Post Triple Crown Thoughts
Dateline: 06/12/97Well, the Triple Crown races are over for another year. This year we had a really exciting series that showcased 4 very good colts who proved they were the best of the bunch. Unfortunately, Silver Charm was not able to hold off Touch Gold in the Belmont to win the Crown but the rivalry and suspense created more interest in racing than there has been in several years. The huge 70,000+ crowd, over twice as many as came last year, and the 80% increase in TV ratings for the Belmont are ample evidence of that.
Unfortunately Captain Bodgit was injured and had to retire, but the other three, Silver Charm, Touch Gold, and Free House, will all be back in a month or two to renew the rivalry. Several tracks are upping purses and offering to adjust schedules to get all three back together again. It will be interesting to see when and where they all turn up next. Update: This saturday it was announced that the purse of the Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park would be increased to $1 million if all three would run. Since all three are California based, this will be a great temptation to their connections.
Anther very highly regarded horse, Pulpit who was 4th in the Kentucky Derby despite chipping a knee, is recovering well from arthroscopic surgery. He is expected to go back in training soon and should bring the level of competition even higher when he returns.
Check here for reviews, photos, charts, and even video clips of all the Triple Crown races.
