NEW YORK (AP) — It was a party racing has been waiting 37 years to throw.
Jubilant fans cheered on American Pharoah Saturday as he pulled ahead down the final stretch, jumping and hugging as the bay colt crossed the finish line and rode into history with the Triple Crown spectators have waited more than three decades to witness again.
“I feel like I was honestly a part of history today,” said New York City resident Zach Witkoff, 22, who last year left Belmont Park dejected after California Chrome’s failed bid at one of sport’s most elusive feats. “I think all the fans felt that way.”
The 90,000 in attendance hugged one another and slapped hands after the bay colt won the rare honor. Some held up phones in the air, trying to capture history.
As American Pharoah rounded the curve into the final stretch, their roar grew and drinks spilled and splashed as he approached the finish line and finally won by 5 ½ lengths.
“I’m overwhelmed right now,” said Kirk Krininger of New Albany, Indiana, after the race. “I’ve been to the Belmont several times, been waiting for this and just can’t even believe it. Just an exhilarating experience.”
A beaming Penny Chenery, the owner of the 1973 Triple Crown champion horse Secretariat, said simply: “I’m thrilled.”
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