Word: crowning
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...once Secretariat broke the spell in 1973, there followed in quick succession a parade of superhorses. Seattle Slew won the title in 1977, Affirmed last year, and this year Spectacular Bid is the favorite to capture the Belmont Stakes on Saturday and, with it, the coveted Triple Crown. The new question: Why are there suddenly so many champions...
...when Sir Barton won; 8,434 when Citation won in 1948; last year the number was 31,326. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, member of one of America's most distinguished racing families, pondered the problem last week and concluded, "I can't think of any logical reason for more Triple Crown horses lately. And if we do get a third in a row this year, I think it's mostly chance...
Most owners and trainers agree. Says John Veitch, trainer for the legendary Calumet Farms: "A number of horses over the past 30 years or so have had a chance to win the Triple Crown, but they've had bad luck and broken down before they had a shot...
...quarter-century between Citation and Secretariat, the vagaries of racing luck saw six horses win the first two races of the Triple Crown, only to falter over the 1 ½-mile course of the Belmont Stakes. In 1958 Tim Tarn was leading the field with one-eighth mile to run when he broke his leg. In the 1953 Kentucky Derby, Native Dancer was bumped and then forced to go so far outside that he could have stopped for a mint julep in the clubhouse. He won the Preakness and the Belmont, but his Triple Crown was lost. Nashua, Needles, Damascus...
...syndication rights were auctioned by Kentucky's Keeneland Association last year, and $24,668,933 was spent by foreign buyers. Admits Keeneland President Ted Bassett: "The large number of topflight horses that are purchased by foreign buyers could mean that some of the great colts, perhaps even potential Triple Crown winners, have gone to Europe to race...