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Triple Crown History

Kentucky Derby
Preakness Stakes
Belmont Stakes

Triple Crown Winners

1919 Sir Barton
1930 Gallant Fox
1935 Omaha
1937 War Admiral
1941 Whirlaway
1943 Count Fleet
1946 Assault
1948 Citation
1973 Secretariat
1977 Seattle Slew
1978 Affirmed

Triple Crown History

The History of the Kentucky Derby

Col. M. Lewis Clark Jr., inspired by the Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) in England, inaugurated the Kentucky Derby in 1875 at his newly opened Louisville Jockey Club Course (Churchill Downs wouldn't get its current name until 1886). The race was designed to be the centerpiece of Thoroughbred racing in Kentucky, as well as being the major social event of the year in Louisville.

The Kentucky Derby has achieved those goals and more, but it wasn't easy. The race was first run at 1-1/2 miles--the same as the Epsom Derby--but the distance fell out of favor with owners and breeders after several decades, and the distance was changed to its current 1-1/4 miles in 1896. Scandal, mismanagement, and Churchill Downs's status as a western track also conspired to diminish the race's stature for most of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Then along came Col. Matt Winn. A native Louisvillian who witnessed the first Derby as a teenager and never missed the race until he died in 1949, Winn organized a group of businessmen to buy Churchill Downs and save it from closure in 1902. By 1903, he had become general manager and his vision, enthusiasm, and personality helped bring the country's leading three-year-old back to the Derby.

The Derby, which had been raced in mid-May for most of the early 1900s, was moved to the first Saturday in May in 1932 and has remained there, with just a couple exceptions, ever since. Universally regarded as one of the world's leading races, the Kentucky Derby has achieved all Col. Clark envisioned, and beyond.

