International Reaction to American Pharoah's Triple Crown

It was a fantastic training and riding performance by Bob Baffert and Victor Espinoza. More importantly, it was the best possible result for American racing, with American Pharoah dominating the front page of national newspapers and the headlines on TV news shows. It was big news here in Ireland too, proving that, while elusive, the American Triple Crown retains its global appeal. 

– Brian Kavanagh, Horse Racing Ireland 

There is a good reason why it has taken 37 years for another Triple Crown winner. We were waiting for a horse with the class to match the previous winners. 

– Teddy Grimthorpe, Juddmonte 

A horse from a different world. The way he accelerated was breathtaking. It is a gift to the world of racing and breeding to have a Triple Crown winner. 

– Andreas Jacobs, Newsells Park 

I think the whole world is celebrating the fact that America has produced another Triple Crown winner. The racing world needs heroes and American Pharoah is certainly that. It will be interesting for us as South Africans to hear what Mike de Kock has to say about the quality of the horses in the field. It's a great pity that due to our quarantine restrictions we cannot run our horses against yours more often. 

– Gaynor Rupert, Drakenstein Stud 

Last Saturday was incredible for international racing, not least to see John Gosden and Frankie Dettori win their second Derbies (congratulations to connections), but American Pharoah was a true hero for the world of Thoroughbred racing taking the Triple Crown like a true champion and now a legend. 

– Brian Meehan, UK-based trainer 

American Pharoah's brilliant success in the Belmont on Saturday was a triumph not only for his connections, but also for American racing. To have an outstanding hero and the first to achieve Triple Crown success in 37 years gives the sport of horse racing in the U.S. exactly the positive boost that was required after the often negative publicity of recent years. There are issues still to be addressed, but it is great to have a true champion and let's appreciate it. 

– James Wigan, London Thoroughbred Services 

It's great for any sport when champions are making front page news. American Pharoah has done this and is a wonderful ambassador for racing. His looks, speed and versatility will keep him there for a long time. 

– Chris Waller, Australian-based trainer