The Triple Crown remains one of the most elusive goals in British flat racing. A total of 15 colts have won the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and St. Leger, but none have managed it since the brilliant Nijinsky in 1970. Camelot came closest to replicating that Vincent O’Brien and Lester Piggott inspired success when winning the 2012 editions of the 2000 Guineas and Derby, only to go down by just ¾l to Encke in the St. Leger.
A Monumental Challenge
With the Guineas run over 1m, the Derby 1m4f, and the St. Leger 1m6f, it takes a special horse to maintain their class over a range of distances which demand speed and increasing reserves of stamina – not to mention the ability to handle the undulations and turns of Epsom and the famous Newmarket Dip. All of that, and the horse in question must be brought to a peak in May, June, and September – testing the talents of their trainer to the limit.
Since that near miss by Camelot in 2012, few horses have even attempted the Triple Crown. Most seasons have passed by without it even being mentioned as a potential target for the most talented colts in training. However, that changed in the past two seasons, with Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy touted as potential Triple Crown horses at the start of their three-year-old campaign. It’s fair to say that the excitement surrounding their challenges didn’t last long, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained duo nearer last than first in the opening leg of the 2000 Guineas. They both bounced back in the Derby, but by that stage, the Triple Crown dream had died.
Two Million Reasons to Go for Triple Crown Gold
Whilst the number of aspiring Triple Crown hunters has been thin on the ground in recent times, it would be no surprise if we see an increase in the coming years, thanks to an excellent incentive provided by one of the UK’s leading bookmakers, Betfred.
Already sponsors of the Oaks, Derby, and St. Leger, Betfred added the 1000 Guineas and 2000 Guineas to the mix this week – becoming the first business to sponsor all five British Classics. That admirable support for the sport on which their business is built represents quite the turnaround from 2011 when, following a bust-up related to ownership of The Tote, Betfred founder Fred Done stated, “I won’t stay where I’m not wanted. As from next year, racing and Betfred have got to learn to live without each other.”
Thankfully, those wounds now appear to have healed entirely. Not content with lending their financial backing to all five Classics, Betfred have also put up a new £2million bonus, which will go to any colt who repeats Nijinsky’s legendary performance from 54 years ago. It’s a tall order, but in an era where the most talented colts are increasingly being targeted at valuable overseas events, the potential windfall can only serve to maintain the importance of the jewels in British racing’s crown.