A History of the Greatest Achievement in Horse Racing‍

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The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is a series of horse races for three-year-old Thoroughbreds that is considered the greatest accomplishment in horse racing. The concept originated in mid-19th-century England and has been adopted by nations where Thoroughbred racing is popular.

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In the United States, the Triple Crown consists of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.

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The Kentucky Derby

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The Kentucky Derby, also known as "The Run for the Roses," is held in Louisville, Kentucky, at Churchill Downs. It is the oldest of the three races, having been first held in 1867. The race is run over 1+1⁄4 miles (2.0 km) and is the longest continuously held sporting event in North American. The Kentucky Derby is known for its iconic blanket of roses, which is awarded to the winner.

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The Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and is the second leg of the Triple Crown. It was first held in 1873 and is also run over 1+1⁄4 miles (2.0 km). The Preakness Stakes is known for its unique shape, as the track is an oval with a turn that is wider than the straightaways.

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The Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown and is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It was first held in 1867 and is the oldest of the three races2. The Belmont Stakes is the longest of the three races, with a distance of 1+1⁄2 miles (2.4 km), and is often referred to as "The Test of the Champion" due to its challenging distance.

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Past Winners

Since 1875, when all three races were in existence simultaneously, only 13 horses have accomplished the feat of winning the Triple Crown. Some of the most notable winners include Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Count Fleet (1946), Assault (1948), Citation (1949), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify (2018).

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Special Facts and Features

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• The Kentucky Derby: The Kentucky Derby is known for its iconic blanket of roses, which is awarded to the winner. The race also features a tradition called "Mint Julep Day," where the signature cocktail is served to attendees.

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• The Preakness Stakes: The Preakness Stakes is known for its unique shape, as the track is an oval with a turn that is wider than the straightaways. The race also features a tradition called "Black-Eyed Susan Day," where the state flower of Maryland is celebrated.

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• The Belmont Stakes: The Belmont Stakes is the longest of the three races and is often referred to as "The Test of the Champion." The race also features a tradition called "The Run for the Carnations," where the winner is draped in a blanket made of about 700 white carnations.

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The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is a testament to the enduring legacy of horse racing and the pursuit of greatness in the sport. Each race holds its own unique charm and tradition, making the Triple Crown a true celebration of the horse racing community.