The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, often shortened to Triple Crown, is a series of horse races for Thoroughbreds, often restricted to three-year-olds. Winning all three of these Thoroughbred horse races is considered the greatest accomplishment in Thoroughbred racing. The term originated in mid-19th-century England and nations where Thoroughbred racing is popular each have their own Triple Crown series.
England
In England, where the term Triple Crown originated with West Australian's three wins in 1853, it is made up of:
Since the 2,000 Guineas was first run in 1809, fifteen horses (including three winners of substitute races at Newmarket during the First World War) have won the English Triple Crown. The most recent – and only winner since World War II – was Nijinsky, in 1970. For many years, it was considered unlikely that any horse would ever win the English Triple Crown again. In the winter of 2006/2007, however, trainer Jim Bolger was training his unbeaten colt Teofilo for the Triple Crown[1] and bookmaker William Hill plc was offering odds of only 12/1 against Teofilo winning the 2007 Triple Crown. The horse was withdrawn from the 2000 Guineas two days before the race after suffering a setback and never raced again.
Since Nijinsky, only Nashwan (1989), Sea the Stars (2009), and Camelot (2012) have won both the Guineas and the Derby. Between Reference Point in 1987 and Camelot in 2012, no Derby winner (not even the potential Triple Crown winners Nashwan and Sea the Stars) even entered the St. Leger. This reluctance to compete in the St. Leger is said to be because of the impact it would have on a horse's stud value in a market where speed is preferred to stamina.
†Wartime winners Pommern, Gay Crusader and Gainsborough are not counted, according to many judges, as the three races were all held at Newmarket and racing itself was too disrupted. By this reckoning, there were only 12 triple crown winners, and only three in the 20th century.
Failed Triple Crown attempts
The following horses won the 2000 Guineas and Derby but were beaten in the St Leger:
Blue Peter won 2000 Guineas and Derby in 1939 but St Leger was cancelled due to World War II.
Fillies Triple Crown
There is also a Fillies Triple Crown for a filly winning the 1,000 Guineas Stakes, Epsom Oaks and St. Leger Stakes.[2] In the past, this was not considered a true Triple Crown as the best fillies would often run in the Derby and Two Thousand Guineas. As this is no longer the case, the Fillies' Triple Crown would now be considered as comparable as the original. Winners of the Fillies Triple Crown are:
Formosa – 1868 (also dead heated in the Two Thousand Guineas)
There have been several different versions of the Triple Tiara (sometimes known as the Filly Triple Crown) in the United States. One of them was a national version that consisted of undercard events on the same weekends as the associated Triple Crown races:
Kentucky Oaks, run over 1+1⁄8 miles (1811 m) on a dirt track, at Churchill Downs;
Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, run over 1+1⁄8 miles (1811 m) (previously 1+1⁄16 mi or 1.7 km) on a dirt track, at Pimlico Race Course;
Acorn Stakes, run over 1 mile (1609 m) (previously 1+1⁄2 mi or 2.4 km) on a dirt track, at Belmont Park;
Only one filly won this version of the Triple Tiara, Davona Dale in 1979. Few have even tried as the short time between the Kentucky Oaks and Black-Eyed Susan is generally considered too short for fillies.
In 2010, the NYRA changed the configuration of the Triple Tiara to include the Alabama Stakes instead of the Mother Goose. As of 2022, no filly has won the reconfigured Triple Tiara.
The New York Handicap Triple is a series of three handicap races run in New York.[4] Although historically notable, the series is now essentially defunct, as two of the races are run on the same day, making a sweep impossible. In addition, only the Metropolitan Handicap maintains a top-level designation and continues to be run as a handicap. The series consists of:
Brooklyn Handicap (now run as the Brooklyn Invitational Stakes), run over 1+1⁄4 miles (2012 m) (now 1+1⁄2 miles (2414 m)) on a dirt track, at Belmont Park;
Suburban Handicap (now run as the Suburban Stakes), run over 1+1⁄4 miles (2012 m) on a dirt track, at Belmont Park;
In 2019, the New York Racing Association established two series of races for three-year-olds on the turf: the Turf Trinity and the Turf Tiara.[9][10] As of 2022, neither has been swept by a singular horse.
