The Triple Crown Trophy is one of the most iconic symbols of horse racing. It is awarded to any horse that wins the three major races of Thoroughbred horse racing: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. It is considered one of the most prestigious awards in horse racing, and it has been awarded since 1875.
History of the Triple Crown Trophy
The Triple Crown Trophy was first presented in 1950 by the United States Racing Association (USRA). The USRA is the governing body that oversees all three major racing events. The trophy is made of solid sterling silver and is mounted on a wooden base. It features an intricate design of three horses’ heads in profile, representing the three Triple Crown races. The center of the trophy has a relief of an American Bald Eagle with its wings spread, with the words “Triple Crown” written beneath it.
Notable Triple Crown Winners
Some of the most notable Triple Crown winners include Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed. Secretariat is widely considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and he was the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Citation in 1948. Seattle Slew was the first horse to win the Triple Crown while undefeated, and Affirmed was the last horse to win the Triple Crown in 1978.
Value of the Triple Crown Trophy
The Triple Crown Trophy is considered a priceless piece of racing history. It is estimated to be worth around $1 million, though its true value is impossible to calculate. The trophy has been presented to each of the Triple Crown winners since 1950, making it a highly sought-after item by collectors.
How Much Did Pawn Stars Pay for the Triple Crown Trophy?
In 2011, the popular TV show Pawn Stars bought the Triple Crown Trophy for $750,000. The trophy was purchased from a private collector, who had owned it since the 1970s. The episode featuring the purchase of the Triple Crown Trophy was one of the most popular episodes of the show, and it was widely reported in the media.
The Negotiation Process
The negotiation process between the private collector and the Pawn Stars was featured in the episode. The collector initially asked for $1 million for the trophy, but the Pawn Stars were able to negotiate the price down to $750,000. The Pawn Stars were initially hesitant to purchase the trophy due to its high price tag, but they eventually agreed to the deal after much negotiation.
The Aftermath of the Purchase
After the purchase of the Triple Crown Trophy, the Pawn Stars showcased the trophy at their shop for viewers to see. The trophy was also featured in a photo shoot for the show, and it was the centerpiece of the episode. The Pawn Stars also made a special donation of $100,000 to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, a charity that helps retired racehorses.
The Legacy of the Triple Crown Trophy
The purchase of the Triple Crown Trophy by the Pawn Stars has had a lasting impact on the horse racing community. The trophy is seen as a symbol of excellence in horse racing and is a reminder of the history of the sport. The trophy is also a reminder of the importance of negotiation, as the Pawn Stars were able to negotiate a lower price for the trophy.
Conclusion
The Triple Crown Trophy is one of the most iconic symbols of horse racing and is worth around $1 million. In 2011, the popular TV show Pawn Stars bought the trophy for $750,000, after a lengthy negotiation process. The purchase of the trophy has had a lasting impact on the horse racing community, as it is seen as a symbol of excellence in the sport.