Victor Espinoza, the jockey who rode American Pharoah to a Triple Crown victory Saturday, June 6 at the Belmont Stakes, is celebrating his history making win by donating 100 percent of his earnings to Los Angeles based cancer research organization, City of Hope.
“At the wire I was like, ‘I cannot believe I did it,’” Espinoza said. “I (won) the Triple Crown race now, but I didn’t make any money, because I donated my money to the City of Hope.”
Together, American Pharoah and Espinoza ended a 37 year drought for the coveted Triple Crown, with American Pharoah becoming one of only 11 horses in history to win.
For years Espinoza has donated 10 percent of his earnings to City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Espinoza continues his support, but this time with 100 percent of his winnings from his Triple Crown victory.
City of Hope said in a statement: “City of Hope is deeply grateful for the support of Victor Espinoza and for his continuing efforts to raise awareness of our groundbreaking scientific research and our lifesaving, patient-focused care. We are extremely pleased to be able to congratulate him and American Pharaoh for their remarkable accomplishment in winning the Triple Crown.”
