How Tough Is It to Win All Three Triple Crown Races?
We’ve enjoyed a lot of action this year – with three exciting races that have had us all at the edge of our seats. But still, there was no horse that managed to win all three and take the crown.
The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing–the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes–is considered by many to be the ultimate test of a racehorse – its versatility, endurance, and sheer grit and determination. Indeed, winning just one of these iconic races can change a career forever. And winning all three? That’s the stuff of legends.
This year, the horse Sovereignty came tantalisingly close to achieving what only a handful have ever done: clinching all three Triple Crown jewels. Victories in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes earned him two out of three (which ain’t bad, according to Meatloaf). However, because he pulled out of the Preakness Stakes, the Triple Crown was never an option. In fact, the last time a horse successfully completed the trifecta was back in 2018, when Justify earned himself a place in the history books.
So why is it that it’s so incredibly difficult to win all three races? Well, let’s take a look at the intense demands, punishing schedule, and strategic gambles that make the Triple Crown almost impossible to achieve.
Three Tough Races in Five Weeks
The schedule is literally brutal. It all kicks off with the Kentucky Derby in early May – followed just two weeks later by the Preakness Stakes, and then finished off with the Belmont Stakes three weeks after that. That means, in just 35 days, a horse will need to race three times against the toughest competition, each one on a different track and over a different distance.
• Kentucky Derby: 1¼ miles
• Preakness Stakes: 1 3/16 miles
• Belmont Stakes: 1½ miles
That last leg, the Belmont, is often called “The Test of the Champion”… and for good reason–it’s the longest of the three, and the last of the three – and horses are tired. Even with the most modern training methods, most horses aren’t usually conditioned for that much high-stakes racing in such a short space of time – and it’s a rare horse that can be on their best form in all three events.
Tactical Differences and Track Differences
Each Triple Crown race comes with its own challenges in terms of dynamics, pace, and surface conditions. The Kentucky Derby usually has the largest field – so a clean trip can be hard to come by. Then there’s the Preakness, which is shorter and tends to favour tactical speed. Finally, there’s the Belmont, which is more about stamina and smart pacing.
Sovereignty proved itself to be tactically brilliant over the two races it ran–able to handle traffic and respond under pressure–but it decided to take the middle race off to help. And it’s not uncommon for a horse to skip the Preakness and enter the Belmont with more rest, which makes it harder for any horse that has raced the first two to win the third… as they’re going against fresh(er) legs.
Public Pressure
And, of course, every Triple Crown run is magnified by the intense spotlight of horse racing betting and bettors, where punters are desperate for that Triple Crown champion. If a horse manages to win the first two races, the betting markets go wild… and the pressure put on the jockey and the horse can be insane.
And while it’s exciting to bet on the Triple Crown win – it’s not always the best bet. You’re not just considering past form – but you also have to factor in things like fatigue, competition freshness, and the scenario of each race. So, betting on a Triple Crown sweep is always a risk, even when there’s one horse who looks dominant.
Why Sovereignty’s Performance Still Matters
Although Sovereignty fell just short of the Triple Crown, winning two of the three races is still a massive achievement. Only a few horses in history have managed such a feat – and it takes a lot to achieve the almost unachievable.
Since 1919, only 13 horses have managed it. From Secretariat’s iconic 1973 victory to Justify’s 2018 triumph, every Triple Crown win has had just the right mix of near-perfect conditions, incredible talent… and that little bit of racing luck.
Only the Best…
Ultimately, winning the Triple Crown isn’t just about being the fastest–it’s about being the toughest, the smartest, the quickest and most adaptable horse on the track – in all three races. And with those horses that do take the Preakness Stakes off, trying to compete with fresher legs can be an issue. Will it happen in 2026? We’ll just have to wait and see!
