Speaking via a teleconference held by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the connections from each of the Triple Crown winners of the 1970s weighed in on the memories of joining horse racing’s most prestigious club, while also commenting on American Pharoah’s chance to become a member this year.

The esteemed speakers included Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat (1973); Jim Hill, DVM, co-owner of Seattle Slew (1977); Patrice Wolfson, co-owner of Affirmed (1978); jockeys Ron Turcotte (Secretariat), Jean Cruguet (Seattle Slew), and Steve Cauthen (Affirmed); and trainer Billy Turner (Seattle Slew).

All agreed that a successful bid by American Pharoah to win the Belmont Stakes on June 6 and become horse racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner would inject interest and vitality in the sport among popular culture.

"It will be great for racing," commented Cauthen. "This attempt by American Pharoah has the chance to create lifelong fans for racing, as it did when each of us won our respective races in the Triple Crown series