American Pharoah has special place in Derby fans’ hearts (The Associated Press)

American Pharoah’s journey to racing history a year ago spurred Richie Columbus to make his first trip to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Until Pharoah, horse racing typically drew his attention just once a year, when Columbus watched the Derby on TV. ”It pretty much brought us here today,” he said while heading to the Churchill Downs infield.