In the world of horse racing, the Triple Crown is the ultimate test of a horse's speed, stamina, and talent. It consists of three races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. To win the Triple Crown, a horse must win all three races in the same year. This is a rare feat, as only 13 horses have ever accomplished it.
The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Justify in 2018. Justify was a dominant force on the racetrack, winning all six of his starts as a 3-year-old. He won the Kentucky Derby by 2 1/2 lengths, the Preakness Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths, and the Belmont Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths. Justify's victory in the Triple Crown was a special moment for horse racing fans around the world. He was the first horse to win the Triple Crown since American Pharoah in 2015, and he did it in style.
Now that we know who the last winner of the Triple Crown was, let's take a closer look at the history of this prestigious event.
Who Was the Last Winner of the Triple Crown?
Here are 10 important points about the last winner of the Triple Crown:
- Horse: Justify
- Year: 2018
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Jockey: Mike Smith
- Owner: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm
- Wins: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes
- Margins of Victory: 2 1/2 lengths, 1 3/4 lengths, 1 1/2 lengths
- Earnings: $3,541,960
- Legacy: First horse to win the Triple Crown since American Pharoah in 2015
- Status: Retired to stud
Justify's victory in the Triple Crown was a special moment for horse racing fans around the world. He was a dominant force on the racetrack, and he did it in style. Justify is a true champion, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Horse: Justify
Justify was a truly exceptional racehorse. He was bred by John Gunther and WinStar Farm, and he was trained by Bob Baffert. Justify began his racing career in February 2018, and he quickly showed that he was a horse with immense talent. He won his first two starts by a combined margin of 19 lengths, and he was then entered in the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby is the first race in the Triple Crown, and it is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Justify was the favorite going into the race, and he did not disappoint. He stalked the pace early on, and then he made a powerful move on the far turn. He took the lead in the stretch and drew away to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Justify's victory in the Kentucky Derby was a dominant performance, and it made him the heavy favorite for the Preakness Stakes.
The Preakness Stakes is the second race in the Triple Crown, and it is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. Justify was again the favorite, and he once again delivered a dominant performance. He settled in behind the leaders early on, and then he made his move on the far turn. He took the lead in the stretch and drew away to win by 1 3/4 lengths. Justify's victory in the Preakness Stakes made him the first horse since American Pharoah in 2015 to win the first two races of the Triple Crown.
The Belmont Stakes is the third and final race in the Triple Crown, and it is held three weeks after the Preakness Stakes. Justify was once again the favorite, but this time he faced a more difficult challenge. The Belmont Stakes is the longest race in the Triple Crown, and it is often referred to as the "Test of the Champion." Justify showed his true grit and determination in the Belmont Stakes. He battled with fellow contender Gronkowski throughout the race, and he eventually pulled away to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Justify's victory in the Belmont Stakes made him the 13th horse in history to win the Triple Crown.
Justify's Triple Crown victory was a special moment for horse racing fans around the world. He was a dominant force on the racetrack, and he did it in style. Justify is a true champion, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Year: 2018
The year 2018 was a special year for horse racing fans around the world. It was the year that Justify won the Triple Crown, becoming the 13th horse in history to accomplish this rare feat. Justify's Triple Crown victory was a dominant performance, as he won all three races by a combined margin of 6 1/2 lengths.
Justify's victory in the Triple Crown was especially significant because it came just three years after American Pharoah had won the Triple Crown in 2015. This was the first time that two horses had won the Triple Crown in such a short span of time since Citation and Whirlaway did it in 1948 and 1941, respectively.
Justify's Triple Crown victory also helped to boost the popularity of horse racing. The Belmont Stakes, the final race in the Triple Crown, was watched by a record-breaking crowd of 90,000 people. Justify's victory also generated a lot of excitement on social media, with many people following the race and sharing their thoughts and reactions online.
2018 was a truly special year for horse racing. Justify's Triple Crown victory was a historic moment, and it helped to bring new fans to the sport. Justify is a true champion, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
In addition to Justify's Triple Crown victory, there were a number of other notable events in horse racing in 2018. Enable won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for the second time, becoming the first horse to win the race twice since Treve in 2013 and 2014. Bob Baffert became the first trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same year twice, having previously done so in 2015 with American Pharoah.
