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The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is one of the most coveted achievements in American sports. Comprising three demanding races: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
The series was formally recognized in the 1930s, only a few horses have etched their names into racing immortality by winning all three legs in a single season. These equine athletes have captivated audiences, inspired generations, and demonstrated the pinnacle of equine excellence.
The Triple Test of Champions
To win the Triple Crown, a horse must first conquer the Kentucky Derby, a 1.25-mile race held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby is the series's first leg where fans closely follow every stride.
Two weeks later, the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, demands a blend of speed and stamina over a slightly shorter 1.1875-mile course. Finally, the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York, known as the “Test of the Champion,” stretches to a gruelling 1.5 miles—the longest of the three.
Winning all three races within five weeks is a monumental feat. It requires raw talent, resilience, a skilled trainer, and a touch of luck. Only 13 horses have ever accomplished this remarkable achievement.
Fans and bettors alike flock to licensed sportsbooks like FanDuel for placing bets, real-time data, expert analysis, and constantly updated odds they offer for the series. These platforms are the go-to hubs for anyone wanting to stay informed on each contender's performance, track shifting probabilities, and make more strategic decisions — all in one place.
The Thirteen Legends
Winning the Triple Crown is so rare that only thirteen horses in over a century of racing have achieved it. These champions didn’t just win races—they defined eras, elevated the sport, and captured the imagination of fans across the globe. From the trailblazers of the early 20th century to modern-day legends, each of these horses brought a unique story of dominance, heart, and historical significance to the racing world.
1. Sir Barton (1919) – The first official Triple Crown winner, Sir Barton unexpectedly swept the series and set a precedent for greatness.
2. Gallant Fox (1930) – His victory popularized the term “Triple Crown” in the American lexicon. Trained by the legendary James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons.
3. Omaha (1935) – Gallant Fox's son, Omaha, proved pedigree matters by matching his sire's achievement.
4. War Admiral (1937) – The son of the legendary Man o' War, War Admiral lived up to his heritage with dominant wins across the three races.
5. Whirlaway (1941) – Known for his erratic running style and explosive finishing speed, Whirlaway thrilled fans with his unique flair.
6. Count Fleet (1943) – Winning the Belmont by 25 lengths, Count Fleet was a wartime hero who lifted national spirits.
7. Assault (1946) – Overcoming a deformed hoof, this Texas-bred underdog was nicknamed “The Club-Footed Comet.”
8. Citation (1948) – One of the most dominant horses in history, Citation won 19 of 20 races during his three-year-old season.
9. Secretariat (1973) – A legendary name synonymous with excellence, Secretariat set records in all three races and redefined the limits of possibility.
10. Seattle Slew (1977) – The only Triple Crown winner to go undefeated through the series, Seattle Slew was a powerhouse with unmatched tenacity.
11. Affirmed (1978) – Engaged in a legendary rivalry with Alydar, Affirmed’s Triple Crown run is remembered as one of the most competitive ever.
12. American Pharoah (2015) – After a 37-year drought, American Pharoah brought hope back to the sport and inspired a new generation of fans.
13. Justify (2018) – Unraced as a two-year-old, Justify defied the “Curse of Apollo” and became a champion with sheer athleticism and heart.
Secretariat: The Legend Among Legends
While each Triple Crown winner has their legacy, Secretariat was a league of his own. Nicknamed “Big Red,” Secretariat's 1973 Triple Crown campaign is often regarded as the greatest performance in horse racing history.
Secretariat began his run with a breathtaking victory in the Kentucky Derby, completing the race in 1:59 2/5, a record that still stands today. Even more astonishing was his quarter-mile split times—each faster than the last, a feat unheard of in horse racing.
In the Preakness Stakes, Secretariat displayed a jaw-dropping burst of speed, moving from last to first within seconds on the first turn. Though there was initial controversy over the timing, modern technology has confirmed his winning time at 1:53, another standing record.
But it was in the Belmont Stakes that Secretariat truly etched his name into immortality. Breaking from the gate with power and grace, he pulled away from the field to win by an unfathomable 31 lengths, finishing in 2:24. That time remains the fastest ever for the 1.5-mile Belmont distance, and his margin of victory is unlikely to be challenged.
Secretariat wasn’t just fast, but he was also majestic. His stride, intelligence, and sheer presence captivated fans and experts alike. Even today, more than 50 years after his historic run, Secretariat is the benchmark against which all great racehorses are measured. He wasn't just a champion—he was a phenomenon.
The Rarity of Greatness
The long gaps between Triple Crown winners highlight the enormity of the achievement. From Affirmed in 1978 to American Pharoah in 2015, the 37-year drought was filled with near misses and heartbreaks. It underscored how difficult it is for a horse to maintain peak performance across three tracks, distances, and conditions.
Even with modern training techniques and veterinary care, the Triple Crown remains elusive. It tests the horse and the skill of trainers, jockeys, and owners who must navigate a gauntlet of logistical and strategic challenges.
A Lasting Legacy
Triple Crown winners are cultural icons appearing on magazine covers, in documentaries, and the hearts of racing fans. Their stories embody themes of perseverance, talent, and destiny. They bring together people from all walks of life to cheer, hope, and marvel at what these extraordinary animals can achieve.
Each has left an indelible mark on the sport, from Sir Barton to Justify. But among them, Secretariat shines brightest, a beacon of perfection in a sport where greatness is rare and fleeting. As long as the gates open at Churchill Downs and the call to post rings out, the dream of Triple Crown glory will live on. And with it, the memory of those who ran into history—from Belmont to glory.
