Story highlights Trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinoza knew early in the race American Pharoah would win

Before the win, the most recent Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978

Baffert and Epsinoza win their first Triple Crowns

(CNN) American Pharoah sat back in the starting gate and when the doors opened he was late. For a moment, for one second out of 146, it didn't look good for the horse who was chasing history.

But the 3-year-old bay colt, bidding to become the 12th horse to win the Triple Crown and the first in 37 years to win it, burst to the front and took control of the small, eight-horse field and his destiny.

The Belmont Stakes was over before anyone watching the race knew. That is except for trainer Bob Baffert. He and jockey Victor Espinoza understood how great their horse is and, even before the Belmont was halfway done, they were certain they were going to win.

"Down the backside he was in his groove and I knew he's a great horse and he was going to do it," Baffert said. "He's just a great horse. It takes a great horse to do (win the Triple Crown)."

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