The 2018 Triple Crown season was one of the most highly anticipated seasons of horse racing in years, as the spectacularly talented Justify had the chance to become the 13th horse in history to win the Triple Crown. But did Justify succeed in achieving this incredible feat?
The Triple Crown is a series of three races for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It consists of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. To win the Triple Crown, a horse must win all three races.
Justify’s Pre-Triple Crown Career
Justify’s career was off to a spectacular start. He made his debut in February 2018, winning his first race at Santa Anita Park. In his second start, he won the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes by three and a half lengths. Justify then went on to win the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby by two and three quarter lengths.
Justify’s Road to the Triple Crown
Justify was then entered into the Kentucky Derby, where he was the favorite to win. Justify did not disappoint, winning the race by two and a half lengths. After winning the Kentucky Derby, attention quickly shifted to the Preakness Stakes. Justify was again the favorite, and he did not disappoint, winning the race by a half length.
With Justify having won the first two legs of the Triple Crown, all eyes shifted to the Belmont Stakes, the final race of the series. Justify was again the favorite, and he did not disappoint. Justify won the Belmont Stakes by one and three quarter lengths, becoming the 13th horse in history to win the Triple Crown.
Justify’s Post-Triple Crown Career
After winning the Triple Crown, Justify was retired from racing to begin a career as a breeding stallion. In October 2019, Justify was sold to Coolmore Stud for a reported $75 million. Coolmore is the world’s leading racehorse breeding and auction company, and they plan to put Justify to work in 2020.
Justify’s Legacy
Justify’s Triple Crown victory was not only a win for the horse and his team, but also for the sport of horse racing. Justify was the first Triple Crown winner since American Pharoah in 2015, and his victory brought renewed excitement and interest to the sport.
Justify’s Record-Breaking Accomplishments
Justify’s Triple Crown victory was also a record-breaking accomplishment. Justify is the only horse in history to win the Triple Crown after not racing as a two-year-old. He is also the only horse in history to win the Triple Crown while undefeated.
Notable Races for Justify
In addition to his Triple Crown victories, Justify also won several other notable races. He won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby by three and a quarter lengths, the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational by three and a quarter lengths, and the Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby by two and a half lengths.
Justify’s Team
Justify’s success was due in large part to the hard work of his team. Justify was trained by Bob Baffert, who had previously trained American Pharoah to a Triple Crown win. Justify was ridden by jockey Mike Smith, who is the oldest jockey to win the Triple Crown.
Justify’s Impact on Horse Racing
Justify’s Triple Crown win is sure to have a lasting impact on the sport of horse racing. Justify’s win is sure to inspire future generations of horse racing fans, and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest accomplishments in the sport’s history.
The Future of Horse Racing
Justify’s Triple Crown victory is sure to have a lasting impact on the sport of horse racing. His win has renewed excitement and interest in the sport, and has set the stage for future Triple Crown contenders.
Conclusion
Justify’s Triple Crown victory was a historic accomplishment that will be remembered for years to come. His win has brought renewed excitement and interest to the sport of horse racing, and is sure to have a lasting impact on the industry. Justify is a true champion, and will be remembered as one of the greatest horses of all time.