The energy surrounding the Triple Crown this year was impressive. 'American Pharaoh' was on everyones lips and money, anticipation and pure love for him was in the air. Belmont park was swelling with people hoping to witness a part of history, and that we did. The security tried holding the inner crowd of the paddock back as number 5 was about to enter the tunnel. But the fans, trying to capture the moment on iphones or just get a glimpse of the magnificent animal flooded toward American Pharaoh as the duo made their way to the track. Once the race began, I remember an eerie silence. He was in front. Should he be leading? I thought, is Victor actually holding him back? As they turned for home, the blinding sun was setting behind the galloping silhouettes as the dust and dirt flew in the air. The camera panned out. American Pharaoh was still leading and the crowd exploded with a roar. Everyones inner soul was screaming in awe. American Pharaoh was effortless; his hooves were hardly making contact with the turf. We all just yelled and I cried. He won by a widening 5 ½ lengths and completing the distance in 2:26.65, the sixth-fastest in Belmont history and second-fastest for a Triple Crown winner since Secretariat set the track record of 2:24 in 1973. How special for so many humans to be so proud of one horse. I love these days, when the masses can have love for the horse- to see what these animals are truly capable of. I am in awe of horses everyday, they are my muses. I was truly inspired by this athlete and his accomplishment. I will never forget the feeling of witnessing an event so incredible that it will be remembered for lifetimes to come.
These images are the 8 Belmont Stakes Contenders, moments before entering the tunnel to the racetrack.
