The 2015 Big Sport of Turfdom Award has been awarded to the connections of American Pharoah, the Turf Publicists of America (TPA) announced by this press release today.

The award recognizing a person or group of people who enhance coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing.

“Team American Pharoah” is led by owner Ahmed Zayat, trainer Bob Baffert, jockey Victor Espinoza and Zayat Stables racing manager Justin Zayat and won in a landslide vote determined by the nearly 150 active members of the TPA, a trade organization of Thoroughbred racing publicists and marketing executives.

American Pharoah established himself as a Thoroughbred legend this spring when he swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes to become racing’s first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Subsequent victories in the Haskell Invitational and versus top older horses in the Breeders’ Cup Classic further enhanced his stature as an all-time great.

“Owning and campaigning American Pharoah has been an honor, a privilege and the thrill of a lifetime,” said Ahmed Zayat. “What topped it off was sharing American Pharoah with the fans. Indeed he is America’s horse and we are very grateful on behalf of Team Pharoah to accept this prestigious award.”

Said Baffert: “The Big Sport of Turfdom is a big deal. I remember getting it the first time and being blown away by all of the really important people that had won it before. It means a lot to be recognized by the publicists because they’re so close to all of the good stories that are out there in racing.”

Said Espinoza: “Thank you to the Turf Publicists for awarding Team Pharoah this honor. It was a great experience to be teamed with such a magical and talented horse and great people. Thank you also to all the members of the media that followed along on our journey making history.”

American Pharoah retired with a record of 11-9-1-0 and earnings of $8,650,300. His historic 3-year-old season brought racing heaps of positive coverage in mainstream media, including massive television ratings for the Belmont Stakes and a Sports Illustrated cover story. The connections appeared on national television in high-profile and unexpected segments.

“Everyone connected with American Pharoah went well beyond typical expectations in accommodating the media and track publicists throughout the year,” said TPA President Jim Mulvihill.

Mulvihill added that the “Team American Pharoah” designation would officially extend to everyone associated with the horse who helped to raise the profile of Thoroughbred racing this year via their interactions with media and publicists, especially: the Zayat, Baffert and Espinoza families; assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes; groom Eduardo Luna; exercise riders Jorge Alvarez, Dana Barnes and Martin Garcia; and jockey agent Brian Beach.

The Big Sport of Turfdom will be presented at the Race Track Industry Program Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, December 8, emceed by Chris Lincoln. It is part of the 2015 Symposium on Racing & Gaming presented by the University of Arizona at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz.