Arcadia, United States - Star actress Julia Roberts was among the admirers who turned out Thursday as American Pharoah -- the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown -- returned in triumph to California.
After a flight from Kentucky and a police escort from the airport to Santa Anita race track, the bay colt descended regally from a van emblazoned "Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah" to receive a treat and a pat on the head from trainer Bob Baffert.
"It's great to have him back home," Baffert said as American Pharoah settled back into his digs at Santa Anita's barn after a historic five-week run in which he became the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
Baffert said he was still coming to terms with the feat -- achieved by only 12 horses.
"Honestly, winning the Triple Crown is bigger than anything I could've imagined," the silver-haired trainer said.
"I figured it would be kind of like winning the Kentucky Derby. -- that things would quiet down after a few days.
"But this is just getting bigger and bigger. We had helicopters following from the airport and I thanked the guys with the Arcadia Police Department.
"It's just tremendous and we're so fortunate to have a great horse like this."
American Pharoah is scheduled for a non-racing public appearance at Santa Anita on the track's Gold Cup day on June 27.
But owner Ahmed Zayat has said the three-year-old will race again in 2015.
If all goes well he could run in the Breeders' Cup Classic, which will be held this year at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.
AFP
