Between 1919 and 1948, eight horses claimed the glory of the Triple Crown (see list below) - that’s eight winners in twenty-nine years. But starting in 1949, over two decades came and went without any one horse laying claim to the Triple Crown. By the 1970s, fans and experts alike thought they might never see another Triple Crown winner, too many strong, competitive horses were coming up through the ranks every year, consistently out-running one another. But in 1973 came a three year-old like none they'd seen before. Secretariat set track records at his run in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, and a world-record at the Belmont Stakes, winning with a 31-length lead in 2:24. In a racing career that lasted only two years, Secretariat won over $1.3 million. Then, in 1977 Seattle Slew became the only Triple Crown winner to never lose a race in his entire career. Finally, in 1978 Affirmed became the third Triple Crown winner in a decade, and the last since.
Since 1919, the eleven winners of the Triple Crown are:
Sir Barton 1919
Gallant Fox 1930
Omaha 1935
War Admiral 1937
Whirlaway 1941
Count Fleet 1943
Assault 1946
Citation 1948
Secretariat 1973
Seattle Slew 1977
Affirmed 1978
Racing is fast-paced and fascinating, and has layers of history and action to savor. As a novice, start by tuning in to the three races of the Triple Crown. Take a little time to prepare yourself beforehand and it will pay off in enjoying the entire experience - after all, the race is only two minutes long!