The question that consumed many racing fans in Saratoga for the past few months was answered in a post to social media by American Pharoah owner Ahmed Zayat Sunday morning.
“Saratoga here we come!!!!!!!” Zayat tweeted.
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The decision to enter American Pharoah in the Travers Stakes was made by trainer Bob Baffert along with Zayat Stables owner Ahmed Zayat and his son, and stable manager, Justin Zayat after a strong morning workout on the main track at Santa Anita in California.
The first Triple Crown winner in 37 years will attempt to become just the second horse to capture the Travers Stakes as well. Whirlaway first accomplished the feat in 1941.
The New York Racing Association said it would raise the purse of the Travers to $1.6 million from $1.25 million if American Pharoah entered the race.
That will make the 146th edition of the Travers, known to some as the fourth jewel of the Triple Crown, the richest race ever run at Saratoga and one of the richest non-Breeders’ Cup races in New York racing history.
Other efforts to bring the 3-year-old colt to Saratoga included a rally broadcast on ESPN on July 25 and a letter from Sen. Chuck Schumer to Ahmed Zayat.
“I’m excited, ” NYRA CEO and president Chris Kay said Sunday afternoon. “This has been a great meet; every day has been special. We could not be more thrilled that American Pharoah is coming to Saratoga. There’s no relief, only excitement.”
Read the full story at Oneida daily dispatch, by David M. Johnson and Jeff Scott
