LITTLE ROCK -- Visit Hot Springs printed 25,000 trading cards Thursday at Arkansas Graphics in Little Rock in tribute to Triple Crown contender American Pharoah.
The cards will be distributed at Oaklawn Park on June 6 during the Belmont Stakes simulcast.
Before a crowd of more than 67,000 on April 11, the Bob Baffert-trained thoroughbred won the $1 million Arkansas Derby, one start after his win in the track's $750,000 Rebel Stakes on March 14. The star runner of Zayat Stables then went on to win the first two jewels in the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby on May 2 and the Preakness Stakes on May 16. A win at Belmont Park would make him the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
"Printing went smoothly today and we're hoping they will be delivered by Monday," Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said Thursday. "I have over 100 self-addressed envelopes on my desk right now, so you could say a few people want one of these cards."
Arrison said whatever cards are not given out on race day at Oaklawn will return to the office at Visit Hot Springs and can be picked up as long as the cards last.
Those interested in receiving a card may send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: American Pharoah Card, Visit Hot Springs, 134 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs, AR, 71901.
Local on 05/29/2015