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Bob Baffert is one of the most successful horse trainers in history. He has won the Triple Crown twice, with Justify in 2018 and American Pharoah in 2015. He has also won the Kentucky Derby a record seven times, and he has won the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes multiple times as well.
Baffert is known for his ability to get the most out of his horses. He is a master trainer who knows how to prepare his horses for the biggest races in the world. Baffert is also a great horseman who cares deeply for his animals. He treats them with respect and compassion, and he always puts their welfare first.
Baffert's success is not just limited to the Triple Crown races. He has also won many other major races around the world, including the Breeders' Cup Classic, the Dubai World Cup, and the Pegasus World Cup. Baffert is a true legend of horse racing, and he is one of the most respected trainers in the sport.
Baffert's success with Justify in 2018 was particularly impressive. Justify was a dominant force on the racetrack, and he won all three races in the Triple Crown by a combined margin of 6 1/2 lengths. Baffert's training skills were on full display, and he was able to get Justify to peak at the right time for the biggest races of his career.
Baffert is a true master of his craft. He is a brilliant trainer who knows how to get the most out of his horses. He is also a great horseman who cares deeply for his animals. Baffert is a legend of horse racing, and he will continue to be one of the most successful trainers in the sport for many years to come.
Jockey: Mike Smith
Mike Smith is one of the most successful jockeys in horse racing history. He has won the Triple Crown twice, with Justify in 2018 and Smarty Jones in 2004. He has also won the Kentucky Derby four times, the Preakness Stakes twice, and the Belmont Stakes twice.
- Experience and Accomplishments:
Smith has been riding horses since he was a teenager. He has won over 5,000 races in his career, including some of the most prestigious races in the world. He is known for his aggressive riding style and his ability to get the most out of his horses.
- Partnership with Justify:
Smith had a special partnership with Justify. The two of them seemed to understand each other perfectly. Smith was able to get Justify to relax and focus on the race, even in the most pressure-packed situations. This partnership was a key factor in Justify's Triple Crown victory.
- Big-Race Performances:
Smith is known for his ability to perform well in big races. He has won the Kentucky Derby four times, the Preakness Stakes twice, and the Belmont Stakes twice. He is also a two-time winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic, the richest horse race in the world.
- Legacy:
Smith is a true legend of horse racing. He is one of the most successful jockeys in history, and he has won some of the biggest races in the world. He is known for his aggressive riding style and his ability to get the most out of his horses. Smith is a true champion, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest jockeys of all time.
Mike Smith is a true master of his craft. He is a brilliant jockey who knows how to get the most out of his horses. He is also a great horseman who cares deeply for his animals. Smith is a legend of horse racing, and he will continue to be one of the most successful jockeys in the sport for many years to come.
Owner: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm
Justify was owned by a group of four entities: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm. This group of owners is known for their success in horse racing. They have won many major races around the world, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
China Horse Club is a Chinese investment group that has been involved in horse racing for several years. They have owned a number of successful racehorses, including Justify and Songbird. Head of Plains Partners is a group of American investors who have also been involved in horse racing for many years. They have owned a number of successful racehorses, including Eight Belles and Rachel Alexandra.
Starlight Racing is a racing stable that is owned by Jack Wolf. Starlight Racing has been involved in horse racing for over 20 years, and they have owned a number of successful racehorses, including Justify and Midnight Lute. WinStar Farm is a breeding and racing operation that is owned by Kenny Troutt. WinStar Farm has been involved in horse racing for over 30 years, and they have owned a number of successful racehorses, including Justify and Super Saver.
The ownership group of Justify was a major factor in his success. They provided him with the best possible care and training, and they gave him the opportunity to race in the biggest races in the world. The ownership group of Justify is a model for other owners in horse racing.
In addition to their success with Justify, the ownership group of China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm has also won a number of other major races around the world. They are one of the most successful ownership groups in horse racing, and they are always contenders in the biggest races.
Wins: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes
Justify won all three races in the Triple Crown in dominant fashion. He won the Kentucky Derby by 2 1/2 lengths, the Preakness Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths, and the Belmont Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths.
In the Kentucky Derby, Justify stalked the pace early on before making a powerful move on the far turn. He took the lead in the stretch and drew away to win by 2 1/2 lengths. It was a dominant performance from Justify, and it made him the heavy favorite for the Preakness Stakes.
