American Pharoah to race again, owner says

Triple Crown winner American Pharoah will get another chance to race before being retired, with the goal the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic next month.

Owner Ahmed Zayat, an Orthodox Jew, says that racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner and first in 37 years remains in top form after his loss to Keen Ice in the Travers following eight straight victories.

“The champ deserves another chance!” Zayat writes in a tweet.

1/2 I have decided to continue to race American Pharoah! The champ deserves another chance! @JustinZayat

— Ahmed Zayat (@jazz3162) September 3, 2015

After the Travers, an emotional Zayat was leaning against running again. He said his “gut feeling” was retirement.

But after a four-hour meeting with trainer Bob Baffert, assistant Jimmy Barnes, jockey Victor Espinoza and his son and racing manager Justin Zayat, the owner decided to move forward.

“I have discussed all aspects of American Pharoah’s race last Saturday in the Travers — and his condition since the race — with our whole team,” Zayat says in a statement. He is now pointing to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

— AP