North Jersey's American Pharoah First Triple Crown Winner Since 1978

He had it from the bell.

American Pharoah galloped his way into history at the 147th Belmont Stakes today in New York by winning the third leg of the Triple Crown.

The horse, owned by New Jersey resident Ahmed Zayat, was a 3-5 favorite going into the race. Nearly $7.1 million was bet on American Pharoah to win when Joe Torre called ”races up.”

Bathed in a golden hued late afternoon light and the cheers of an ecstatic and packed grandstand, American Pharoah shot out of the gate and led wire to wire to win the longest of the the Triple Crown races.

Jockey Victor Espinoza, 43, is the oldest jockey to win the Triple Crown.

American Pharoah was a little slow out of the gate but pulled ahead early and never relinquished the lead.

“I feel great. It’s an amazing feeling,” Espinoza said. “He broke a little slow but steady all the way around. I had the best feeling coming out of the first turn.”

Trainer Bob Baffert said he felt “very emotional” following the historic win.

“I didn’t know how I was going to feel,” Baffert said, “now I know.”

Ahmed Zayat’s son Justin, who manages Hackensack-based Zayat Stables, said it was unbelievable. “I can’t believe it happened. It’s amazing.” (See video below)

(Pictured: A screenshot of American Pharoah heading down the stretch at the Belmont Stakes)