American Pharaoh, the horse who won the coveted Triple Crown, by taking the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, races into the history books.
Now many in the horse racing industry are hoping the media bonanza surrounding the big win will translate into new fans for the sport.
Kevin McKathan, of McKathan farms in Ocala, was one of American Pharaoh’s first trainers.
He said the horse showed promise from the very start. McKathan believes the horse could spark new interest in the sport, which has seen declines in attendance over the years.
"Hopefully, we get a new fan base. People who don't even know about it. You know, they'll fall in love with this horse," McKathan said.
At Ocala Breeder Sales, where they offer off track betting, the hope is the same.
Howard Ostrom, the GM of the betting palace, said horse tracks across the country, are having to compete with internet betting, casinos and other gambling venues.
Still, he believes American Pharaoh’s fame will create the first 4-legged-sports hero since a horse named Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978.