In the Preakness Stakes, Justify settled in behind the leaders early on before making his move on the far turn. He took the lead in the stretch and drew away to win by 1 3/4 lengths. It was another dominant performance from Justify, and it made him the first horse since American Pharoah in 2015 to win the first two races of the Triple Crown.
In the Belmont Stakes, Justify faced a more difficult challenge. The Belmont Stakes is the longest race in the Triple Crown, and it is often referred to as the "Test of the Champion." Justify battled with fellow contender Gronkowski throughout the race, but he eventually pulled away to win by 1 1/2 lengths. It was a gutsy performance from Justify, and it made him the 13th horse in history to win the Triple Crown.
Justify's victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes were truly special moments in horse racing history. He was a dominant force on the racetrack, and he did it in style. Justify is a true champion, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Margins of Victory: 2 1/2 lengths, 1 3/4 lengths, 1 1/2 lengths
Justify's margins of victory in the Triple Crown races were truly impressive. He won the Kentucky Derby by 2 1/2 lengths, the Preakness Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths, and the Belmont Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths.
In the Kentucky Derby, Justify stalked the pace early on before making a powerful move on the far turn. He took the lead in the stretch and drew away to win by 2 1/2 lengths. This was a dominant performance from Justify, and it showed that he was the best horse in the race.
In the Preakness Stakes, Justify settled in behind the leaders early on before making his move on the far turn. He took the lead in the stretch and drew away to win by 1 3/4 lengths. This was another dominant performance from Justify, and it made him the first horse since American Pharoah in 2015 to win the first two races of the Triple Crown.
In the Belmont Stakes, Justify faced a more difficult challenge. The Belmont Stakes is the longest race in the Triple Crown, and it is often referred to as the "Test of the Champion." Justify battled with fellow contender Gronkowski throughout the race, but he eventually pulled away to win by 1 1/2 lengths. This was a gutsy performance from Justify, and it showed that he was a true champion.
Justify's margins of victory in the Triple Crown races were significant because they showed that he was a dominant force on the racetrack. He was able to win all three races by open lengths, and he never looked back. Justify's victories were a testament to his talent, his training, and his jockey's skill.
Earnings: $3,541,960
Justify's earnings of $3,541,960 made him one of the highest-earning racehorses in history. He earned $1.5 million for winning the Kentucky Derby, $1 million for winning the Preakness Stakes, and $1 million for winning the Belmont Stakes. He also earned money for winning other races earlier in his career.
Justify's earnings are a testament to his success on the racetrack. He was a dominant force, and he won some of the biggest races in the world. His earnings also reflect the value of a Triple Crown winner. Triple Crown winners are rare, and they are always in high demand for breeding purposes. Justify's earnings will allow his owners to recoup their investment and make a profit.
In addition to his earnings on the racetrack, Justify is also likely to earn a lot of money in stud fees. He is a highly sought-after stallion, and his stud fee is expected to be very high. Justify's owners could earn millions of dollars in stud fees over the next few years.
Justify's earnings are a testament to his success on the racetrack and his value as a breeding stallion. He is a true champion, and he will continue to be a valuable asset to his owners for many years to come.
Legacy: First horse to win the Triple Crown since American Pharoah in 2015
Justify's victory in the Triple Crown was a historic moment. He was the first horse to win the Triple Crown since American Pharoah in 2015. This was a significant accomplishment, as it had been 37 years since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978.
- Renewed Interest in Horse Racing:
Justify's Triple Crown victory helped to renew interest in horse racing. The sport had been struggling in recent years, but Justify's victory brought new fans to the sport. People were excited to see a horse that could win the Triple Crown, and they tuned in to watch Justify's races in record numbers.
- Inspiration for Other Horses:
Justify's Triple Crown victory also inspired other horses to try to win the Triple Crown. In 2019, Country House won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, but he was disqualified from the Kentucky Derby after the race. In 2020, Tiz the Law won the Belmont Stakes and the Travers Stakes, but he finished second in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Justify's victory showed that it is still possible to win the Triple Crown, and it inspired other horses to try to achieve this rare feat.
- Increased Value as a Stallion:
Justify's Triple Crown victory also increased his value as a stallion. He is now one of the most sought-after stallions in the world. His stud fee is expected to be very high, and his offspring are likely to be very valuable. Justify's Triple Crown victory has made him a valuable asset to his owners, and it has also helped to improve the bloodlines of Thoroughbred horses.
- Legacy as a Champion:
Justify's Triple Crown victory cemented his legacy as a champion. He is one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and his name will be remembered for many years to come. Justify's victory was a special moment in horse racing history, and it will continue to inspire fans and horse racing enthusiasts for generations to come.
Justify's legacy is one of greatness. He was a dominant force on the racetrack, and he won some of the biggest races in the world. He was the first horse to win the Triple Crown since American Pharoah in 2015, and he helped to renew interest in horse racing. Justify is a true champion, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Status: Retired to stud
After his victory in the Belmont Stakes, Justify was retired to stud at Coolmore America in Kentucky. He is now one of the most sought-after stallions in the world. His stud fee is expected to be very high, and his offspring are likely to be very valuable.
Justify's retirement to stud is a natural progression for a horse of his caliber. He is a champion racehorse, and he has the potential to pass on his talent to his offspring. Justify's owners are hoping that he will sire future Triple Crown winners and other great racehorses.
Justify's retirement to stud is also a sign of the changing landscape of horse racing. In the past, many top racehorses were kept in training for several years. However, the modern trend is to retire horses to stud earlier in their careers. This is because horses are now more valuable as breeding stallions than they are as racehorses.
Justify's retirement to stud is a major event in the world of horse racing. He is one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and he has the potential to make a significant impact on the sport as a stallion. Justify's offspring are likely to be highly sought-after by breeders around the world, and they could help to produce the next generation of champion racehorses.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the last winner of the Triple Crown:
Question 1: Who was the last horse to win the Triple Crown?
Answer: Justify
Question 2: When did Justify win the Triple Crown?
Answer: 2018
Question 3: Who was Justify's trainer?
Answer: Bob Baffert
Question 4: Who was Justify's jockey?
Answer: Mike Smith
Question 5: Who owned Justify?
Answer: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm
Question 6: How much did Justify earn in his career?
Answer: $3,541,960
Question 7: What is Justify's legacy?
Answer: Justify is remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. He was the first horse to win the Triple Crown since American Pharoah in 2015, and he helped to renew interest in horse racing.
Question 8: What is Justify's status now?
Answer: Justify is retired to stud at Coolmore America in Kentucky.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the last winner of the Triple Crown. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Now that you know more about the last winner of the Triple Crown, here are a few tips for betting on horse races:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips for betting on horse races:
Tip 1: Do your research.
Before you place a bet on a horse, it is important to do your research and learn as much as you can about the horse, the jockey, the trainer, and the race conditions. This information can help you make more informed betting decisions.
Tip 2: Consider the odds.
The odds for each horse are determined by the amount of money that has been bet on that horse. The lower the odds, the more likely the horse is to win. However, it is important to remember that the odds are not always an accurate predictor of the outcome of a race. Sometimes, a horse with long odds can win a race.
Tip 3: Don't bet more money than you can afford to lose.
Horse racing is a gambling sport, and there is always the risk of losing money. It is important to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Don't bet more money than you can afford to lose.
Tip 4: Have fun!
Horse racing is a great way to have fun and socialize with friends. Even if you don't win any money, you can still enjoy the excitement of the race.
These are just a few tips to help you get started with betting on horse races. With a little research and practice, you can improve your chances of winning.
Now that you know more about the last winner of the Triple Crown and have some tips for betting on horse races, you are ready to enjoy the excitement of the sport.
Conclusion
Justify is a truly special horse. He is one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and he will be remembered for many years to come. His victory in the Triple Crown was a historic moment, and it helped to renew interest in horse racing. Justify is a true champion, and he is an inspiration to us all.
In this article, we have learned about Justify's owner, trainer, jockey, and earnings. We have also learned about his legacy and his current status as a retired stallion. We have also provided some tips for betting on horse races.
We hope that you have enjoyed learning more about Justify and the Triple Crown. Horse racing is a great sport, and we encourage you to learn more about it and to attend a race if you have the opportunity.
Thank you for reading!