The Triple Crown: Three Races, One Epic Feat

The Kentucky Derby, launching the Triple Crown, arrives this week. The Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes form a gauntlet for three-year-old thoroughbreds across just five weeks. Only 13 horses in history have conquered all three, underscoring the series’ difficulty and mystique. Each race has its own culture—from Kentucky’s lavish hats and mint juleps to Black-Eyed Susans at the Preakness and white carnations at the Belmont. Millions watch globally, recalling legends like Secretariat and Seattle Slew. Despite occasional doping headlines, stronger regulations aim to preserve fairness. Whether you love the spectacle, the wagering, or the grandeur, this year’s competition promises fresh storylines and the possibility of a new champion.