Tradition is a fleeting thing. Remember The Kentucky Derby from 1875-1894 was run at 1 1/2 miles, as was the Oaks. Times had changed then and the distance was reduced to the current 1 1/4 miles. The Oaks has been run at 1 1/2 miles, 1 1/8 miles, 1 1/16 miles and back to 1 1/8 miles. Gallant Fox won the Preakness in 1930, then the Derby and Belmont. The Kentucky Derby used to be run in mid may until the 19 teens when the First Saturday in May became more prominent (unless it was May 1st, and then the race was run May 8th).
I agree that the Triple Crown needs to be at least discussed with the powers that be. I think a set of First Saturdays would work (First Saturday in May, First Saturday in June, First Saturday in July). I think we can keep the distances. The biggest effect would be the folks in Baltimore with their traditions. I don't think it would be easier to win in fact keeping the horse at their peak is always a tough challenge.
In England, I believe the 1000 and 2000 Guineas is run The First Saturday in May, The Epsom Derby and Epsom Oaks the first weekend in June, and The St Leger in September.
Other sports have changed drastically in the last 50 years. Baseball and Football have playoffs, The Olympics changed the Winter games so now we have an Olympics every 2 years. NASCAR introduced the Chase for the Championship a few years ago which riled the traditionalist.
Change is tough, and yes as a "traditionalist" horse player, I tend to shy away from change. Until 1986, you couldn't bet an exacta, trifecta, or any other exotic in the Derby. The Blue Grass until 1989 was run 9 days prior to the race on a Thursday. I hated that change to 3 weeks out, but it has worked better, and my guess is the Blue Grass will be 4 weeks out in the next few years. So tradition and change are at odds, but if it's in the best interest of the sport then hopefully it's accepted.
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