Kentucky Derby Winners

YearWinnerSireBreederOwnerTrainerPlaceShowTimeWinningsStarters
2008Big Brown b.c.BoundaryMonticule LLCIEAH Stables, Paul P. Pompa, Jr., et al.Richard E. Dutrow Jr.Eight BellesDenis of Cork2:01.82$1,451,80020
2007Street Sense, dk.b./br. cStreet CryJames TafelJames TafelCarl NafzgerHard SpunCurlin2:02.17$1,450,00020
2006Barbaro, dk.b./br. cDynaformerMr. and Mrs. M. Roy JacksonLael StablesMichael MatzBluegrass CatSteppenwolfer2:01.36$1,453,20020
2005Giacomo, gr./ro. c.Holy BullJerry and Ann MossJerry and Ann MossJohn ShirreffsClosing ArgumentAfleet Alex2:02.75$1,639,60020
2004Smarty Jones, ch. c.Elusive QualitySomeday FarmSomeday FarmJohn ServisLion HeartImperialism2:04.06$5,854,80018
2003Funny Cide, ch. g.Distorted HumorWinStar FarmSackatoga StableBarclay TaggEmpire MakerPeace Rules2:01.19$1,000,00016
2002War Emblem, dk.b./br. cOur EmblemCharles Nuckols Jr. & SonsThe Thoroughbred Corp.Bob BaffertProud CitizenPerfect Drift2:01.13$1,000,00018
2001Monarchos, gr./ro. cMaria's MonJ. D. SquiresJohn C. OxleyJohn Ward Jr.Invisible InkCongaree1:59.57$1,112,00017
2000Fusaichi Pegasus, b. c.Mr. ProspectorAuthor B. Hancock III and Stonerside Ltd.Fusao SekiguchiNeil DrysdaleAptitudeImpeachment2:01.12$1,038,40019
1999Charismatic, ch. c.Summer SquallParish Hill Farm and W. S. FarishRobert and Beverly LewisD. Wayne LukasMenifeeCat Theif2:03.29$886,20019
1998Real Quiet, b. c.Quiet AmericanLittle Hill FarmMike PegramBob BaffertVictory GallopIndian Charlie2:02.38$738,80015
1997Silver Charm, gr.ro. c.Silver BuckMary Lou WoottonRobert and Beverly LewisBob BaffertCaptain BodgitFree House2:02.44$700,00013
1996Grindstone, dk. br./ b. c.UnbridledOverbrook FarmOverbrook FarmD. Wayne LukasCavonnierPrince of Thieves2:01869,80019
1995Thunder Gulch, ch. c.GulchPeter M. BrantMichael TaborD. Wayne LukasTejano RunTimber Country2:011/5$707,40019
1994Go for Gin, b. c.CormorantPamela DuPont DarmstadtWilliam J. Condren andNick ZitoStrodes CreekBlumin Affair2:033/5628,80014
1993Sea Hero, b. c.Polish NavyPaul MellonRokeby StablesMack MillerPrairie BayouWild Gale2:022/5735,90019
1992Lil E. Tee, b. c.At the ThresholdLarry LittmanW. Cal ParteeLynn S. WhitingCasual LiesDance Floor2:03724,80018
1991Strike the Gold, ch. c.AlydarCalumet FarmB. Giles BrophyNick ZitoBest PalMane Minister2:03655,80016
1990Unbridled, b. c.FappianoTartan Farms Corp.Mrs. Frances A. GenterCarl NafzgerSummer SquallPleasant Tap2:02581,00015
1989Sunday Silence, dk. b. or br. c.HaloOak Cliff Thoroughbreds, Ltd.A. B. Hancock III, Dr. E.Charlie WhittinghamEasy GoerAwe Inspiring2:05574,20015
1988Winning Colors, ro. f.Caro (Ire)Echo Valley Horse Farm, Inc.Eugene V. KleinD. Wayne LukasForty NinerRisen Star2:021/5611,20017
1987Alysheba, b. c.AlydarPreston MaddenDorothy and PamelaJack C. Van BergBet TwiceAvies Copy2:032/5618,60017
1986Ferdinand, ch. c.Nijinsky IIHoward B. KeckMrs. Howard B. KeckCharlie WhittinghamBold Arrangement (GB)Broad Brush2:024/5609,40016
1985Spend a Buck, b. c.BuckarooRoe HarperHunter FarmCam GambolatiStephan's OdysseyChief's Crown2:001/5406,80013
1984Swale, dk. b. or br. c.Seattle SlewClaiborne FarmClaiborne FarmW. C. StephensCoax Me ChadAt the Threshold2:022/5537,40020
1983Sunny's Halo, ch. c.HaloD. J. FosterD. J. Foster StableDavid C. Cross Jr.Desert WineCaveat2:021/5426,00020
1982Gato Del Sol, gr. c.*Cougar IIA. B. Hancock IIIHancock and PetersEdwin GregsonLaser LightReinvested2:022/5428,85019
