Justify back at Churchill as fans bask in glory

Triple Crown winner Justify returned to Churchill Downs for a little rest Monday, arriving just before a thunderstorm and greeted by camera-clicking fans intent on getting a shot of horse racing’s newest superstar.

A crowd watched the chestnut colt with a white blaze exit a van after a midday flight from Islip, New York.

Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes walked Justify outside Barn 33. He said the horse traveled well and will be “just taking it easy” for a few days before this weekend’s celebration.

“He’ll walk at least the next three days, as long as he’ll allow us to,” Barnes said. “Then we’ll see which direction we need to head as far as training.”

Justify became the 13th Triple Crown champion with Saturday’s 1 ¾-length victory in the Belmont Stakes that improved him to 6-0 lifetime. His milestone run follows that of 2015 champion American Pharoah.

Baffert, jockey Mike Smith and Justify’s owners will receive engraved trophies for winning the Kentucky Derby during Saturday night’s card. The track said details for honoring Justify were still being worked out.

“There’s been tremendous buzz,” spokesman Darren Rogers said. “It’s great to have him on the grounds. And, let’s face it, there’s going to be tremendous excitement this year with the Breeders’ Cup being at Churchill Downs (Nov. 2-3).”

GARRY JONES — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Triple Crown winner Justify stops for photos as he is led around the paddock for fans at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday. At right is groom Eduardo Luna and at left is assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes.