The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and we’re so ready for the most exciting 2 minutes in sport. As usual, the special event is filled with captivating storylines and incredible entertainment, but the 152nd Run for the Roses has us taking a look back at some fascinating Derby history.
Three years ago, I had the thrill of watching the event in person. But first, I took a tour of Coolmore, the Kentucky stable that is home to most-recent Triple Crown winners Justify and American Pharoah. The Triple Crown is a series of three horse races (The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes) for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. It’s one of the most highly coveted achievements in sports, and only 13 horses have been awarded the title in history. There hasn’t been a Triple Crown winner since 2018.
Katie Bowlby
American Pharoah
American Pharoah is celebrating the 11th anniversary of his win this year. As we eagerly await the winner of this year’s event, let’s take a look back at all of the Triple Crown winners since 1875.
2018: Justify
Icon Sportswire//Getty Images
Justify, 2018
2015: American Pharoah
Chris Graythen//Getty Images
American Pharoah, 2015
1978: Affirmed
Bettmann//Getty Images
Affirmed, 1978
1977: Seattle Slew
Focus on Sport//Getty Images
Seattle Slew, 1977
1973: Secretariat
Jerry Cooke//Getty Images
Secretariat, 1973
1948: Citation
Bettmann//Getty Images
Citation at Belmont Stakes, 1948
1946: Assault
Bettmann//Getty Images
Assault, 1946
1943: Count Fleet
Bettmann//Getty Images
Count Fleet winning the Preakness, 1943
1941: Whirlaway
Bettmann//Getty Images
Whirlaway at Belmont Stakes, 1941
1937: War Admiral
Bettmann//Getty Images
War Admiral, 1937
1935: Omaha
Fox Photos//Getty Images
Omaha, 1936
1930: Gallant Fox
New York Daily News Archive//Getty Images
Gallant Fox, 1930
1919: Sir Barton
Bettmann//Getty Images
Sir Barton (inside) and Man o’ War, 1920
Related Stories
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers pop culture news including country music, Yellowstone, and all things HGTV, plus gift guides and product reviews. She has been with Country Living for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked for Southern Living. The Indiana University grad also stitches up the cross-stitch pattern for every issue of the magazine.
