Triple Crown

The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing includes three horse races for 3 year old thoroughbreds held every year. This is an amazing accomplished for any thoroughbred as the achievement is so rare. 1978 was the last time a horse was able to take the Triple Crown when Affirmed won all three races. While 50 horses have been able to win two of the Triple Crown Races, last in 2008 with Big Brown, only 11 have been able to win the coveted prize.

The Kentucky Derby
The Triple Crown is kicked off on the first Saturday of May in Louisville with the Kentucky Derby. Also known as the “Run for the Roses” because of the garland of roses awarded to the winning horse, the Derby is run on a dirt track at the distance of mile and quarter. The Derby typically includes the largest field of horses in any of the Triple Crown races and also gains the most attention.

The Preakness Stakes
The second leg of the Triple Crown is held at Baltimore’s Pimilico Race Track. The Preakness Stakes, held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, is the shortest of the Triple Crown races at a distance of a mile and 3/16. Like the Derby, the winning horse is draped in a garland of flowers. Instead of roses, the winning horse receives Black –eyed Susan’s for a winning ride around the dirt track at Pimlico.

The Belmont Stakes
Three weeks after the Preakness Stakes, Elmont NY, just outside of New York City, is the site of the final leg of the Triple Crown at Belmont Park. The Belmont Stakes, or the “Run for the Carnations”, is the longest of the three races. At a mile and a half, the Belmont’s final stretch is a true test of a champion as many thoroughbred horses are unaccustomed to the long distance.

Last Winners
Kentucky Derby: Mine That Bird
Preakness Stakes: Rachel Alexandra
Belmont Stakes: Summer Bird

Triple Crown Winners
1978 - Affirmed
1977 - Seattle Slew
1973 - Secretariat
1948 - Citation
1946 - Assault
1943 - Count Fleet
1941 - Whirlaway
1937 - War Admiral
1935 - Omaha
1930 - Gallant Fox
1919 - Sir Barton

For more information on the Triple Crown Races, please visit
Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes websites