The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are the most recognized Triple Crown of horse racing in the world.

In the world of horse racing, the Triple Crown embodies the highest prize in competition, and undoubtedly, the one with the most recognition is the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, competitions that have been held since the mid-nineteenth century in the United States.

In addition to the excitement on the track, the three races are known for their galas and charity auctions, which attract everyone from presidents to show business celebrities, as well as the social and cultural elite and figures from various industries.

The Triple Crown races are also steeped in exciting betting stories and superstition. Fans place bets, and all sorts of tips and predictions are circulated as to which thoroughbred will emerge victorious.

In short, the Triple Crown of horseracing is not only a high-profile sporting event, but also an opportunity for American society to come together, celebrate, and participate in a tradition rooted in its history and culture.

Although the Triple Crown moniker first appeared on American soil in 1930, when Gallant Fox became the second horse to win all three events in a season - Sir Barton had accomplished the feat in 1919 - the name has since become popular.

To date, only 13 horses have accomplished the feat of winning the U.S. Triple Crown, proving that it is no easy feat. The last to do so was Justify in 2018, and three years earlier, American Pharoah broke a 37-year streak of no horse winning the record (Affirmed was the last, in 1978).

 

 

Kentucky Derby

Undoubtedly the most recognizable of the three races, the Kentucky Derby, the first jewel of the Triple Crown, is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The first edition took place in 1875 and since then it has been one of the most emblematic events in the world of horse racing. The record time is 1:59.40 seconds, set in 1973 by Secretariat, the same thoroughbred that holds the best times in the Triple Crown.

The race is traditionally run on the first Saturday in May each year over a distance of 1 1/4 miles. In addition to a substantial purse, the winning pair is honored with a garland of roses.

In 2021, Medina Spirit with Puerto Rican rider John Velázquez was the winning pair, but they were stripped of the title after the horse tested positive for doping, according to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which awarded the victory to Mandaloun.

Each year, 20 horses have the opportunity to make the Kentucky Derby starting gate, and invitations are distributed through the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series of designated races at tracks across the country and around the world. Points are awarded to the top four finishers in each race, and in the end, the 20 horses with the most points earn their ticket to the Derby.

One of the traditions among Kentucky Derby attendees is to show off their best attire, especially the women, who wear extravagant hats while enjoying a Mint Julep - a drink made with bourbon, sugar, water and mint leaves -. Prior to the event, Derby Week includes a series of activities including parades, gala dinners and charity events that attract celebrities and personalities from around the world.

 

 

Preakness Stakes

The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Oval in Baltimore, Maryland. The first edition was held in 1873, making it one of the oldest horse races in the United States. Since then, it has been held continuously, with occasional interruptions due to external circumstances such as wars or economic crises.

Held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, usually on the third Saturday in May, the race is known for its intimate and traditional atmosphere. Between 10 and 14 Thoroughbreds are entered, but the number can change depending on several factors, including track conditions and the decisions of trainers and owners.

The track is 1 3/16 miles and the record holder is Secretariat with 1:53.00 minutes in the 1973 edition. It is customary here to adorn the winner with a garland of daisies.

In contrast to the festive environment of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes has a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, with spectators enjoying food, drink and music in a festive and lively setting. The hustle and bustle can be experienced at Infield Fest, an indoor party in the track area featuring live music and entertainment. The setting attracts a young crowd looking for fun before, during and after the race.

 

Belmont Stakes

The final and most challenging leg of the Triple Crown is the Belmont Stakes, which has been run at Belmont Park Racetrack in Elmont, New York since 1867. This majestic and solemn contest is known as "The Test of Champions" because of its unique and challenging distance: 1 1/2 miles, making it the longest and most demanding Triple Crown contest.

The Belmont Stakes is run three weeks after the Preakness Stakes, usually on the second or third Saturday in June. The winning pair is presented with a garland of white carnations. In 1973, Secretariat stopped the clock at 2:24.00, setting a record. Between 10 and 14 horses also start here. The four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck, and some fans wear it as a good luck charm during the race.

 

Text: Ricardo Villanueva ± Photo: Gannet, Heavy. Preakness Stakes, Newsweek Transformed