The Triple Crown

The Triple Crown consists of 3 races run over a 5 week period in the United States. Each race is over a different distance and for 3 yr olds. As such, the winning of the 3 races is a major test with only 11 horses successfully completing this feat. The last successful campaign was made in 1978 by Affirmed. In fact 17 horses have won the first 2 races of the series with 15 of them failing in the Belmont.

In recent years we have had many near misses with 6 of the last 8 Triple Crown's having horses successfully win the first 2 legs only to fall short at the Belmont – in 1997, 98 and 99, Silver Charm, Real Quiet and Charismatic failed narrowly to take the Triple Crown. Then in 2002 War Emblem failed at the last hurdle after stumbling in the gate. In 2003, Funny Cide missed out when Empire Maker returned for revenge after losing the Derby and in 2004, Smarty Jones was stunned by Birdstone after pulverising the opposition in the Derby and the Preakness.

The Derby was founded in 1875, The Preakness in 1873 and The Belmont in 1867. These 3 races were banded together in 1920 as The Triple Crown after Sir Barton won all 3 races in 1919.

Events in 2008