American Pharoah's Historic Run A Boom For Md. Horse Racing
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The nation is still buzzing about American Pharoah's historic run at the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in nearly four decades. It is a boom for the sport, and for horse racing here in Maryland as well.
Marcus Washington has more on the excitement surrounding this incredible colt.
You didn't hear too many people talking about horse racing--that was until American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness here in Baltimore and then the Belmont Stakes, showing the world he is a Triple Crown winner.
Joining the ranks and history books, achieving what only 11--now 12--horses have been able to do in 96 years.
"You could overhear that crowd noise--the 90,000 people screaming--and it was just... we witnessed history," said Tom Mullikin, Sagamore Farms.
In the peace and beauty of Sagamore Farms in Baltimore County, General Manager Tom Mullikin says it was amazing to watch history.
He says the work trainers did with American Pharoah is being done there in hopes of training the next Triple Crown winner.
"There's a whole group of people who will always remember Saturday and where they were when American Pharoah pulled it off," said Mullikin.
And with this Triple Crown win, does this mean we will see more people paying attention to the sport of horse racing?
"Certainly generate a lot of interest. He's on magazine covers. He's on the news. You guys are here talking about horse racing," said Mullikin. "Now is this going to create a buzz throughout the industry and we go back to the 1950s where it's THE sport? I don't think so."
Back in Kentucky, returning to crowds of fans, American Pharoah gets some rest--because owners say he will race again.
"I was shaking. It was so exciting. I couldn't believe it, that we were seeing him right here after all he's done over the past month or two," one woman said.
To truly know what this historic moment means can't be predicted any more than guessing that any of these horses at Sagamore Farms will be the next horse to wear the Triple Crown--but one can always wish.
"Hopefully there is one in the cards for Sagamore Farm. That's why we get up every morning. Who knows? Maybe next year," said Mullikin.
American Pharoah's owners, trainer and jockey all donated their winnings from the Belmont Stakes to charity.
