CALIFORNIA, USA (AFP) — Triple Crown star American Pharoah won the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in Kentucky in devastating style yesterday to cement his legacy as a thoroughbred great.

The bay colt that became the first horse in 37 years to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes dominated the US$5-million Classic, his final race before retirement.

With Victor Espinoza again aboard, American Pharoah broke cleanly and quickly seized a lead he would never relinquish. A 1 1/2-length lead going into the final turn swelled as Espinoza urged him home to a 6 1/2- length victory over Effinex that sent tens of thousands in the stands into a frenzy.

Honor Code was third.

American Pharoah won nine of 11 career starts, earning a total of $8,650,300.

“This was for Pharoah,” said trainer Bob Baffert, choking up as he had in interview after interview this week at the thought of the prized horse leaving his barn.

“I wanted him to go out the champion that he is.”