IT wouldn't be a classic American story if there wasn't some ‘over the top' action.
Owners of Triple Crown-bound American Pharoah have filed for several trademarks relating to the three-year-old who will be attempting to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
Zayat Stables filed six trademarks, including “American Pharoah Triple Crown” and “American Pharoah Champion Racehorse”.
Sound a tad silly? We think so, but it wouldn't be American racing if it didn't involve some form of entertainment off the track. American Pharaoh is the short-priced favourite to win the third and final leg of the Triple Crown at Belmont on June 6, a feat that has been described as impossible by modern racing pundits.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime horse and he is a true champion,” Zayat Stables owner Ahmed Zayat said.
Perhaps Zayat is forgetting Affirmed won in many people's lifetimes, but we can forgive the owner for wearing blinkers and getting excited about his runner.
“With the possibility of making history, it is my duty to protect his legacy,” he said.
Despite the fact American Pharoah isn't vying to make history — there have been 11 Triple Crown winners in history already — it is a short $1.80 favourite at Australian bookie Sportsbet.com.au to win and there doesn't appear to be any strong competition.
The trademark filings are in place to protect it from being used on everything from T-shirts, hats, jewellery, bumper stickers, calendars, photographs, clothing and wristbands without permission.
Connections can see the value in not only the horse, but also the brand. They have already sold the breeding rights to Coolmore Stud earlier this month, but a confidentiality agreement was signed so the sale price is unknown.
It is understood Coolmore will pay more if it wins the Belmont Stakes.
Updated Belmont Stakes market
American Pharoah – $1.80
Frosted – $6.50
Materiality – $7
Mubtaahij – $12
Carpe Diem – $15
Madefromlucky – $17
Tale Of Verve – $21
Keen Ice – $26
Conquest Curlinate – $26
Frammento – $34