AP Was There: American Pharoah gives trainer a long-awaited 4th Derby win

Updated Jun. 18, 2020 12:39 p.m. ET

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — More than a dozen thoroughbreds had come up a race short of becoming racing’s first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. American Pharoah ended the 37-year drought in 2015 by winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. His historic quest began with the Derby at Churchill Downs and the following story on thar race was sent May 2, 2015. It is being republished now with the Derby and the Triple Crown season upended by the coronavirus pandemic.