The Turf Trinity consists of:
Belmont Derby, run over 1+1⁄4 miles (2012 m) on a turf track at Belmont Park
The Canadian Triple Crown was established in 1959 and since then seven horses have won it. In 2014, the Hall of Fame decided to honor the five horses who had won the three races before 1959, meaning 12 horses are now officially recognized as winning the Canadian Triple Crown.[12][13][14]
On May 9, 2023, it was announced that Western Canada would have their own Triple Crown, also dubbed the Western Canadian Triple Crown. The Western Canadian Triple Crown consists of:
Tarzino Trophy, run over 1400 metres (0.87 mi) on a turf track at Hawke's Bay Racecourse
Horlicks Plate, run over 1600 metres (0.99 mi) on a turf track at Hawke's Bay Racecourse
Livamol Spring Classic, run over 2040 metres (1.27 mi) on a turf track at Hawke's Bay Racecourse
The New Zealand Triple Crown is also known as the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown or Hastings Triple Crown as all three races are run there.
The only horse to win the New Zealand Triple Crown is Melody Belle in 2019.[18]
New Triple Crown Series
Three new Triple Crown series were announced for the 2019/2020 season. Each series consists of three prestigious Group races with a $100,000 bonus for the winner of all three races.[19]
Previously the French Triple Crown for fillies consisted of:
Poule d'Essai des Pouliche
Prix de Diane
Prix Royal-Oak
No filly ever won the series.
Japan
Japan's JRA has two sets of races referred to as Triple Crowns. In addition, the NAR has announced that it would create its own Dirt Triple Crown starting from 2024, comprising the Haneda Hai, Tokyo Derby, and the Japan Dirt Derby.[21][22]
Japanese Triple Crown
The Japanese Triple Crown for colts are as follows:[23]
The Japanese Dirt Triple Crown is run by the NAR instead of the JRA. Most dirt racing in Japan is run under the NAR. In 2022 the NAR announced an official Dirt Triple Crown that includes 3 pre-existing domestic Grade 1 races.[22]
the Haneda Hai, run over 1800 metres (1.1 mi) on a dirt track
the Tokyo Derby, run over 2000 metres (1.2 mi) on a dirt track
All 3 races are held at Oi Racecourse in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. Although the Triple Crown is not set to debut until 2024, the three races have all been run since 1999 and have been won by three horses.
A Quadruple Crown adding the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini, run over 2400 metres (1.5 mi) miles on the turf and open to older horses, is also recognised. Winners are:
Prior to 1963,[56] the Rio de Janeiro Triple Crown consisted of the Grande Prêmio Outono[57] (1600 metres (0.99 mi) on turf[46]), Grande Prêmio Cruzeiro do Sul, and Grande Prêmio Distrito Federal (3000 metres (1.9 mi) on turf).[46] From 1963 to 1993, it consisted of the Grande Prêmio Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Grande Prêmio Cruzeiro do Sul, and Grande Prêmio Jockey Club Brasileiro (3200 metres (2.0 mi) on turf).[56] From 1994 to 2003, the order of the Grande Prêmio Jockey Club Brasileiro and Grande Prêmio Cruzeiro do Sul were reversed in order.[58] The current configuration started in 2004.
