The Quest for the Triple Crown: Sir Barton vs. Gallant Fox, Big Brown vs. American Pharoah, and More

Thoroughbred horse racing in the United States is rich with history, and one of its most prestigious accolades is the Triple Crown. Since its inception, the competition has been a test of a horse's skill, speed, and resilience. This article delves into the achievements of the first and last Triple Crown winners - Sir Barton and American Pharoah - and explores the other significant contenders, such as Gallant Fox and Big Brown. We'll examine the impressive feats and the controversial aspects surrounding these legendary races.

Sir Barton: The Pioneering Win

Sir Barton was the very first winner of the Triple Crown in 1919. At the time, horses would compete in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, but the term "Triple Crown" was not yet coined. When Sir Barton won the Belmont Stakes, some sportswriters noted that this was the first horse to win both the Derby and Preakness, but they did not refer to it as the Triple Crown. It was later in 1930 that Gallant Fox won the same races and Charles Hatton, a Daily Racing Form writer, popularized the term "Triple Crown."

Gallant Fox: The Origin of the Term Triple Crown

When Gallant Fox won the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes in 1930, not only did he solidify his place as a legendary horse, but he also set the stage for the term "Triple Crown" to become synonymous with the most prestigious achievement in horse racing. Charles Hatton played a pivotal role in this, making the Triple Crown a household term in the annals of American horseracing.

Big Brown: The Controversy and Missed Crown

In more recent times, Big Brown, the 2008 Triple Crown hopeful, came very close to winning but fell short. Tragedy struck before he could finish the Belmont Stakes. Although Big Brown won both the Derby and Preakness that year, he was unplaced in the Belmont Stakes. The cause of concern for many was the controversy that surrounded his participation. After winning the Preakness, Big Brown was sidelined for a week due to a quarter crack in his left front hoof. Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. was unable to properly prepare Big Brown for the Belmont, leading to a significant training setback. Additionally, Dutrow was eventually found to have been cycling the horse on steroids. The American Racing Experts (ARE) revealed this during a subsequent investigation, which led to Dutrow's loss of his trainer's license and a recall of Big Brown from the steroid regimen.

American Pharoah: The Last to Win the Revised Triple Crown

The most recent Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, achieved this feat in 2015. However, like Big Brown, he did not win the entire Triple Crown. Justify also won the Triple Crown in the same year, placing him in the shared history of Triple Crown winners. Post-race, American Pharoah and Justify became close friends in thoroughbred circles and now share a stable at Ashford Stud in Kentucky. This partnership is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Triple Crown and the camaraderie it brings to the horse racing community.

Conclusion

From Sir Barton to American Pharoah, the pursuit of the Triple Crown has been fraught with challenges and triumphs. Each horse that has achieved this incredible feat has left a chapter in horse racing history that is revered and studied. The story of the Triple Crown continues to captivate and inspire, making it one of the most cherished achievements in equestrian sports.