Who were the 13 Triple Crown winners? This question often piques the interest of horse racing enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The Triple Crown is one of the most prestigious achievements in thoroughbred racing, requiring a horse to win three of the most challenging races in the sport: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Over the years, only 13 horses have been able to claim this remarkable accomplishment, showcasing their exceptional talent and endurance.
The first Triple Crown winner was Sir Barton in 1919. Sir Barton was trained by John H. Glessner and ridden by Johnny Loftus. This victory marked the beginning of a long and storied tradition in American horse racing. The next winner was Gallant Fox in 1930, trained by James R. Fitzsimmons and ridden by Earl Sande. Gallant Fox’s victory was a significant one, as he became the first horse to win the Triple Crown in the modern era, which began in 1919.
In 1935, Omaha won the Triple Crown, trained by Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons and ridden by Joe Bravo. Omaha’s victory was particularly notable because he was the first horse to win the Belmont Stakes without winning the Preakness Stakes. This victory was a testament to Omaha’s remarkable talent and determination.
The next Triple Crown winner was War Admiral in 1937. Trained by Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons and ridden by Charlie Kurtsinger, War Admiral’s victory was a dominating one, as he won all three races by a combined margin of 22 lengths. This victory was a highlight of the sport and cemented War Admiral’s place in horse racing history.
In 1943, Whirlaway became the fifth Triple Crown winner, trained by Ben Jones and ridden by Eddie Arcaro. Whirlaway’s victory was a significant one, as he was the first horse to win the Triple Crown during World War II. This victory was a morale booster for the American public during a difficult time.
The next winner was Citation in 1948, trained by Horace Belvoir and ridden by Tony Lazzaro. Citation’s victory was a dominating one, as he won all three races by a combined margin of 17 lengths. This victory was a highlight of the sport and cemented Citation’s place in horse racing history.
In 1973, Secretariat became the seventh Triple Crown winner, trained by Lucien Laurin and ridden by Ron Turcotte. Secretariat’s victory was a remarkable one, as he set new records for the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. His performance in the Belmont Stakes, where he won by 31 lengths, is often considered one of the greatest races in horse racing history.
The next winner was Seattle Slew in 1977, trained by Louie Quatorze and ridden by Jean Cruguet. Seattle Slew’s victory was a significant one, as he became the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Citation in 1948. This victory was a highlight of the sport and cemented Seattle Slew’s place in horse racing history.
In 1978, Affirmed became the eighth Triple Crown winner, trained by John Veitch and ridden by Steve Cauthen. Affirmed’s victory was a significant one, as he became the first horse to win the Triple Crown three times in four years, matching the feat of Sir Barton and Gallant Fox.
The next winner was Citation in 1989, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and ridden by Laffit Pincay Jr. Citation’s victory was a significant one, as he became the first horse to win the Triple Crown in the modern era, which began in 1919.
In 1990, Sunday Silence became the eleventh Triple Crown winner, trained by D. Wayne Lukas and ridden by Pat Day. Sunday Silence’s victory was a significant one, as he became the first horse to win the Belmont Stakes without winning the Preakness Stakes since Omaha in 1935.
The next winner was American Pharoah in 2015, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza. American Pharoah’s victory was a significant one, as he became the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years, since Affirmed in 1978. This victory was a highlight of the sport and cemented American Pharoah’s place in horse racing history.
The final winner was Justify in 2018, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith. Justify’s victory was a significant one, as he became the twelfth Triple Crown winner, matching Citation’s record of three Triple Crown wins in four years.
In conclusion, the 13 Triple Crown winners are Sir Barton, Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Citation, Sunday Silence, American Pharoah, and Justify. These horses have left an indelible mark on the sport of horse racing, showcasing their exceptional talent and endurance. Their achievements continue to inspire horse racing enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
