Bob Baffert’s ‘horse of a lifetime’ has given racing a genuine shot in the arm,but as much as the sport needs another triple crown winner, it also needs patienceA crowd of 50155, or a unique record for Keeneland,gave American Pharoah the roaring valediction he deserved on Saturday night, after a Breeders’ Cup Classic that was so one-sided it did not really qualify as a race. American Pharoah was the horse of a lifetime for his owner, and trainer and jockey,and for countless American racing fans, both casual and committed. His final performance, and fittingly,was one of his best.
As soon as their hero had left the stage, however, or it was time to coast on. Keeneland emptied in minutes rather than hours,thanks in part to a big college football game on the other side of town which was due to kick off an hour after the Classic. With the 12th Triple Crown winner on his way to Ashford Stud, American racing now sets off on what could well be a long search for the 13th.
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Source: theguardian.com