory in the Preakness Stakes two weeks later. On June 6, 2015, at Belmont Park, he ended American horse racing's longest drought by winning the Belmont Stakes and becoming the sport's 12th Triple Crown winner. His Belmont victory margin of 5½ lengths demonstrated his tactical versatility and stamina. He concluded his racing career with the Breeders' Cup Classic victory in October 2015, retiring with nine wins from eleven starts and earnings exceeding $8.6 million. American Pharoah's Triple Crown achievement revitalized public interest in thoroughbred racing after a 37-year gap since Affirmed's 1978 triumph. His success spawned increased television viewership, merchandise sales, and general enthusiasm for the sport. Following retirement, he began stud duties at Ashford Stud in Kentucky, where his offspring have shown competitive promise on racetracks worldwide, ensuring his genetic legacy continues within thoroughbred breeding programs.

Versatile runner excelling at various distances with strong closing kick

Revitalized interest in horse racing and became cultural icon

• Kentucky Derby Winner 2015
• Preakness Stakes Winner 2015
• Belmont Stakes Winner 2015
• Triple Crown Winner 2015
• Breeders' Cup Classic Winner 2015
• American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse 2015
• American Horse of the Year 2015
• ESPY Award for Best Horse 2015