How Many Horses Have Won the Triple Crown?
Triple Crown is the most prestigious and classy horse-rising tournament in the world. This series of competitions allows jockeys to show their mastery and win the competition on beautiful Thoroughbred horses.
But have you ever wondered how many horses won the Triple Crown and which jockey achieved the highest results within a competition frame? In this article, we’ll discuss notable races and mention famous horses that become a symbol of the Triple Crown!
Overview of the Triple Crown Races
Triple Crown Races is a series of horse races that include Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Only three-year-old Thoroughbred horses are allowed to participate in this tournament. The first winner was Sir Barton in 1919. Up to the present time, only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown: Sir Barton, Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Assault, Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, American Pharaoh, and Justify. Unfortunately, only 2 of them are still alive today, American Pharaoh and Justify.
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List of All Triple Crown Winners
For all years of its existence, Triple Crown saw many outstanding jockeys and their well-trained horses. However, after the first winner in 1919, no other horse had achieved the same title until 1930. Let us refresh your memory and list all notable Triple Crown winners for the 3 periods of the century!
Early Champions (1919-1950)
We’ll start with very early champions, who were the winners from 1919 to 1950. This period can boast a large number of truly talented jockeys and strong horses that truly deserve to become winners!
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1919 | Sir Barton | Johnny Loftus | Guy Bedwell |
| 1930 | Gallant Fox | Earl Sande | Jim Fitzsimmons |
| 1935 | Omaha | Willey Sanders | Jim Fitzsimmons |
| 1937 | War Admiral | Charles Kurtsinger | George Conway |
| 1941 | Whirlaway | Eddie Arcaro | Ben Jones |
| 1943 | Count Fleet | Johnny Longden | Don Cameron |
| 1946 | Assault | Warren Mehrtens | Max Hirsch |
| 1948 | Citation | Eddie Arcaro | Horace A. Jones |
Mid-Century Winners (1951-1979)
Due to the decreasing popularity of horse sports, the mid-century period couldn’t be called successful for the tournament.
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1973 | Secretariat | Run Turcotte | Lucien Laurin |
| 1977 | Seattle Slew | Jean Cruguet | William H. Turner Jr. |
| 1978 | Affirmed | Steve Cauthen | Laz Barrera |
Modern-Day Winners (1980 - Present)
In 2020, the Triple Crown tournament was delayed for 2 years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, people started to lose interest in this classy tournament, and a lesser amount of fans are still attending courses every year.
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2015 | American Pharaoh | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert |
Notable Horses and Their Triple Crown Wins
Every horse that even once won the Triple Crown Series is unique and truly amazing. They’re more than just thoroughbred horses; they’re strong, athletic, and amusing animals that help their jockeys win first places at the most prestigious competitions. Let’s see which horses made history and became the most notable winners of all time!
First Triple Crown Winner: Sir Barton
The first and most old horse that won the Triple Crown became the Sir Barton. The first winner, Sir Barton, was bred in Kentucky by John E. Madden. This one had rich roots because his paternal grandsire was the Isinglass, the English Triple Crown winner in 1893. Sir Barton was a very grouchy horse, which is why money jockeys had a hard time with it. The only person that Sir Barton didn’t hate was Toots Thompson.
On May 10, 1919, Sir Barton, along with his jockey, Johnny Loftus, won the first season of competitions. In the same year, it was honoured as the “Horse of the Year.” This notable win laid the foundation for its bright career.
The Most Famous Triple Crown Champions
Everyone who follows the races of the Triple Crown knows that the most recent winners of this tournament are three beautiful horses: Secretariat, American Pharaoh, and Justify.
Secretariat is the oldest from this list and is known as a Big Red American thoroughbred animal. He was bred by Christopher Cheaner’s Meadow Stud in 1970. This wonderful horse became the ninth winner of the Triple Crown and set a record as the fastest one in the tournament.
American Pharaoh became the 12th winner of the Triple Crown Series in 2015. Pharaoh was bred by Ahmed Zayat and trained by Bob Baffert. This horse won this famous tournament, being only 3 years old. Now, American Pharaoh is still participating in many competitions and remains one of the two last alive winners.