1981Pleasant Colony, dk. b. or br. c.His MajestyThomas M. EvansBuckland FarmJohn CampoWoodchopperPartez2:02317,20021
1980Genuine Risk, ch. f.Exclusive NativeMrs. G. W. Humphrey Jr.Mrs. B. R. Firestone Jr.LeRoy JolleyRumboJaklin Klugman2:02250,55013
1979Spectacular Bid, gr. c.Bold BidderMrs. W. M. Jason andHawksworth FarmGrover G. DelpGeneral AssemblyGolden Act2:022/5228,65010
1978Affirmed, ch. c.Exclusive NativeHarbor View FarmHarbor View FarmLazaro S. BarreraAlydarBelieve It2:011/5186,90011
1977Seattle Slew, dk. b. or br. c.Bold ReasoningBen S. CastlemanKaren L. TaylorWilliam H. Turner Jr.Run Dusty RunSanhedrin2:021/5214,70015
1976Bold Forbes, dk. b. or br. c.Irish CastleEaton Farms andE. R. TizolLazaro S. BarreraHonest PleasureElocutionist2:013/5165,2009
1975Foolish Pleasure, b. c.What a PleasureWaldemar FarmsJohn L. GreerLeRoy JolleyAvatarDiabolo2:02209,60015
1974Cannonade, b. c.Bold BidderJohn M. OlinJohn M. OlinW. C. StephensHudson CountyAgitate2:04274,00023
1973Secretariat, ch. c.Bold RulerMeadow Stud, Inc.Estate of C. T. CheneryLucien LaurinShamOur Native1:592/5155,05013
1972Riva Ridge, b. c.First LandingMeadow Stud, Inc.Meadow Stud, Inc.Lucien LaurinNo Le HaceHold Your Peace2:014/5140,30014
1971Canonero II, ch. c.*PretendreEdward BenjaminEdgar CaibettJuan AriasJim FrenchBold Reason2:031/5145,50020
1970Dust Commander, ch. c.Bold CommanderPullen BrothersRobert E. LehmannDon CombsMy Dad GeorgeHigh Echelon2:032/5127,80017
1969Majestic Prince, ch. c.Raise a NativeLeslie Combs IIFrank McMahonJohn LongdenArts and LettersDike2:014/5113,2008
1968Forward Pass, b. c.On-and-OnCalumet FarmCalumet FarmHenry ForrestFrancie's HatT. V. Commercial2:021/5122,60016
1967Proud Clarion, b. c.Hail to ReasonJohn W. GalbreathDarby Dan FarmLoyd GentryBarbs DelightDamascus2:003/5119,70014
1966Kauai King, dk. b. or br. c.Native DancerPine Brook FarmFord StableHenry ForrestAdvocatorBlue Skyer2:02120,50015
1965Lucky Debonair, b. c.VertexDanada FarmMrs. Ada L. RiceFrank CatroneDapper DanTom Rolfe2:011/5112,00011
1964Northern Dancer, b. c.NearcticE. P. TaylorWindfields FarmHoratio A. LuroHill RiseThe Scoundrel2:00114,30012
1963Chateaugay, ch. c.SwapsJohn W. GalbreathDarby Dan FarmJ. P. ConwayNever BendCandy Spots2:014/5108,9009
1962Decidedly, gr. c.DetermineGeorge A. Pope Jr.El Peco RanchHoratio A. LuroRoman LineRidan2:002/5119,65015
1961Carry Back, br. c.SaggyJack A. PriceMrs. Katherine PriceJack A. PriceCrozierBass Clef2:04120,50015
1960Venetian Way, ch. c.Royal CoinageJohn W. GreathouseSunny Blue FarmVictor J. SovinskiBally AcheVictoria Park2:022/5114,85013
1959*Tomy Lee, b. c.*Tudor MinstrelD. H. WillsMr. and Mrs. Fred Turner Jr.Frank ChildsSword DancerFirst Landing2:021/5119,65017
1958Tim Tam, dk. b. c.Tom FoolCalumet FarmCalumet FarmH. A. JonesLincoln RoadNoureddin2:05116,40014
1957Iron Liege, b. c.Bull LeaCalumet FarmCalumet FarmH. A. Jones*Gallant ManRound Table2:021/5107,9509
1956Needles, b. c.PonderWilliam E. LeachD & H StableHugh L. FontaineFabiusCome On Red2:032/5123,45017
1955Swaps, ch. c.*KhaledRex C. EllsworthRex C. EllsworthMeshach A. TenneyNashuaSummer Tan2:014/5108,40010
1954Determine, gr. c.*AlibhaiDr. Eslie AsburyA. J. CrevolinWilliam MolterHasty RoadHasseyampa2:03102,05017
1953Dark Star, br. c.*Royal Gem IIWarner L. Jones Jr.Cain Hoy StableEddie HaywardNative DancerInvigorator2:0290,05011
1952Hill Gail, dk. b. c.Bull LeaCalumet FarmCalumet FarmBen A. JonesSub FleetBlue Man2:013/596,30016
1951Count Turf, b. c.Count FleetDr. and Mrs. F. P. MillerJ. J. AmielSol RutchickRoyal MustangRuhe2:023/598,05020
