Racing rarity: 90,000 Belmont bets on American Pharoah uncashed

NEW YORK -- Souvenirs, everyone?

A $2 ticket on American Pharoah to win the Belmont Stakes may be worth a lot more money later than now. Or, people are hanging on to their own little piece of horse racing history.

Two days after American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, more than 95 percent of those who spent two bucks on a win ticket have yet to cash them.

Of the 94,128 $2 win wagers placed on American Pharoah from Friday until Saturday's Belmont, 90,237 (nearly 96 percent) remain live - uncashed - according to figures released Monday by AmTote International.

AmTote handles the wagering system for the New York Racing Association, which operates Belmont Park, Aqueduct and Saratoga.

For the 3,891 who cashed their $2 win tickets as of Monday, they received $3.80.

And for those still considering what to do, your deadline is March 31, 2016, or the money is returned to the state.

American Pharoah joined the exclusive club of Triple Crown winners Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed.

Owner Ahmed Zayat told CBS News' Michelle Miller that American Pharoah was a champion without all the bluster.

"He's as sweet as a horse you'll ever come by," Zayat said. "You could bring kids up to him, and he'll just put his head on them. He knows who he is. I call him a humble champion."