by Brenda Nelson

Created on: March 14, 2009   Last Updated: April 08, 2009

There is not just one "Triple Crown" in Thoroughbred Horse racing, there are several. It depends what county you are in as to which Triple Crown races you are referring. The United States, England, Canada, Ireland, Hong Kong, Japan, are among the nations, that have their own "The Triple Crown". On the whole, two crowns hold more international importance. These being the American Triple Crown, and the English Triple Crown. We will cover the American Triple Crown first, and later learn why these races are so significant.

The Kentucky Derby

Any horse racing fan in North America knows that the first Saturday in May is the Kentucky Derby. This is known as the first jewel in the crown, and like all Triple Crown Races it is open to three year olds only. Covering a mile and it is run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Like all triple crown races it is open to fillies, geldings, and colts.

The Preakness Stakes

Two weeks after "The Derby" many of the same horses compete in Baltimore, Maryland, on the Pimlico Race Course for the Preakness Stakes. The horses now stretch out to a mile and 3/16. If the horse who won the Kentucky does not win this race, there is no Triple Crown threat.

The Belmont Stakes

The final jewel in the American Triple crown, the Belmont takes place three weeks following the Preakness. It is the longest race of the series, being 1 and miles long. Thus it is not just a test of speed, but endurance too. This final crown race takes place in Elmont, New York.

The first horse to win the American Triple Crown was a Canadian horse, Sir Barton, who won in 1919. The most recent horse being Affirmed, who won in 1978. Only 11 horses have won the American Triple Crown.

The English Triple Crown

The 2,000 Guineas Stakes

This is the first of the English Triple crown races and is 1 mile long over the Newmarket Race Course in Newmarket. Unlike the oval shaped courses in North America, this track is "L" shaped and to the right. This race is run in April or May.

The Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby is next, and is run slightly over 1 mile and 1/2. This is a left handed course at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom Surrey. Of the three, this is probably the most highly rated, and best known, horse race around the world. When people say "Derby Day" this is the one they are usually referring to.

St. Leger Stakes

This final race in the English Triple crown is more than 1 mile and 6 furlongs. It is run at Town Moor in Doncaster, Yorkshire. You will note that this final English race is

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