The connections of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) have been honored with the Turf Publicists of America's 2015 Big Sport of Turfdom Award, the TPA announced Tuesday. The award recognizes a person or group of people who enhance coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists. “Team American Pharoah” –led by owner Ahmed Zayat, trainer Bob Baffert, jockey Victor Espinoza and Zayat Stables racing manager Justin Zayat–were dominant winners of the award, which was voted on by the nearly 150 active members of the TPA, a trade organization of Thoroughbred racing publicists and marketing executives.
“Owning and campaigning American Pharoah has been an honor, a privilege and the thrill of a lifetime,” said Ahmed Zayat. “What topped it off was sharing American Pharoah with the fans. Indeed he is America's horse and we are very grateful on behalf of Team Pharoah to accept this prestigious award.”
The Big Sport of Turfdom will be presented at the Race Track Industry Program Awards Luncheon on Dec. 8 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.