1950Middleground, ch. c.Bold VentureKing RanchKing RanchMax HirschHill PrinceMr. Trouble2:013/592,65014
1949Ponder, dk. b. c.PensiveCalumet FarmCalumet FarmBen A. JonesCapotPalestinian2:041/591,60014
1948Citation, b. c.Bull LeaCalumet FarmCalumet FarmBen A. JonesCoaltownMy Request2:052/583,4006
1947Jet Pilot, ch. c.*Blenheim IIA. B. Hancock Jr. andMaine Chance FarmTom SmithPhalanxFaultless2:064/592,16013
1946Assault, ch. c.Bold VentureKing RanchKing RanchMax HirschSpy SongHampden2:063/596,40017
1945Hoop, Jr., b. c.*Sir Gallahad IIIRobert A. FairbairnFred W. HooperIvan H. ParkePot o' LuckDarby Dieppe2:0764,85016
1944Pensive, ch. c.HyperionCalumet FarmCalumet FarmBen A. JonesBroadclothStir Up2:041/564,67516
1943Count Fleet, br. c.Reigh CountMrs. John D. HertzMrs. John D. HertzG. D. CameronBlue SwordsSlide Rule2:0460,72510
1942Shut Out, ch. c.EquipoiseGreentree StableGreentree StableJohn M. GaverAlsabValdina Orphan2:042/564,22515
1941Whirlaway, ch. c.*Blenheim IICalumet FarmCalumet FarmBen A. JonesStaretorMarket Wise2:012/561,27511
1940Gallahadion, b. c.*Sir Gallahad IIIRobert A. FairbairnMilky Way FarmRoy WaldronBimelechDit2:0560,1508
1939Johnstown, b. c.JamestownA. B. Hancock Jr.Belair StudJames FitzsimmonsChalledonHeather Broom2:032/546,3508
1938Lawrin, br. c.InscoHerbert WoolfWoolford FarmBen A. JonesDauberCan't Wait2:044/547,05010
1937War Admiral, br. c.Man o' WarSamuel D. RiddleGlen Riddle FarmGeorge ConwayPompoonReaping Reward2:031/552,05020
1936Bold Venture, ch. c.*St. GermansMorton L. SchwartzM. L. SchwartzMax HirschBrevityIndian Broom2:033/537,72514
1935Omaha, ch. c.Gallant FoxBelair StudBelair StudJames FitzsimmonsRoman SoldierWhiskolo2:0539,52518
1934Cavalcade, br. c.*LancegayeF. Wallis ArmstrongBrookmeade StableRobert A. SmithDiscoveryAgrarian2:0428,17513
1933Brokers Tip, br. c.Black ToneyIdle Hour Stock FarmE. R. BradleyH. J. ThompsonHead PlayCharley O.2:064/548,92513
1932Burgoo King, ch. c.Bubbling OverE. R. Bradley andE. R. BradleyH. J. ThompsonEconomicStepenfetchit2:051/552,35020
1931Twenty Grand, b. c.*St. GermansGreentree StableGreentree StableJames Rowe Jr.Sweep AllMate2:014/548,72512
1930Gallant Fox, b. c.*Sir Gallahad IIIBelair StudBelair StudJames FitzsimmonsGallant KnightNed O.2:073/550,72515
1929Clyde Van Dusen, ch. g.Man o' WarHarry P. GardnerH. P. GardnerC. Van DusenNaishapurPanchio2:104/553,95021
1928Reigh Count, ch. c.*SunreighWillis Sharpe KilmerMrs. John D. HertzBert S. MichellMisstepToro2:102/555,37522
1927Whiskery, br. c.Whisk Broom IIHarry P. WhitneyH. P. WhitneyFred HopkinsOsmandJock2:0651,00015
1926Bubbling Over, ch. c.*North Star IIIIdle Hour Stock FarmIdle Hour Stock FarmH. J. ThompsonBagenbaggageRock Man2:034/550,07513
1925Flying Ebony, blk. c.The FinnJohn E. MaddenC. A. CochranWilliam B. DukeCaptain HalSon of John2:073/552,95020
1924Black Gold, blk. c.Black ToneyMrs. R. M. HootsMrs. R. M. HootsHedley WebbChilhoweeBeau Butler2:051/552,77519
1923Zev, br. c.The FinnJohn E. MaddenRancocas StableD. J. LearyMartingaleVigil2:052/553,00021
1922Morvich, br. c.RunnymedeAdolph B. SprecklesBen BlockFred BurlewBet MosieJohn Finn2:043/546,77510
1921Behave Yourself, b. c.MarathonE. R. BradleyE. R. BradleyH. J. ThompsonBlack ServantPrudery2:041/538,45012
1920Paul Jones, br. g.*Sea KingJohn E. MaddenRal ParrWilliam GarthUpsetOn Watch2:0930,37517
1919Sir Barton, ch. c.*Star ShootMadden and GoochJ. K. L. RossH. Guy BedwellBilly KellyUnder Fire2:094/520,82512
