Triple Crown

No horse had won the Belmont, the “Test of the Champion,” by 31-lengths prior to 1973 when Secretariat did it, and no one has done it since. In this New York Race Association article, jockey Ron Turcotte recounts his iconic race and provides his unique bond with his horse. He also reflects on Secretariat’s post-Triple Crown career, noting how he matured later on.

When the 1973 Kentucky Derby came around, it had been 25 years since a horse had won the Triple Crown. And then Secretariat laid down the fastest Derby, a record that stands today. Then he won a sloppy Preakness, setting up a chance at a Triple Crown. This video is the wire-to-wire coverage of the 1973 Belmont showing Secretariat winning by a record 31 lengths, and the after-race celebration.

The rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar began when they were just two-year-olds in 1977, with Alydar winning four of the first five meetings. But Affirmed found another gear in 1978 and he won the next five races–including the Triple Crown. This Horse Racing Legends video shows all 10 races in the rivalry, including the three Triple Crown races.

Thanks to a last-minute scratch by Ethereal Road, Rich Strike made the 2022 Kentucky Derby field. He only had one win out of six races prior, and was listed as an 80-1 long shot. This USA Today article lays out the favorable draw and strategic ride that led to the biggest upset since 1913. Watch the wire-to-wire replay of his historic comeback and listen to the call by Larry Collmus.

Few names are as synonymous with American horse racing as Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. He has trained seven Kentucky Derby winners and two Triple Crown winners. But he also amassed over 30 drug violations in his career. This LA Times article dives into the suspensions and bans, and gives Baffert a space to defend his complex legacy in horse racing.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was passed in 2020 with the aim of improving the safety and integrity of thoroughbred racing in the US. It established uniform national standards for safety. This Trainer Magazine article dives into the standards, and discusses the opposition and challenges from industry groups who argue it conflicts with existing state laws.

The Triple Crown races last less than three minutes, but the training and resources needed to create a winning thoroughbred are extensive. This Fox Business article dives into the costs associated with owning and training a racehorse, which can range from $1K to over $1M. It also discusses how much the horse racing industry contributes to the economy.

This Sports Illustrated article from 1990 dives into the deeply personal connection between renowned sportswriter William Nack and legendary horse Secretariat. Using masterful storytelling, Nack discusses the horse's personality and temperament, highlighting his playful yet focused nature. The piece concludes with a poignant reflection on Secretariat’s death due to laminitis in 1989, and the discovery of his unusually large heart.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, but it’s also known for its iconic hats. This Garden and Gun article explores the historical significance of the hats ast the Kentucky Derby, which began in 1875. See photos of the famous Derby hats through the years, and learn why they remain a central part of Derby culture to this day.

For nearly 100 years we’ve referred to the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes as the “Triple Crown.” But where did that term come from? It was popularized by a sports writer in the early 1930s. But this Old Smoke Clothing article, authored by the woman who wrote the book on Sir Barton, explores the British origins and how it gained popularity with Gallant Fox’s win in 1930.