Readers pick American Pharoah for Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in online vote

The first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, American Pharoah won the online reader vote for Sports Illustrated’s 2015 Sportsman of the Year.

The honor is reserved for the “one who embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement,” according to the magazine’s article on Pharoah’s latest win.

The son of Pioneerof the Nile now resides at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Woodford County, where he’s set to begin stallion duties in 2016.

Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and Belmont stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland, earning $8.3 million this year and $8.7 million total.

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Readers pick American Pharoah for Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in online vote."