In the immortal words of John Cena, "the champ is here!" Around noon time Sunday afternoon, trainer Bob Baffert gave the ok that Triple Crown champion; American Pharoah would contest the Travers Stakes. The wait was over, the greatest horse in over 35 years confirmed he would race at the greatest racetrack in the world. The hype that surrounded Saratoga Springs the past month had come true! Not since 1978, would a three year old who won the Triple Crown make an appearance in the Mid-Summer's Derby. Everything I thought couldn't come true, has.
Being around this sport for nearly thirty years, I've seen it's share of ups and downs. But one thing was constant. The aura of Saratoga and it's direct correlation with history. A race meet which was short with stature. Where only the best thoroughbreds would come to race. A place deep with history of the sport. The ultimate showcase for the equine runner. Yes, Saratoga Racecourse was the place to be in the middle of summer.
Like I said before, the heyday of racing was at it's peak during the 70's. By the time I got interested in it, those days had faded fast. But, at Saratoga they only got bigger and improved. The addition of the picnic area in 1983, it made the flat track the place to be for families to come. The crowds from downstate now flocked to upstate New York for a month in the sun and a turn back in time. The "Summer Place to Be" it was dubbed. My memories of thirty years have been many, but the events of today are even bigger on a wider scope.
Back in the day, media was just in print or on radio and television. Today, social media is king with the internet. Events happen live and to the second. This makes American Pharoah's presence here at Saratoga even bigger. Something thoroughbred has been lacking for many years. The excitement that this horse has generated since his Kentucky Derby win three months ago has done such good for the sport that is sorely needed. The chances of him winning the Triple Crown were slight, but the potential was there. He proved to be that horse. His most recent victory in the Haskell Stakes showed that he was truly one of the greats.
Now today here, He'll show the world just what kind of an animal he truly is. On a local stage, American Pharoah will not disappoint his legion of fans. No "graveyard of favorites" today, this horse is too good! It's just another stepping stone to immortality. This is script all fans of thoroughbred racing wanted. To see the greatest horse of our time, race at the greatest racetrack in the world. History has already been made, the result will have the masses talking for decades.
If you are one of the lucky ones to be there in person this afternoon, remember all the great horses who stood on track at this historic place. History and making history always rules a sporting event. You will be a part of something special. You can tell your grandkids about it. It's an event, a special time to see a great competitor. While I sometimes tend to down play such things, especially in today's environment. I will not this time! Saturday, August 29th 2015 will be remembered as a once and a lifetime day at the old Spa. A day that racing's greatest athlete made an appearance at racing's greatest venue. Savior the moment, remember the event, you are part of history. No matter what the outcome.
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