Unveiling the Triple Crown Winner Before Secretariat- A Look Back at History’s First Triple Crown Champion

Who won the Triple Crown before Secretariat? This is a question that has intrigued horse racing enthusiasts for decades. The Triple Crown is one of the most prestigious achievements in thoroughbred racing, and it is a feat that only a select few have ever accomplished. Before Secretariat’s historic 1973 Triple Crown victory, there were several notable winners who etched their names into the annals of racing history.

The first winner of the Triple Crown was Sir Barton in 1919. Sir Barton was trained by William Woodward Sr. and was ridden by jockey Johnny Kilraney. This victory marked the beginning of a long and storied tradition of Triple Crown winners. The next winner was Assault in 1946, who was trained by John H. Veitch and ridden by future Hall of Famer Eddie Arcaro. Assault’s Triple Crown win was a significant achievement in its own right, as it came during a period when the races were not held consecutively as they are today.

The third winner of the Triple Crown was Citation in 1948. Trained by Horace Ashby and ridden by Eddie Arcaro once again, Citation’s victory was the culmination of a brilliant racing career that included victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Citation’s Triple Crown win was a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination.

In 1970, another legendary horse named Kelso won the Triple Crown. Trained by Claude R. Jones and ridden by Braulio Baeza, Kelso’s victory was a significant achievement in its own right, as he won the Belmont Stakes in a record time that still stands today. Kelso’s Triple Crown win was also notable because it was the first time the races were held consecutively, which is the format that has been used ever since.

Before Secretariat’s historic 1973 Triple Crown victory, there were several other horses who had won the prestigious achievement. Among them were War Admiral in 1937, who was trained by Samuel D. Riddle and ridden by Charles Kurtsinger; Whirlaway in 1941, trained by James W. Jackson and ridden by Eddie Arcaro; and Count Fleet in 1943, trained by Ben Jones and ridden by future Hall of Famer Charles Kurtsinger.

Secretariat’s Triple Crown win in 1973 was a crowning achievement in the sport of horse racing. However, it was not the first time that a horse had won the Triple Crown. The history of the Triple Crown is rich with legendary winners who have left an indelible mark on the sport. These horses, including Sir Barton, Assault, Citation, Kelso, War Admiral, Whirlaway, and Count Fleet, have all contributed to the enduring legacy of the Triple Crown and the horses who have achieved this remarkable feat.