American Pharaoh, who became the first horse in 37 years to win thoroughbred horse racing's Triple Crown, spent his early training days at Florida's McKathan Brothers Training Center near Ocala.
The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) staked the Sunshine State's claim soon after the colt's acclaimed victory in the 148th running of the Belmont Stakes Saturday evening.
Until American Pharaoh, there had been only 11 Triple Crown winners in history. America had elected five presidents, fought three wars and lived through at least three economic downturns since Affirmed had last completed the feat in 1978.
FHBPA President Bill White used it as a moment to tout the importance of the industry in Florida and make a political statement. "This is proof positive of the global impact and reach of Florida's prestigious and economically beneficial horse racing industry," White said in a written statement Saturday. "The cheering throngs packing the Belmont Park stands today in New York should underscore to each and every Florida policymaker the monumental importance of what real horse racing is all about."
American Pharaoh won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and went wire-to-wire at the Belmont to win his crown.
The Daily Racing Form reported earlier this year that, before the star colt arrived in trainer Bob Baffert's barn in 2014, Florida's thoroughbred horse racing professionals gave the Triple Crown winner his earliest care and most basic lessons, and were among the first to see that glimmer of promise.
“He always made good grades,” said J.B. McKathan, who with his brother Kevin broke American Pharoah at their training center near Ocala. “He’s like the quarterback.”
Jockey Victor Espinoza, 43, told interviewers later he knew by the "feel" of American Pharaoh in the first turn that this was the horse, this was the time, and the sport was about to have its next Triple Crown winner. The colt won by five and a half lengths.
Espinoza and Baffert both donated their entire purse to charity -- Baffert to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the California Retirement Management Account (for retired racehorses) and Old Friends Farm, a thoroughbred retirement facility; and Espinoza to City of Hope, a California clinical research center.
In the record books, it will say American Pharoah covered the marathon distance in 2 minutes 26.65 seconds, paid his backers $3.50 on a $2 bet and fattened his earnings to more than $4.5 million for his owner, Ahmed Zayat.
The FHBPA, incidentally, represents more than 6,000 thoroughbred racehorse owners and trainers who do business in Florida.
Reach Nancy Smith at nsmith@sunshinestatenews.com or at 228-282-2423. Twitter: @NancyLBSmith
