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What is the Triple Crown?

By Cody Williams

May 19, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Collected runs on the track during a training session in preparation for the 141st Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Collected runs on the track during a training session in preparation for the 141st Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Examining what the Triple Crown in American horse racing actually is

Whenever a big day in horse racing is coming up, you always hear a lot of terms thrown around. When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, or the Belmont Stakes, though, one of the most common terms that you’re going to hear is that of the Triple Crown. However, those unfamiliar with horse racing may have absolutely no idea what that means.

In its simplest form, the Triple Crown simply means the trio of the three major thoroughbred horse races in the United States, starting with the Kentucky Derby. However, the term Triple Crown hasn’t been used the entire time that the three races have been in existence.

Though the Kentucky Derby was instituted in 1875 as the final of the three races to have its inaugural run, the term Triple Crown wasn’t even reportedly used until the 1920s and wasn’t popularized until some time after that.

Winning all three races, popularly referred to as winning the Triple Crown, is considered the greatest achievement in horse racing and it’s only been done 12 times, including in 2015 with American Pharoah. All in all, the Triple Crown from the first week of May to one of the first weeks in June is the best and most high-stakes time in horse racing.

So that’s what we’re looking at when it comes to the Triple Crown in American horse racing. Now buckle in for the second leg of the 2016 Triple Crown on Saturday as they run the 2016 Preakness Stakes.

For all your Preakness Stakes coverage, stay up to date with the FanSided Horse Racing hub.

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