Triple Crown Triumphs: A Historical Look at Horse Racing Odds and Legendary Winners

Crown Conquerors: Legendary Victors

Horse racing fanatics, prepare to be enthralled as we delve into the annals of the sport’s history, exploring the legendary Triple Crown winners who overcame daunting horse racing odds to secure their place in the pantheon of equine immortality.

In this historical horse racing analysis, we’ll recount the remarkable tales of these extraordinary champions, shedding light on how horse racing standings and Triple Crown odds factored into their storied victories. So, tighten your stirrups and get ready for a thrilling ride through the awe-inspiring world of Triple Crown winners.

Triple Crown Winners:

YearHorseJockeyTrainerOwner
1919Sir BartonJohnny LoftusH. Guy BedwellJ. K. L. Ross
1930Gallant FoxEarl SaneJim FitzsimmonsBelair Stud
1935OmahaSmokey SandersJim FitzsimmonsBelair Stud
1937War AdmiralCharles KurtsingerGeorge ConwaySamuel D. Riddle
1941WhirlawayEddie ArcaroBen A. JonesCalumet Farm
1943Count FleetJohnny LongdenDon CameronFannie Hertz
1946AssaultWarren MehrtensMax HirschKing Ranch
1948CitationEddie ArcaroJimmy JonesCamulet Farm
1973SecretariatRon TurcotteLucien LaurinMeadow Stable
1977Seattle SlewJean CruguetWilliam H. Turner Jr.Mickey & Karen L. Taylor
1978AFFirmedSteve CauthenLaz BarreraHarbor View Farm
2015American PharoahVictor EspinozaBob BaffertAhmed Zayat
2018JustifyMike SmithBob BaffertWinStar Farm

Crown Chronicles: The Triple Crown Winners

A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Sir Barton was the first to conquer the Triple Crown challenge. Under the guidance of trainer H.G. Bedwell and jockey Johnny Loftus, he overcame the horse racing odds to secure victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, setting the stage for future champions.

Historical Fact: Sir Barton set a world record for 1 3/16 miles in the 1920 Merchants and Citizens Handicap. His time was 1:55 3/5.

This dashing fox, trained by the legendary Jim Fitzsimmons and ridden by Earl Sande, reigned supreme in 1930, becoming the second Triple Crown winner. He bested the competition in each of the three prestigious races, solidifying his place in horse racing history.

Historical Fact: Gallant Fox’s Kentucky Derby was the first to be started from a mechanical starting gate.

Another gem from the Fitzsimmons stable, Omaha, with jockey Willie Saunders in the saddle, conquered the horse racing odds and followed in Gallant Fox’s hoofprints to become the third Triple Crown champion.

Historical Fact: Omaha was the only American Triple Crown winner not to win Horse of the Year honors during his Triple Crown season by official voting or general consensus.

The son of the legendary Man o’ War, War Admiral lived up to his illustrious pedigree. Trained by George H. Conway and ridden by Charles Kurtsinger, he dominated the 1937 Triple Crown races, adding another feather to his family’s cap.

Historical Fact: War Admiral’s match race with Seabiscuit was ranked #2 in Horse Racing’s Top 100 Moments, a review of racing in the 20th century compiled by The Blood-Horse and released in 2006.

Known for his long, flowing tail, Whirlaway, trained by Ben A. Jones and ridden by Eddie Arcaro, dazzled the crowds with his exhilarating performances. He swept the Triple Crown races, setting records and creating unforgettable memories for horse racing fans.

Historical Fact: Whirlaway is the only horse to have won both the Triple Crown and the Travers Stakes. Whirlaway was lucky to end his racing career with two eyes, as he had a small stone kicked into one eye during the running of the 1940 Hopeful Stakes. The injury was so serious that Calumet Farm called in eye specialists from human medicine to consult with the veterinarians managing the case. Fortunately, the eye recovered, if slowly, and Whirlaway regained normal vision as far as anyone could determine.

With Don Cameron as his trainer and Johnny Longden holding the reins, Count Fleet took the horse racing world by storm in 1943. His victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes solidified his place among the sport’s most celebrated champions.

