Introducing a Triple Crown for Four/Five Year Olds

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by ScottJ

What does the community think about a triple crown for older (both four and five year old) horses?

The design would be that three national races would be selected at distance (1 1/4 miles, 1 1/2 miles, and a third distance to be chosen), conducted in the May to October time frame, perhaps including a Breeder's Cup event. The idea would be to win each of the three races not only in a single year, but perhaps over the course of the two years.

Purses for the three races should come in at a minimum of $2M USD. The race locations could be East Coast, West Coast, and perhaps mid-US. Would this encourage the continued participation of three years olds? Would this better capture the imagination of the US viewer and bettor?

Comments sought.

New York would stand the best chance at doing something like this. They already have the best races and honestly its not even close anymore. They have 5 huge handicap races in place. Met Mile, Suburban, Whitney, Woodward and JCGC. Maybe offer a bonus if a horse swept them. How would offering any sort of bonus benefit NYRA?? Im just not seeing it. But if they had to they could choose 3 of the 5 races.... IMO it would be Met, Whitney and JCGC and offer a bonus if a horse swept the 3. I dont think its possible on a national scale.
I mean if you have a good handicap horse, or even a 3yr old that you think needs time to mature why would you not have him in NY for the handicap races that they offer?

[DevonshireHanover]

This is beating a dead horse but wouldn't bringing back the American Championship Racing Series be the best bet?

[Coup Verville]

Maybe something along the lines of Met Mile, Arlington Million, BC Classic? There would have to be some sort of bonus attached, but it would show some serious versatility in a horse.

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by Coup Verville

Maybe something along the lines of Met Mile, Arlington Million, BC Classic? There would have to be some sort of bonus attached, but it would show some serious versatility in a horse.

Thats a cool thought, and I love all 3 of those races. But how many Met winners or even Met runners wheel back in the Million?

[Coup Verville]

Originally Posted by RockHardTen1985

Thats a cool thought, and I love all 3 of those races. But how many Met winners or even Met runners wheel back in the Million?

Oh, I realize it's a pipe dream. It would just be a really special horse that could pull off all three. Just a fun thought.

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by Coup Verville

Oh, I realize it's a pipe dream. It would just be a really special horse that could pull off all three. Just a fun thought.

It is cool to think of who could pull that triple off.
Who recently would have even had a prayer? Animal Kingdom, maybe? Im not sure he was sharp enough for the Met Mile, who knows.....

[Coup Verville]

Originally Posted by RockHardTen1985

It is cool to think of who could pull that triple off.
Who recently would have even had a prayer? Animal Kingdom, maybe? Im not sure he was sharp enough for the Met Mile, who knows.....

AK certainly. Maybe Big Brown had he stuck around for his 4 year old season. Palace Malice wouldn't be completely out of his element trying to pull it off this year.