2024 has proven to be an exhilarating year for sports enthusiasts, even though we are still in the early stages. The sporting calendar kicked off in Melbourne, where tennis fans rejoiced at the return of the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. Down in Australia, spectators experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, with unexpected outcomes and thrilling moments, as Novak Djokovic from Serbia relinquished his title to Italian player Jannik Sinner. The Australian Open made it clear to sports fans that this year would be full of surprises and not adhere to a predictable script.
Shortly after the professional tennis players concluded their matches in Australia, the attention of tennis enthusiasts shifted to the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, for the Super Bowl LVIII held in February. The game proved to be captivating, with the Kansas City Chiefs making a remarkable comeback to defeat the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the 49ers' early lead, they eventually succumbed to the relentless assault from the Chiefs, and the game's momentum swung back and forth until the Chiefs seized control in the final stages.
With tennis and football fans satisfied, we now eagerly anticipate the upcoming sports schedule in 2024, which promises to be even more intriguing. Horse racing enthusiasts can look forward to an unforgettable racing season with notable fixtures taking place in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and beyond. Have you taken a look at the latest betting odds for the Kentucky Derby or the Grand National? There's something for everyone, as leading sportsbooks provide attractive odds, unique betting markets, and enticing promotions.
Canadian Triple Crown
The primary focus is the Canadian Triple Crown, this year's main attraction for fans of thoroughbred racing in Canada. The nation's most popular races are set to be won, but the question remains: will 2024 witness a horse achieving the remarkable feat of winning all three races? This accomplishment has only been achieved by a select few racehorses in history, and it is a challenging task.
The prestigious list of Triple Crown winners comprises the best and most renowned horses in Canadian sports history, but it is likely to expand in the near future. Which horse possesses the necessary qualities, experience, training, and speed to etch its name onto the Triple Crown honours list?
The Triple Crown encompasses The King's Plate, The Prince of Wales Stakes, and The Breeder's Stakes. The pursuit of becoming the Canadian Triple Crown champion commences with The King's Plate, the oldest race in Canada, held at Woodbine Racecourse. In this opening event, 17 horses compete over a distance of 2000 meters for the title. The season then progresses to Fort Erie Racecourse, where a field of top-tier horses competes fiercely in The Prince of Wales Stakes, a gruelling contest over a 1900-meter dirt track. Only the most physically fit horses can endure this energy-draining challenge.
If a horse and its trainer achieve victory in both The King's Plate and The Prince of Wales Stakes, anticipation and excitement mount in anticipation of the third and final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. The Breeder's Stakes, held in August at Woodbine, serves as the kingmaker, offering the possibility of a new Triple Crown champion. Throughout history, only twelve horses have managed to conquer all three races, and we delve into the most memorable among them.
Canebora (1950), the first champion of the Canadian Triple Crown, holds a significant position in horse racing. Trained by Max Hirsch and owned by E. P. Taylor, Canebora set a high standard for future Triple Crown contenders. His wins in the Queen's Plate, Prince of Wales Stakes, and Breeders' Stakes marked the beginning of the Canadian Triple Crown saga, earning him a respected place in the sport's history.
New Providence (1959) emerged as a formidable force almost ten years later, securing the Triple Crown in 1959. Guided by renowned trainer Pete McCann and owned by Windfields Farm, New Providence displayed a rare combination of speed and endurance. His victories in the Queen's Plate, Prince of Wales Stakes, and Breeders' Stakes established him as one of Canada's legendary racehorses.
Dance Smartly (1991), an exceptionally talented filly, triumphed in the Canadian Triple Crown in 1991. Trained by James E. Day and owned by Sam-Son Farm, Dance Smartly not only became the first filly to win the Triple Crown but also excelled on turf. Her wins showcased her versatility and left an enduring legacy as one of the greatest fillies in Canadian racing history.
Peteski (1993) joined the esteemed list of Canadian Triple Crown winners in 1993. Trained by Roger Attfield and owned by Earle Mack, Peteski demonstrated determination and skill on the racetrack. His victories in the Queen's Plate, Prince of Wales Stakes, and Breeders' Stakes solidified his status as one of the greats in Canadian horse racing.
Wando (2003), born in 2000, stands as the most recent victor of the renowned Canadian Triple Crown. Trained by Michael Keogh and owned by Gustav Schickedanz, Wando emerged as a contemporary marvel by claiming the 2003 series. His exceptional performances on various tracks added a new chapter to the Triple Crown legacy, captivating the hearts of racing enthusiasts.