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 significantly longer than the longest race in the American Triple crown. This is a pear shaped, left handed course.
The first winner of the English Triple Crown was West Australian who won in 1853. 15 horses have won to date, the most recent being in 1970 when Nijinsky won.
Why are these Races Important?
These are the races in which the best of the best three year olds come to compete. Even people who do not regularly follow horse racing, often tune in to these races, and become familiar with the top contenders. In England, more so than in America, race horses are considered celebrities, almost on par with "The Queen".
In the horse industry, these are the horses to watch, and in many cases they go on to win the title of "Three-year-old of the Year". Winning any of the titles in the Triple Crown is a proud accomplishment, but to win three of the races is a feat that is becoming harder and harder to accomplish.
For a jockey or trainer, winning the Triple Crown is the best promotion they can have. The breeder and owner of this horse also become instant celebrities, and will have more interest in their horses following a win.
Because these races test young horses (at three years of age, many other breeds of horse are not even being ridden), they are often linked to tragedy. Numerous contenders are forced to withdraw after suffering injury and strain in training. As such these races are real tests of quality and soundness.
Thousands of foals are born every year, all with their owners dreams of capturing the Triple Crown. Very few will even get a chance at it, and even then, there is no guarantee that any horse will even win this once in a lifetime opportunity.