Louisville, KY (June 6, 2015) – Several changes recognizing the historical achievement of American Pharoah as Thoroughbred racing’s 12th Triple Crown Champion will be unveiled at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Multiple banners and displays congratulating the most recent Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes victor are now for public consumption, including one located on the exterior of the Museum’s main entrance.
“American Pharoah is a special, special Horse, and has cemented himself as a legend in Thoroughbred racing,” Museum President Lynn Ashton said. “We’re thrilled to recognize his achievements to all of our guests and share in the celebration of our latest Triple Crown Champion.”
The public is invited to formally send their congratulations to the American Pharoah team by signing large cards that will be shipped to owner/breeder Ahmed Zayat, trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinoza. The card will be available inside the Museum’s lobby Tuesday, June 9 and Wednesday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Video of American Pharoah’s race is also available in the Warner L. Jones, Jr. Time Machine, joining Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, War Admiral and others in the elite Triple Crown category. The case on display formerly home to the Triple Crown Trophy has been updated, congratulating American Pharoah on his unique accomplishment.
Other changes in the works include the addition of an American Pharoah Kiosk alongside fellow Triple Crown Champions on the first floor, a banner representing American Pharoah’s silks hung in the center of the Great Hall and video of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes running in a loop in the Capture the Moment exhibit inside the lobby. In addition, all artifacts on display related to any Triple Crown Champion will receive a special label commemorating the achievement.
Thoroughbred racing fans waited 37 years for its next hero and got it in 2015 as American Pharoah became the 12th Triple Crown Champion. Three generations of people were either very young or not even born when Affirmed became the last Triple Crown Champion in 1978. To add perspective, there is the same amount of Triple Crown Champions as men who have walked on the moon. Congratulations to the American Pharoah team for providing a truly historic moment that will resonate for generations.
