American Pharoah makes history with Belmont Stakes romp

What a crowning performance!

American Pharoah delivered like a true superstar in the Belmont Stakes, certifying his greatness with a resounding performance that finally snapped the 37-year Triple Crown drought.

The majestic three-year-old was sent straight to the lead at the start and in his customary fashion, ran the competition into the ground. The long-striding colt traveled comfortably throughout, cruising along the massive 1 ½-mile oval with a tangible sense of superiority, and there was never a doubt to the outcome.

His 5 ½-length victory sparked a massive celebration from the packed Belmont Park crowd as American Pharoah became only the 12^th Triple Crown winner.

American Pharoah was awesome.

“Down the backside, he was in his groove, and I knew that if he’s a great horse, he’s going to do it,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He’s just a great horse. It takes a great horse to do it.”

His final time, a stellar 2:26.65, became the sixth fastest in the 147^th history of the Belmont Stakes and American Pharoah recorded the second-fastest final time ever by a Triple Crown winner.

Owned and bred by Zayat Stables, American Pharoah was named the two-year-old -old champion and has won seven straight stakes races.

He simply exudes class.

“He’s a dream come true,” said Baffert, who succeeded after coming up short with three previous Triple Crown hopefuls.

Jockey Victor Espinoza joins the history books after missing in two previous Triple Crown attempts.

And American Pharoah is now legendary.

The 2015 Belmont Stakes proved to be an exceptional day for horse racing.