9-year-old Justify is the other winner of the Triple Crown tournament. Born in 2015, this strong male horse gained his first attention in 2018 after winning each of all famous races. He was bred in Kentucky by John Gunther and had many famous ancestors, such as Secretariat, Omaha, Admiral, etc.
Challenges and Rarity of Winning the Triple Crown
The Triple Crown is quite a challenging tournament that only the most professional jockeys and strongest horses can win. Every animal should undergo serious and complex training that will train his endurance and fortitude.
The Physical and Mental Demands on Horses
Before participating in the Triple Crown Series, horses must be trained according to the Triple Crown Formula. This formula presents meal and workout requirements that every trainer should consider when preparing his horse. Triple Crown Formula includes:
- High-calorie meals (oats, molasses, soybeans, wheat middlings);
- High-fat feed (crude proteins);
- Endurance training (jumps, long-distance runs);
- Swim workouts.
Why Only a Few Horses Have Achieved This Feat?
Due to the fact that in this competition, all participants should be clean Thorugrabred, many trainers and breeders face some problems. Horses can have congenital problems that won’t allow them to run and jump through the obstacle course. Another reason is the animal’s character, namely in their adversity. Many have difficulty making contact with trainers, which leads to disqualifying them from the tournament.
Impact of Triple Crown on Horse Racing History and Culture
The concept of this competition was popularised by the columnist of Daily Racing Form, Charles Hatton. In his writings, he often used the term “Triple Crown” to describe the horse racing series. Since then, all people who have just once heard about racing tournaments have immediately thought about the American Triple Crown.
Influence on Breeding and Bloodlines
After the tremendous winner, Secretariat, many breeders started to arrange horses sired to the Bold Ruller. This one’s pedigree was the most popular in America in 1963. Thanks to that, most of the horses that still participate in the tournament have Secretariat as their main ancestor.
Popularity and Cultural Significance of Triple Crown Champions
In our time, those who won all Triple Crown races become champions around the world. Statues are made in their honour, while the museum has whole sections dedicated to the winners. For instance, the Secretariat was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame so all visitors can see the real horse dimensions.
Record-Breaking Triple Crown Winners
Obtaining victory trophies at the Triple Crown requires not only horse merit but also the well-coordinated work of the jockey and trainer. Let’s look at the record-breaking winners of this famous tournament, taking into account jockeys!
Fastest Times in Each Race
And again, we’ll talk about the Secretariat. This brilliant horse set a record for the fastest times in all 3 races. This stallion had run the Kentucky Derby for just 1:59, Preakness Stakes for 1:53, and last but not least, Belmont Stakes for 2:24.
Ronald Morel, or “Ronnie,” the jockey who rode Secretariat, has also become famous for riding the fastest horse. After his tremendous victory, he was offered to join the Order of Canada.
Record Wins by Jockeys and Trainers
Regarded by many critics and trainers, Eddie Accaro was awarded the title of the best world jockey. He won the Triple Crown twice, riding Whirlaway and Citation. Johny Longden is another sensation in horse riding sport. He gained over 6,000 wins over his career and won the Triple Crown with the help of Count Fleet.
Modern Contenders and Near Misses
Despite its popularity among horse lovers, the tournament has been going through a number of changes lately. Visitors still like to visit this competition, but recently, we can name only 2 horses that were able to obtain the Triple Crown trophy.
Recent Horses That Almost Won the Triple Crown
American Pharaoh and Justify are the latest Triple Crown champions. Both were trained by Bob Baffert. He, by the way, became the second trainer in history whose straight 2 horses won the Triple Crown. Victor Espinoza was riding American Pharaoh while Justify got to Mike Smith.
Factors Affecting Current Chances of a Triple Crown Win
In 2024, the famous Belmont Stakes (third of Triple Crown) will be run at Saratoga Park instead of Belmont Park. This decision was made by the organisers due to the better construction and shorter distance of the Saratoga Park Course. The final leg of the tournament is also expected to move to Saratoga.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Is the Triple Crown Achieved?
The Triple Crown has been held since 1875. Up to our time, only 13 horses could become the absolute champions.
How Has the Triple Crown Evolved Over Time?
Advances in training and breeding make the Triple Crown tournament more competitive while still maintaining its prestigious status.