The Rio de Janeiro Filly Triple Crown consists of:[45]
Historically, the São Paulo Triple Crown ran without the Grande Prêmio Jockey Club de São Paulo, with the Grande Prêmio Consagração (3000 metres (1.9 mi) on a turf track) being run as the third and final leg.[74]
Horses that have won any combination of three of the above races are also sometimes considered Triple Crown winners. Horses that have done this are:[86]
Premier – 1947/1948
Won Gran Premio Ricardo Ortíz de Zevallos, Derby Nacional, Gran Premio Nacional Augusto B. Leguia
Insuperable – 1949/1950
Won Polla de Potrillos, Gran Premio Ricardo Ortíz de Zevallos, Gran Premio Nacional Augusto B. Leguia
Won Polla de Potrances, Gran Premo Enrique Ayulo Pardo, Gran Premio Nacional Augusto B. Leguia
Hong Kong
The Triple Crown series at Hong Kong's Sha Tin Racecourse consists of three races at increasingly longer distances. Unlike most other Triple Crown events, these races are not confined to three-year-olds.[95] They are:
The Hungarian Fillies' Triple Crown (not officially listed by the Hungarian racing authorities) consists of:
Hazafi dij (Hungarian 1000 Guineas)
Magyar Kancadíj (Hungarian Oaks)
Magyar St. Leger (Hungarian St. Leger)
No filly has swept the Hungarian Fillies' Triple Crown.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, the Triple Crown series consists of:
Swiss Derby (2400 metres, turf, Frauenfeld)
Swiss 2000 Guineas (1600 metres, turf, at Zurich)
Swiss St. Leger
The Swiss Fillies Triple Crown consists of:
Swiss Oaks
Swiss 1000 Guineas (1600 metres, turf)
Swiss St. Leger
One horse has won the Swiss Triple Crown.
Majofils – 2006
Denmark
In Denmark, the Triple Crown series consists of:
Dansk Derby
Dansk Forarslob (Danish 2000 Guineas)
Dansk St. Leger
Three horses have won the Danish Triple Crown:
Sunbeam – 1939
Asa Thor – 1945
Hallo – 1946
The Danish Filly Triple Crown consists of:
Dansk Oaks
Marowinalob (Danish1000 Guineas)
Dansk St. Leger
One filly has swept all three races:
Rossard – 1983
Rossard was one of the most successful runners in Denmark's history, being a Grade One winner in the US. She later became a good broodmare, with her son Unusual Heat being a leading sire in California.
Russia
The Russian Triple Crown differs from other Triple Crowns in a major way by instead having its three jewels be spread out over three years. The Triple Crown consists of:[105]
Grand Prize (1600m for 2-year-olds)
Grand All Russian Derby (2400m for 3-year-olds)
Prize of the Minister of Agriculture (3200m for 4-year-olds)
Currently only three horses have won this version of the Triple Crown
Budynok - 1930
Grog II - 1950
Analin - 1965
There is a more traditional 3-year-old triple crown in Russia modeled after the English Triple Crown but no horse has ever won all three races. But if they did they would have to win;
Grand Summer Prize (1600m Russian 2,000 Guineas)
Grand All Russian Derby (2400m)
S.M. Budyonny Prize (2800m Russian St.Leger)
Sweden
The Swedish Triple Crown consists of:
Svenskt Derby
Jockeyklubbens Jubileumslöpning (Swedish Two Thousand Guineas)
Svenskt St. Leger
Three horses have swept the Swedish Triple Crown:
Birgit – 1940
Coast Guard – 1952
Homosassa – 1985
The Swedish Filly Triple Crown consists of:
Dianalöpning (Swedish One Thousand Guineas)
Svensk Oaks
Svenskt St. Leger
One filly has swept all three races:
Wonderbird – 1953
Norway
The Norwegian Triple Crown series consists of:
Norsk 2000 Guineas
Norsk Derby
Norsk St. Leger
Eight horses have swept the Norwegian Triple Crown:
Cato – 1943
Sally – 1944
Primadonna – 1945
Askepot – 1948
Trainer's Seat – 1976
Dalby Jaguar – 1981
Sunorius – 1987
Without Fear – 2011
Privilegiado – 2019
The Norwegian Filly Triple Crown consists of:
Norsk 1000 Guineas
Norsk Oaks
Norsk St. Leger
No filly has won all three races.
