Inside Air Horse One: American Pharoah leaves Churchill Downs in quest for Triple Crown

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- American Pharoah left Churchill Downs Tuesday in his quest for the Triple Crown. The Kentucky-bred horse will compete against seven others on Saturday at the Belmont Stakes.

He's running to become the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first since Affirmed in 1978.

Crews first packed up equipment at Barn 33 at Churchill Downs before the trip to Louisville International Airport.

“We're loaded and packed and ready to go,” Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes.

Thirteen horses, including American Pharoah, made the hour and 33 minute flight to MacArthur Airport. One at a time, the horses were unloaded and backed into the stalls of ‘Air Horse One.'

“It's a pretty smooth operation,” said Mike Payne, Tex Sutton Forwarding operations manager.

American Pharoah was one of the last horses to board. Payne says it was a purposeful strategy.

“He gets the front seat, front row,” he said.

Payne says the crew has transported many big-name horses, but there hasn't been a winner of the Triple Crown in 37 years. He hopes that will change Saturday.

“We've been down this road numerous times, but we hope it'll happen this year,” said Payne.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer has declared Saturday 'American Pharoah' day in Louisville.

"It's time for a Triple Crown," Fischer said, "and the mighty Pharoah is the horse to do it."

Churchill Downs will broadcast Belmont Stakes live on its big board.

The track is offering a special $24 Belmont Stake Day Box Seat Package on the day of the race. The package includes a box seat, a limited-edition Kentucky Derby 141 T-shirt featuring America Pharoah and an official program.

General admission to Churchill Downs on the day of the race is $3. Gates open at 11:30 Saturday morning.

Post time is 6:50 p.m. Saturday.

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