Triple Crown History

The Triple Crown contest consists of three races, the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, the Preakness Stakes held in Maryland two weeks later, and the Belmont Stakes in New York three weeks after the Preakness.

Triple Crown history didn't come to the United States until 1930, when a horse named Gallant Fox won the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and Preakness in a single season. Sports journalist Charles Hatton used the term "Triple Crown" to describe the wins and it has been in common usage ever since.

The Triple Crown’s grueling schedule of three races in five weeks at longer distances than most have run previously in their careers is probably the most difficult task any horse will face in his racing career. Only 11 horses have ever won the Triple Crown in 130 years, with the last being Affirmed in 1978.

Will this year be the year for a new Triple Crown champ?