Riding with Pharoah

Daarik Gray

Herald Staff

sports@harrodsburgherald.com

Hagan Southworth probably didn’t think he’d see a Triple Crown winner anytime soon. He also probably didn’t think he would be on a plane with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah either. But both happened within just a 24-hour span just weeks ago.

Southworth, a 2010 graduate of Mercer County Senior High School, has had an interest in horse racing his entire life. So to watch American Pharoah win the Triple Crown was a dream. To watch him win all three of the legs of the Triple Crown in person, even better.

 “I attended all three legs of the Triple Crown and got to witness the historical accomplishment in person. Something I’ve waited to see my entire life,” said Southworth, who was in the grandstand about 10 yards in front of the finish line for the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown. “I thought he had a great chance to finish it off but the increased distance had ruined so many Triple Crown bids in the previous years. The way he won was so dominant, it really let you sit back and enjoy the moment.”