Triple Crown

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 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.

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.

Only 13 horses have ever won the Triple Crown—one of the most elusive titles in American sports. This explainer breaks down how the series works, why it’s so difficult to win, and the legendary horses that defied the odds across the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.

Since 1988, Lawrence Jones has climbed into Pimlico’s cherry picker to paint the Preakness winner’ silks on its iconic weathervane—a tradition born in 1909. This America’s Best Racing profiles Jones, a retired graphic artist, and how he has to meticulously paint the weathervane—even under challenging conditions. Learn the rich history of the event, and what happened to the weathervane after the 1966 fire.

Racing a thoroughbred isn’t just about riding a horse as fast as you can. There is a complex racing strategy that forces jockeys to balance aggression and patience, conserving energy for that final stretch. This Kentucky Derby Winners article explores the split-second decisions jockeys make during high-pressure races, moves they make to outsmart their opponents, and the importance of connecting with their horse.

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.

Alexander Keene Richards was a pioneer in thoroughbred racing in the US in the 1800s, a time when every town with a few thousand people had a horse track. This interview highlights how Richards went to great lengths to perfect horse breeding.

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.

Jockey Victor Espinoza is one of the most successful jockeys in recent American racing history, winning the Triple Crown in 2015 on American Pharoah, as well as seven Triple Crown races. This Paulick Report article, which came out prior to his induction into the Hall of Fame, dives into his background, career highlights, and what he focused on to become a successful jockey.