American Pharoah transfixed the nation when he brought a 37-year-old Triple Crown drought to a jubilant end last year. Rather than retire him immediately to stud, as is the prevailing wisdom, owner Zayat Stables and trainer, Bob Baffert, sportingly decided to continue to race the extraordinary athlete to the delight of his fans.

Following the Belmont Stakes, there were sold-out crowds at the Haskell and Travers in August and a spectacular grand finale in the Breeders’ Cup Classic where American Pharoah crossing the wire 6 1/2 lengths ahead of the next finisher.