The Netherlands
The Dutch Triple Crown consists of:
Hengsten Productenren (Dutch 2000 Guineas)
Dutch Derby
Dutch St. Leger
The following horses have won the Dutch Triple Crown:
Tosto – in 1951
Sans Valeur – 1954
Jolly Peter – 1959
Jolly Jinks – 1966
Frances Hope – 1976
Ishamo – 1981
Boxberger Speed – 1982
Boxberger Civano – 1984
Sydney Raaphorst – 1985
Double Fun – 2002
The Dutch Fillies' Triple Crown consists of:
Merries Productenren (Dutch 1000 Guineas)
Diana-prijs (Dutch Oaks)
Dutch St. Leger
The following horses have swept the series:
Ramana – 1947
Qualissa – 1949 (also won the Dutch Derby)
Que Sara – 1967
Queen of Roses S – 1973 (also won the Dutch Derby)
Libelle – 1980
Carmona – 1983
The Dutch Triple Crown races, except the Dutch Derby and possibly the Dutch Oaks, have not been run since around 2008.
No filly is known to have won the Polish Fillies' Triple Crown, which would conclude with the St. Leger. The Polish St. Leger is now open to 3-year-olds and up.
Czechia
In Czechia, the Triple Crown (Klasické trojkoruny) consists of
All three races are run at Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai. The St. Leger was run at Pune between 1970 and 1990, before being shifted to Mumbai. It is now again being run in Pune.
The Mexican Fillies' Triple Crown series consists of :
Clasico Rubi (7 furlongs)
Clasico Esmeralda (8 furlongs)
Clasico Diamante (8+1⁄2 furlongs).
All three races are contested at Hippodromo de las Americas, in Mexico City.
Mexican Filly Triple Crown winners:
She's a Lady Race – 2005
That's Life – 2007
Vivian Record – 2009
Kutzamala – 2018
Giovannia – 2020
Barbados
The Barbados Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is a series of thoroughbred horse races run annually at Garrison Savannah Racetrack near Bridgetown, Barbados, consisting of races of increasing distance:
Barbados Guineas
Midsummer Creole Classic
Barbados Derby
The winners of the Barbados Triple Crown have been:
Watermeet (filly) – 1973
Ginger Lilly (filly) – 1980
Coo-Bird – 1989
Incitatus – 1996
Zouk (filly) – 2006
Areutalkintome – 2009
Dominican Republic
The three races that compose the Triple Crown in the Dominican Republic are:[26]
Clásico Matías Ramón Mella
Clásico Francisco del Rosario Sanchez
Clásico Juan Pablo Duarte
The winners of the Dominican Republic Triple Crown have been:
†Although Justify finished first in all of his races, litigation filed by the owners of Bolt d'Oro in 2020 called for Justify's disqualification from the 2018 Santa Anita Derby over a positive drug test for scopolamine, a known environmental contaminant. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ordered Justify's disqualification, for which Justify's connections have filed an appeal. The appeal is pending.[120][121]
Individual Triple Crown winners
Only three jockeys have won the Triple Crown with different horses (i.e., rode horses to Triple Crowns in different years):
Steve Donoghue (United Kingdom : 1915, Pommem; 1917 Gay Crusader)
Eddie Arcaro (United States: 1941, Whirlaway; 1948, Citation)
Emisael Jaramillo (Venezuela: 2005, Polo Grounds; 2007, Taconeo; 2010, Water Jet)
At least two jockeys is known to have won all three of a country's Triple Crown races in the same year on different horses:
Luis Contreras (Canada, 2011: Queen's Plate, Inglorious; Prince of Wales Stakes and Breeders' Stakes, Pender Harbour)
Alfredo García Paduani (Venezuela, 2016: Clásico José Antonio Páez and Clásico Cría Nacional, Ocean Bay; Clásico República Bolivariana de Venezuela, Gran Will)
One trainer is known to have accomplished the same feat as Contreras and García Paduani:
D. Wayne Lukas (USA, 1995: Kentucky Derby, Thunder Gulch; Preakness Stakes, Timber Country; Belmont Stakes, Thunder Gulch)
^"The Blue Book (2017)"(PDF). International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Archived from the original(PDF) on 4 July 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2020.