For our family, the Triple Crown races are the most exciting sports events of the year. I inherited my love of horses from my Dad, and my love of horse racing from my Mom. In 133 years there have only been 11 Triple Crown winners. I have very exciting childhood memories of actually seeing three horses go all the way: Secretariat in 1973, Seattle Slew in 1977, and Affirmed in 1978. It takes a very special horse to win the Triple Crown and each year I hope for another winner. Perhaps this year?

Kentucky Derby – Saturday, May 4, 2008
The first in the Triple Crown racing events, and my personal favorite, the Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Labeled “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports” the 1.25 mile Kentucky Derby is a 3 year olds first step on the way to the Triple Crown. Get those mint juleps ready!

Preakness – Saturday, May 17, 2008
At 1 3/16, The Preakness Stakes is the shortest race in the Triple Crown. Held on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore, this race determines if there will actually be a Triple Crown contender for the year.

Belmont Stakes – Saturday, June 7, 2008
Three weeks after the Preakness, New York’s Belmont Stakes is the 1.5 mile “Test of the Champion.” It is the last and longest race in the Triple Crown.

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