Historical Fact: Count Fleet is part of a three-generation sequence of Kentucky Derby winners, as he was sired by 1928 winner Reigh Count and is the sire of 1951 winner Count Turf. The only other three-generation sequence in Derby history runs from Pensive (1944) to Ponder (1949) to Needles (1956)

Dubbed the “Club-Footed Comet,” Assault overcame physical adversity to achieve greatness. Trained by Max Hirsch and guided by jockey Warren Mehrtens, he defied the Triple Crown odds and emerged victorious in each of the three prestigious races, proving that determination and skill can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

Historical Fact: The night before the 1946 Kentucky Derby, the owner of the Waldorf-Astoria in Louisville announced his intention to name his new cocktail lounge after the winner of the next day’s Derby. After Assault won the race, the promise was quietly scrapped as the owner felt that having an “Assault Room” would not be good for business.

Trained by the renowned Ben A. Jones and ridden by the legendary Eddie Arcaro, Citation took the racing world by storm. Known for his incredible stamina and remarkable speed, he swept the Triple Crown series in 1948, further solidifying the formidable legacy of his trainer and jockey.

Historical Fact: Citation set a modern American record of 16 consecutive wins in 1948-1950. His record was finally equaled by Cigar in 1995-1996 and Hallowed Dreams in 1999-2000 and was broken by Peppers Pride in 2005-2008.

Arguably the most famous racehorse in history, Secretariat, trained by Lucien Laurin and ridden by Ron Turcotte, captivated the world with his jaw-dropping performances. He shattered records and won the Triple Crown races by astonishing margins, setting a standard that remains unparalleled to this day.

Historical Fact: In most American horse races, the horses run the opening quarter-mile fastest and slow down thereafter. Secretariat accelerated with every quarter-mile of his Kentucky Derby, running fastest of all at the end of the race. The Belmont Stakes (USA-G1), set a world record of 2:24 for 12 furlongs on dirt that has yet to be equaled or broken.

An unlikely champion, Seattle Slew was purchased for a mere $17,500. However, under the tutelage of trainer Billy Turner and with jockey Jean Cruguet at the reins, he proved that pedigree isn’t everything. He defied the horse racing odds and became the first undefeated Triple Crown winner, capturing the hearts of racing fans worldwide.

Historical Fact: Seattle Slew is the only American Triple Crown winner to defeat another American Triple Crown winner, beating Affirmed in the 1978 Marlboro Cup Handicap. He also finished ahead of Affirmed when second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

The rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar is the stuff of legends. Trained by Laz Barrera and ridden by Steve Cauthen, Affirmed emerged triumphant in each of the Triple Crown races, battling fiercely against his rival and etching his name into the annals of horse racing history.

Historical Fact: In 1978, Affirmed became the youngest horse up to that time to reach US$1 million in earnings when he won the Kentucky Derby. He became the first American racehorse to reach US$2 million in earnings by winning the 1979 Jockey Club Gold Cup, a race that also made him the first American racehorse to win over US$1 million in a single season.

Ending a 37-year Triple Crown drought, American Pharoah, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza, brought joy and excitement back to the world of horse racing. His captivating performances and incredible athleticism earned him a well-deserved place among the greatest racehorses of all time.

Historical Fact: American Pharoah answered every naysayer with an impressive victory in the Belmont Stakes to become the first American Triple Crown winner in 37 years. American Pharoah became American racing’s most lightly campaigned Triple Crown winner up to that time when he took the Belmont Stakes in his eighth-lifetime start. His Belmont time of 2:26.54 was the second fastest for a Triple Crown winner, trailing only Secretariat’s 2:24, and his final quarter in:24.32 was the fastest for any Triple Crown champion.

The most recent addition to the Triple Crown winners’ circle, Justify, also trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith, defied the Triple Crown odds and triumphed in each of the three races. His imposing stature and impressive speed make him a worthy member of this exclusive club of champions.

Historical Fact: Justify is the most lightly raced American Triple Crown winner in history, as the Belmont was only his sixth start and turned out to be his last. Previously, American Pharoah had been the most lightly raced horse to win the Triple Crown as the Belmont was his eighth start; he had also been the Triple Crown winner with the fewest lifetime starts. Justify’s Triple Crown sweep also made 52-year-old Mike Smith the oldest jockey to win the American Triple Crown.

Honoring the Legendary Champs

The rich history of Triple Crown winners is replete with awe-inspiring performances, extraordinary horses, and legendary trainers and jockeys. Each of these champions defied the horse racing odds, carving their names into the annals of the sport and creating a lasting legacy. As we reflect on their achievements, we are reminded that the path to victory is paved with dedication, skill, and a touch of fortune.

The Triple Crown remains one of the most prestigious and elusive accomplishments in horse racing, with each new contender carrying the hopes and dreams of the racing community. As we continue to cheer on future champions, let us honor and celebrate the legendary figures who have come before, setting the gold standard for excellence in the world of horse racing.

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