This story is free to read.

Triple Crown winner American Pharoah wins Haskell in return

Women wear colorful hats as they wait in the stands at Monmouth Park before the Haskell Invitational horse race that will feature Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, in Oceanport, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) Women wear colorful hats as they wait in the stands at Monmouth Park before the Haskell Invitational horse race that will feature Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, in Oceanport, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

By Associated Press August 2, 2015 1 min read

OCEANPORT, N.J. (AP) – American Pharoah turned on the speed in the stretch and easily won the $1.75 million Haskell Invitational on Sunday in his first race since sweeping the Triple Crown.

With a large crowd cheering him on at Monmouth Park, American Pharoah came around the final turn and then took off from the field and cruised to a 2 1/4-length victory under jockey Victor Espinoza without any urging.

American Pharoah swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes to become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. After a 57-day break, the 3-year-old colt looked better than ever in winning his eighth consecutive race.

Sent off at odds of 1-10, American Pharoah became the shortest price in the 48th running of the Haskell, returning $2.20 for a $2 win bet.