American Pharoah, ridden by Victor Espinoza, pulls away and wins the 147th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 6, 2015 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) American Pharoah, ridden by Victor Espinoza, pulls away and wins the 147th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 6, 2015 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

OCEANPORT, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — American Pharoah has won his first race since winning the Triple Crown in June.

Thousands of fans gathered for the Haskell Invitational, cheering for their beloved horse as he took the lead, WCBS 880’s Ginny Kosola reported.

American Pharoah, who is owned by Teaneck resident Ahmed Zayat, did what many Triple Crown champions have done throughout history — win the first race after victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

With a large crowd cheering him on at Monmouth Park, American Pharoah came around the final turn and then took off from the field and cruised to a 2 1/4-length victory under jockey Victor Espinoza without any urging.

“He did it again!” Jack Dolan exclaimed after traveling form Philadelphia to see the race.

Janice McDonald of Middletown, N.J. says it was worth every minute of a long day at the racetrack.

“I’ve been a racing fan forever — this was the greatest day day of my life,” McDonald said. “He runs like a charm, he has my heart. I could be brought to tears I’m so happy.”

American Pharoah swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes to become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. After a 57-day break, the 3-year-old colt looked better than ever in winning his eighth consecutive race.

Sent off at odds of 1-10, American Pharoah became the shortest price in the 48th running of the Haskell, returning $2.20 for a $2 win bet.