Even the name of the title sounds majestic. It is no coincidence that this is the name given to the victory in the three most prestigious competitions. This title exists in many sports, but it originally appeared in horse racing.
In Horse Racing, What Is the Triple Crown?
This term means winning three major competitions. However, they differ in different countries. This practice exists in Great Britain, Australia, and Japan. However, we will consider this topic using the example of the USA.
Definition and Importance
This title is for a three-year-old horse that wins three major competitions in one season. They all have different distances and conditions. So it is quite difficult to do this in a short time. This event usually has some of the highest odds at bookmakers. You can see for yourself at 1xBet. Therefore, only the best horses are awarded this title. For example, after 1948, no horse received this title for 25 years.
History of the Triple Crown
All three events did not appear in one year. All the races included in it were opened at different times. The last to be founded was the Kentucky Derby, but even after that, the trophy was not awarded immediately.
The term itself came into use in 1923, thanks to journalists. The official trophy appeared only in 1950. The first winner is considered to be Sir Barton, who came first in all three stages in 1919.
The Three Races That Make Up the Triple Crown
In the USA, the title implies winning the three races:
- Kentucky Derby (1 1⁄4 miles);
- Preakness (1 3⁄16);
- Belmont (1 1⁄2 miles).
Kentucky Derby – The First Leg of the Triple Crown
This race opens the season. Winning the Derby is very prestigious. That’s why every stable tries to put up their best horses. And great success awaits the winners.
Overview and Significance
The Derby takes place at the Louisville Racetrack. It is no coincidence that this horse racing is included in the Crown. Its popularity in the USA is unimaginable.
Notable Kentucky Derby Winners Who Won the Triple Crown
Every winner deserves a mention. However, the most notable is Secretariat. During the races, he set three-speed records. Incidentally, they have not been broken to this day.
The Role of Churchill Downs in Triple Crown History
This hippodrome is ranked 5th in the US. Its location near the railroad made it easier to transport horses. And very soon, this hippodrome became one of the most prestigious sites.
Triple Crown Winners – A Legacy of Champions
As you can imagine, only outstanding horses have received this title. Therefore, there are not many of them, and each of them deserves to be mentioned.
List of All Triple Crown Winners
Here are 13 horses that immortalized themselves in racing history:
- Sir Barton (1919)
- Gallant Fox (1930)
- Omaha (1935)
- War Admiral (1937)
- Whirlaway (1941)
- Earl Fleet (1943)
- Assault (1946)
- Citation (1948)
- Secretariat (1973)
- Seattle Slew (1977)
- Affirmed (1978)
- American Pharaoh (2015)
- Justify (2018)
Most Famous Triple Crown Champions
We have already mentioned the name of the Secretariat. He impressed the public so much that an eponymous film about him came to life.
The second most famous champion is American Pharaoh. He was known for his calm nature and gentle attitude towards people. This is rare for thoroughbred racehorses.
The latest winner to date, Justify, is the progeny of five title winners. It is not surprising that this horse showed outstanding results from an early age.
The Rarity and Challenges of Achieving the Triple Crown
You can see from the number of winners that this title is a rare occurrence. To win it, a horse must be confident on any surface and over any distance. It is also a really tough job.
Conclusion
All three legs of the Crown are unique and incredible spectacles. And if a horse comes first in all three competitions, it becomes a real event. However, this does not often happen because, in the entire history of the title, only 13 horses have received it. This makes the trophy even more valuable and desirable.
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Which horses have won the Triple Crown?