Homeland (American Pharoah) winning his maiden at Belmont Park

Winner Number 19 for American Pharoah

It was an impressive debut winner for American Pharoah on Saturday when GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Bar Of Gold's half-brother Homeland (2c American Pharoah x Khancord Kid, by Lemon Drop Kid) won at Belmont Park going 1 1/16 miles on the turf as the favorite.

Becoming his sire’s 19th winner, the Bill Mott-trained Homeland ran near the back of the field under Junior Alvarado early on. As the field bunched up around the far turn Alvarado moved his mount to the outside to give him clear running room down the stretch. Homeland took full advantage to collar the leader inside the final furlong and win by three quarters of a length for owners Grandview Equine, Cheyenne Stables and LNJ Foxwoods.

Bred by Chester and Mary Broman in New York, Homeland was purchased by Cromwell Bloodstock for $500,000 from the Sequel New York consignment at last year’s Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

A Grade III winner herself, Khancord Kid is the dam of the aforementioned Bar Of Gold and stakes placed Land Mine.

The first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, American Pharoah has already proven to be a top young sire. He leads all First Crop Sires by winners with 19, including four stakes winners and a further five stakes placed horses.