A slow start from the gate did not deter American Pharoah from becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years Saturday at the Belmont Stakes.
He lead by the first turn and did not relinquish the lead in becoming the 12th Crown winner overall.
American Pharoah was 3:5 odds to win going into the race.
This was owner Bob Baffert's fourth try for a Triple Crown. He fell short previously with Silver Charm, Real Quiet and War Emblem.
Prior to today's race, 13 other horses had won two of the year's three major races and fell short at the Belmont since 1979, according to AP. The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978, the wire service said.
With the win, Pharoah's stud fee (i.e. breeding cost) can be as high as $100 million. If the offspring prove to be as succesful as their father, the stud fee for future generations would rise steadily, according to Time.
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