1918Exterminator, ch. g.*McGeeF. D. KnightW. S. KilmerHenry McDanielEscobaViva America2:104/514,7008
1917*Omar Khayyam, ch. c.MarcoSir John RobinsonBillings and JohnsonC. T. PattersonTicketMidway2:043/516,60015
1916George Smith, blk. c.*Out of ReachChinn and ForsythJohn SanfordHollie HughesStar HawkFranklin2:049,7509
1915Regret, ch. f.BroomstickHarry P. WhitneyHarry P. WhitneyJames Rowe Sr.PebblesSharpshooter2:052/511,45016
1914Old Rosebud, b. g.UncleJohn E. MaddenH. C. ApplegateF. D. WeirHodgeBronzewing2:032/59,1257
1913Donerail, b. c.*McGeeThomas P. HayesThomas P. HayesThomas P. HayesTen PointGowell2:044/55,4758
1912Worth, br. c.*Knight of the ThistleR. H. MacPotterH. C. HallenbeckFrank M. TaylorDuvalFlamma2:092/54,8508
1911Meridian, b. c.BroomstickC. L. HarrisonR. F. CarmenAlbert EwingGovernor GrayColston2:054,8507
1910Donau, b. c.*WoolsthorpeMilton YoungWilliam GerstGeorge HamJoe MorrisFighting Bob2:062/54,8507
1909Wintergreen, b. c.Dick WellesJ. B. RespessJ. B. RespessCharles MackMiamiDr. Barkley2:081/54,85010
1908Stone Street, b. c.LongstreetJ. B. HagginC. E. and J. W. HamiltonJ. W. HallSir ClegesDunvegan2:151/54,8508
1907Pink Star, b. c.Pink CoatJ. Hal WoodfordJ. Hall WoodfordW. H. FizerZalOvelando2:123/54,8506
1906Sir Huon, b. c.FalsettoGeorge J. LongGeorge J. LongPeter CoyneLady NavarreJames Reddick2:084/54,8506
1905Agile, b. c.Sir DixonE. F. ClayS. S. BrownRobert TuckerRam's HornLayson2:103/44,8503
1904Elwood, b. c.Free KnightMrs. J. B. PratherMrs. C. E. DurnellC. E. DurnellEd TierneyBrancas2:081/24,8505
1903Judge Himes, b. c.*EsherJ. N. CamdenCharles EllisonJ. P. MayberryEarlyBourbon2:094,8506
1902Alan-a-Dale, ch. c.HalmaT. C. McDowellT. C. McDowellT. C. McDowellInventorThe Rival2:083/44,8504
1901His Eminence, b. c.FalsettoO. H. ChenaultF. B. VanMeterF. B. VanMeterSannazarroDriscoll2:073/44,8505
1900Lieut. Gibson, b. c.G. W. JohnsonBaker and GentryCharles H. SmithCharles H. HughesFlorizarThrive2:061/44,8507
1889Spokane, ch. c.Hyder AliNoah ArmstrongNoah ArmstrongJohn RodegapProctor KnottOnce Again2:341/24,8808
1888MacBeth II, b. g.MacduffRufus LisleChicago StableJohn CampbellGallifetWhite2:381/44,7407
1887Montrose, b. c.Duke of MontroseMilton YoungLabold BrothersJohn McGintyJim GoreJacobin2:391/44,2007
1886Ben Ali, br. c.VirgilDaniel SwigertJ. B. HagginJim MurphyBlue WingFree Knight2:361/24,89010
1885Joe Cotton, ch. c.King AlfonsoA. J. AlexanderJ. T. WilliamsAlex PerryBersanTen Booker2:371/44,63010
1884Buchanan, ch. c.*BuckdenCottrill and GuestWilliam CottrillWilliam BirdLoftinAudrain2:401/43,9909
1883Leonatus, b. c.LongfellowJ. Henry MillerChinn and MorganRaleigh ColstonDrake CarterLord Raglan2:433,7607
1882Apollo, ch. g.Ashstead or LeverDaniel SwigertMorris and PattonGreen B. MorrisRunnymedeBengal2:401/24,56014
1881Hindoo, b. c.VirgilDaniel SwigertDwyer BrothersJames Rowe Sr.LelexAlhambra2:404,4106
1880Fonso, ch. c.King AlfonsoA. J. AlexanderJ. S. ShawhanTice HutsellKimballBancroft2:371/23,8005
1879Lord Murphy, b. c.Pat MalloyJ. T. CarterGeorge W. Darden and Co.George RiceFalsettoStrathmore2:373,5509
1878Day Star, ch. c.Star DavisJ. M. ClayT. J. NicholsLee PaulHimyarLeveler2:371/44,0509
1877Baden-Baden, ch. c.*AustralianA. J. AlexanderH. P. McGrathA. AndersonLeonardKing William2:383,30011
1876Vagrant, br. g.VirgilM. H. SanfordWilliam AstorJames WilliamsCreedmoorHarry Hill2:381/42,95011
1875Aristides, ch. c.*LeamingtonH. P. McGrathDaniel SwigertEd BrownVolcanoVerdigris2:373/42,85015
The Thoroughbred Times - Road to the Triple Crown