TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS

The Triple Crown, as it relates to horse racing, is the pinnacle achievement that every thoroughbred strives for, and consists of three specific races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes; with each of the individual races said to be a "jewel in the crown." In the nearly 90 years since Sir Barton won the very first Triple Crown, there have only been ten other horses to accomplish the feat and the last winner, Affirmed, was crowned 30 years ago.

The Triple Crown is considered to be one of the most difficult triumphs to attain in all of sports. The complexity can be attributed to the grueling schedule of having to partake in three races within five weeks, each of which are at longer distances than the three-year-olds have previously run throughout their careers. The Belmont Stakes is extremely punishing as most thoroughbreds never run such a long distance (1 1/2 miles).

Since 1997, there were six horses that won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, but lost in the Belmont Stakes. Funny Cide was the latest horse to just miss the Triple Crown when he was unable to handle the sloppy track at Belmont in 2003.

This year, Big Brown is attempting to become only the 12th horse to capture the elusive title – having easily won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, all eyes wil be on him June 7th at Elmont, NY for the Belmont Stakes.

There have been 43 horses who won two of the three Triple Crown races. There have been 20 horses who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, but did not complete the Triple Crown. These horses are listed below: