The Triple Crown - Horse Racing’s Ultimate Challenge
June 25th, 2009
C Wayne asked:
The Triple Crown, like so many of our best traditions, wasn’t created, it grew into being. During the late 1800’s three different tracks created races to test the new crop of three year olds. These three races, the Belmont Stakes, the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby were held in the same year for the first time in 1875. It wasn’t until 44 years later that Sir Barton (1919) became the first horse to win all three. The term, Triple Crown, wasn’t coined until 1930 when Daily Racing Form’s columnist, Charles Hatton, used it while covering Gallant Fox’s winning efforts.
In the 131 years that have passed only 11 horses have managed to accomplish what is arguably the most difficult feat in sports. Compared to the Triple Crown, no-hitters in baseball are an everyday occurrence; back to back championships in other sporting events, a dime a dozen; there have been more solar eclipses in our lifetime than Triple Crown winners and each year more people are struck by lightening than the total number of Triple Crown winners in history.
Some of horse racing’s most legendary names failed to capture this event. Man o’ War managed only 2 out of the 3 legs (did not start in the Kentucky Derby); Seabiscuit, after losing 17 straight races as a two year old wasn’t even considered (although he did later beat 1937’s Triple Crown winner, War Admiral in a match race); Cigar never competed, starting his great winning streak late in his fourth year.
What makes this event so difficult to win? Several factors have to be considered. First there’s the age of the horses. Triple Crown races are limited to 3 year olds, juveniles, all of whom officially have their birthday on January 1st of each year. By the first Saturday in May (the running of the Kentucky Derby), though most of the contestants will have actually reached their third birthday, they won’t realize their full growth and potential until their fourth or fifth years.
Another significant aspect is the shortness of time between races. Most stakes graded horses of today run with 30 to 60 days off between races, but Triple Crown contenders must run 3 grueling races within the span of 35 days. Notably Sir Barton, the first Triple Crown winner, won the Preakness only 4 days after winning the Kentucky Derby while today’s challengers do have 14 days between the two races.
Perhaps the most important factor is the distance of these races, the Derby is a mile and a quarter (10 furlongs), the Preakness, a mile and three sixteenths (9.5 furlongs) and the Belmont at a mile and a half (12 furlongs) is the longest of the three. The horses that survive their attempt at the Triple Crown will seldom, if ever, compete at these distances again. And yes, survival is a consideration. Many Triple Crown hopefuls are never able to compete again after the Belmont, even potential superstars such as Smarty Jones in 2004.
Will Barbaro be the next Triple Crown winner? He has the breeding and the talent, but as of this writing twenty horses have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown only to fail at Belmont. Twenty five more have won two of the three races, but maybe this year…
The Triple Crown stands as the ultimate test of greatness, and that’s why on the first Saturday in May each year, America’s thoughts turn to horse racing and the hope of just one more Triple Crown winner. Because we do, after all, need another hero.
Triple Crown Facts:
The Belmont Stakes was first run in 1867 for $1,850.00 at the Jerome Park Race Course in New York, and was originally a mile and five eights, but has also been run at a mile and one eighth and a mile and three eights before settling at a mile and a half in 1926
The first Preakness Stakes was held in 1873 with a prize of $1,850.00 at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland at a distance of a mile and a half, but has been run at six different distances between a mile and a mile and a half before stabilizing at a mile and three sixteenths in 1925
The first Kentucky Derby was in 1875 for a purse of $2,850.00 at the Louisville Jockey Club Course, later renamed Churchill Downs, at a mile and a half, but was shortened to a mile and a quarter in 1896
Since 1875 there have been 5 years when it was not possible to have a Triple Crown winner:
In 1890 the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness where on the same day at the same track In 1911 and 1912 the Belmont Stakes was not held In 1917 and 1922 the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness where held on the same day
Only Triple Crown winner to directly sire another, Gallant Fox (1930) sired Omaha (1935)
Only two trainers have trained more than one Triple Crown winner, James Fitzsimmons - Gallant Fox (1930) and Omaha (1935) and Ben A. Jones - Whirlaway (1941) and Citation (1948)
Only one jockey has ridden more than one Triple Crown winner, Eddie Arcaro - Whirlaway (1941) and Citation (1948)
No filly has ever won the Triple Crown
Number of living Triple Crown winners - none, Seattle Slew (1977) passed away in 2002
Number of Triple Crown winners to win the Breeders’ Cup - none, Last Triple Crown winner Affirmed (1978), inaugural Breeder’s Cup 1984
Donna
The Triple Crown, like so many of our best traditions, wasn’t created, it grew into being. During the late 1800’s three different tracks created races to test the new crop of three year olds. These three races, the Belmont Stakes, the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby were held in the same year for the first time in 1875. It wasn’t until 44 years later that Sir Barton (1919) became the first horse to win all three. The term, Triple Crown, wasn’t coined until 1930 when Daily Racing Form’s columnist, Charles Hatton, used it while covering Gallant Fox’s winning efforts.
In the 131 years that have passed only 11 horses have managed to accomplish what is arguably the most difficult feat in sports. Compared to the Triple Crown, no-hitters in baseball are an everyday occurrence; back to back championships in other sporting events, a dime a dozen; there have been more solar eclipses in our lifetime than Triple Crown winners and each year more people are struck by lightening than the total number of Triple Crown winners in history.
Some of horse racing’s most legendary names failed to capture this event. Man o’ War managed only 2 out of the 3 legs (did not start in the Kentucky Derby); Seabiscuit, after losing 17 straight races as a two year old wasn’t even considered (although he did later beat 1937’s Triple Crown winner, War Admiral in a match race); Cigar never competed, starting his great winning streak late in his fourth year.
What makes this event so difficult to win? Several factors have to be considered. First there’s the age of the horses. Triple Crown races are limited to 3 year olds, juveniles, all of whom officially have their birthday on January 1st of each year. By the first Saturday in May (the running of the Kentucky Derby), though most of the contestants will have actually reached their third birthday, they won’t realize their full growth and potential until their fourth or fifth years.
Another significant aspect is the shortness of time between races. Most stakes graded horses of today run with 30 to 60 days off between races, but Triple Crown contenders must run 3 grueling races within the span of 35 days. Notably Sir Barton, the first Triple Crown winner, won the Preakness only 4 days after winning the Kentucky Derby while today’s challengers do have 14 days between the two races.
Perhaps the most important factor is the distance of these races, the Derby is a mile and a quarter (10 furlongs), the Preakness, a mile and three sixteenths (9.5 furlongs) and the Belmont at a mile and a half (12 furlongs) is the longest of the three. The horses that survive their attempt at the Triple Crown will seldom, if ever, compete at these distances again. And yes, survival is a consideration. Many Triple Crown hopefuls are never able to compete again after the Belmont, even potential superstars such as Smarty Jones in 2004.
Will Barbaro be the next Triple Crown winner? He has the breeding and the talent, but as of this writing twenty horses have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown only to fail at Belmont. Twenty five more have won two of the three races, but maybe this year…
The Triple Crown stands as the ultimate test of greatness, and that’s why on the first Saturday in May each year, America’s thoughts turn to horse racing and the hope of just one more Triple Crown winner. Because we do, after all, need another hero.
Triple Crown Facts:
The Belmont Stakes was first run in 1867 for $1,850.00 at the Jerome Park Race Course in New York, and was originally a mile and five eights, but has also been run at a mile and one eighth and a mile and three eights before settling at a mile and a half in 1926
The first Preakness Stakes was held in 1873 with a prize of $1,850.00 at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland at a distance of a mile and a half, but has been run at six different distances between a mile and a mile and a half before stabilizing at a mile and three sixteenths in 1925
The first Kentucky Derby was in 1875 for a purse of $2,850.00 at the Louisville Jockey Club Course, later renamed Churchill Downs, at a mile and a half, but was shortened to a mile and a quarter in 1896
Since 1875 there have been 5 years when it was not possible to have a Triple Crown winner:
In 1890 the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness where on the same day at the same track In 1911 and 1912 the Belmont Stakes was not held In 1917 and 1922 the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness where held on the same day
Only Triple Crown winner to directly sire another, Gallant Fox (1930) sired Omaha (1935)
Only two trainers have trained more than one Triple Crown winner, James Fitzsimmons - Gallant Fox (1930) and Omaha (1935) and Ben A. Jones - Whirlaway (1941) and Citation (1948)
Only one jockey has ridden more than one Triple Crown winner, Eddie Arcaro - Whirlaway (1941) and Citation (1948)
No filly has ever won the Triple Crown
Number of living Triple Crown winners - none, Seattle Slew (1977) passed away in 2002
Number of Triple Crown winners to win the Breeders’ Cup - none, Last Triple Crown winner Affirmed (1978), inaugural Breeder’s Cup 1984
Donna
There’s a Tragic Side to the Triple Crown
June 24th, 2009
Jackie Wagerweb asked:
Since 1997, a horse has won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness six times, boosting expectations that a Triple Crown winner would emerge for the 12th time in history.
Six times in June racing fans were denied the crowning achievement for 3-year-olds and were forced to utter that old Brooklyn Dodgers expression: “Wait till next year.”
Next year is here, but the racing world must again take up the cry: “Wait till 2007.” This time the reason is much sadder, underlining the tragic side of the Triple Crown: career-ending injuries.
It has happened all too often during the last eight years, beginning with Charismatic, who gave it his all, breaking down after passing the finish line a tiring third 1½ lengths behind Lemon Drop Kid. It was the horse’s last race, but because of quick thinking by the jockey, his life was saved.
Jockey Chris Antley noticed something was wrong and pulled Charismatic to a stop, jumped off, and fell to the ground. He scrambled to his feet, holding the reins, and picked up the colt’s left front leg so the animal couldn’t put any weight on it.
Veterinarians throughout the country agreed that Antley’s selfless, heroic deed prevented further serious injury to the horse. The National Thoroughbred Racing Associated called it “Racing’s Moment of ’99.”
Charismatic won two Eclipse Awards: Horse of the Year and Outstanding 3-year-old. Today he stands at stud in Lexington.
Edgar Prado, aboard Barbaro on May 6 when the son of Dynaformer captured the 132nd Kentucky, deserves the same credit. Prado had the presence of mind to pull up Barbaro when he began favoring his right hind lead and hopped off as the Preakness field headed to the first turn on Saturday.
The colt underwent a six-hour operation on Sunday to repair fractures to his cannon bone, sesamoids, and long pastern, broken into more than 20 pieces. His fetlock joint was also dislocated.
Barbaro had 23 screws and a locking compression plate implanted into his leg. He was fitted with a special cast that allows him to bear weight on every limb. It extends from just below the hock and encloses the hoof.
Dr. Dean Richardson, who led the six-person team that performed the surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, told the media he rarely works on such severe injuries because the horse invariably would be euthanized at the track.
“It’s very unusual to have three catastrophic injuries all together,” he said. ” I’ve never seen this exact fracture and I’ve never tackled one before. To be brutally honest, there’s still enough chance for things going bad that he’s still a coin toss, even after everything went well.”
His most pressing concerns are whether infection will set in and if Barbaro will develop laminitis. The horse, resting comfortably, will wear the cast for about “a week to 10 days,” then he will be re-evaluated.
In the ’70s, there were three Triple Crown champions:
Affirmed, ‘78, who defeated Alydar three times in five weeks; Seattle Slew, ‘77, the only unbeaten horse to win all three races; and Secretariat, ‘73, who still holds the best times for the Kentucky Derby and Belmont.
The Belmont has proved the biggest stumbling block to glory during the past decade since Touch Gold edged out Silver Charm by three-quarters of a length in ‘97. Real Quiet the next year lost by a nose to Victory Gallop. In ‘00, Fusaichi Pegasus finished second to Red Bullet in the Preakness, but had to skip the Belmont because of an injured hoof.
War Emblem stumbled at the start of the 1½-mile test in ‘02, never recovered, and finished off the board. In ‘03, Funny Cide battled valiantly, but couldn’t hold off Empire Maker and finished third 9 lengths behind.
The last undefeated horse to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness was Smarty Jones in ‘04, but he lost by a length to Birdstone in the Belmont.
Afleet Alex, winner of last year’s Preakness, was retired two months after a hairline condylar fracture of the left front cannon bone, which he suffered in his Belmont victory and didn’t heal properly.
The only horse that failed to survive a Triple Crown injury in the last quarter-century was ‘93 Preakness winner Prairie Bayou, who broke in the Belmont and was euthanized.
The first Triple Crown winner I saw race was during the summer of ‘48 when Citation whipped 20 older horses in the Stars and Stripes Handicap at old Arlington Park. I was 13, became a racing fan, and Citation remains my favorite thoroughbred.
Antonio
Since 1997, a horse has won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness six times, boosting expectations that a Triple Crown winner would emerge for the 12th time in history.
Six times in June racing fans were denied the crowning achievement for 3-year-olds and were forced to utter that old Brooklyn Dodgers expression: “Wait till next year.”
Next year is here, but the racing world must again take up the cry: “Wait till 2007.” This time the reason is much sadder, underlining the tragic side of the Triple Crown: career-ending injuries.
It has happened all too often during the last eight years, beginning with Charismatic, who gave it his all, breaking down after passing the finish line a tiring third 1½ lengths behind Lemon Drop Kid. It was the horse’s last race, but because of quick thinking by the jockey, his life was saved.
Jockey Chris Antley noticed something was wrong and pulled Charismatic to a stop, jumped off, and fell to the ground. He scrambled to his feet, holding the reins, and picked up the colt’s left front leg so the animal couldn’t put any weight on it.
Veterinarians throughout the country agreed that Antley’s selfless, heroic deed prevented further serious injury to the horse. The National Thoroughbred Racing Associated called it “Racing’s Moment of ’99.”
Charismatic won two Eclipse Awards: Horse of the Year and Outstanding 3-year-old. Today he stands at stud in Lexington.
Edgar Prado, aboard Barbaro on May 6 when the son of Dynaformer captured the 132nd Kentucky, deserves the same credit. Prado had the presence of mind to pull up Barbaro when he began favoring his right hind lead and hopped off as the Preakness field headed to the first turn on Saturday.
The colt underwent a six-hour operation on Sunday to repair fractures to his cannon bone, sesamoids, and long pastern, broken into more than 20 pieces. His fetlock joint was also dislocated.
Barbaro had 23 screws and a locking compression plate implanted into his leg. He was fitted with a special cast that allows him to bear weight on every limb. It extends from just below the hock and encloses the hoof.
Dr. Dean Richardson, who led the six-person team that performed the surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, told the media he rarely works on such severe injuries because the horse invariably would be euthanized at the track.
“It’s very unusual to have three catastrophic injuries all together,” he said. ” I’ve never seen this exact fracture and I’ve never tackled one before. To be brutally honest, there’s still enough chance for things going bad that he’s still a coin toss, even after everything went well.”
His most pressing concerns are whether infection will set in and if Barbaro will develop laminitis. The horse, resting comfortably, will wear the cast for about “a week to 10 days,” then he will be re-evaluated.
In the ’70s, there were three Triple Crown champions:
Affirmed, ‘78, who defeated Alydar three times in five weeks; Seattle Slew, ‘77, the only unbeaten horse to win all three races; and Secretariat, ‘73, who still holds the best times for the Kentucky Derby and Belmont.
The Belmont has proved the biggest stumbling block to glory during the past decade since Touch Gold edged out Silver Charm by three-quarters of a length in ‘97. Real Quiet the next year lost by a nose to Victory Gallop. In ‘00, Fusaichi Pegasus finished second to Red Bullet in the Preakness, but had to skip the Belmont because of an injured hoof.
War Emblem stumbled at the start of the 1½-mile test in ‘02, never recovered, and finished off the board. In ‘03, Funny Cide battled valiantly, but couldn’t hold off Empire Maker and finished third 9 lengths behind.
The last undefeated horse to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness was Smarty Jones in ‘04, but he lost by a length to Birdstone in the Belmont.
Afleet Alex, winner of last year’s Preakness, was retired two months after a hairline condylar fracture of the left front cannon bone, which he suffered in his Belmont victory and didn’t heal properly.
The only horse that failed to survive a Triple Crown injury in the last quarter-century was ‘93 Preakness winner Prairie Bayou, who broke in the Belmont and was euthanized.
The first Triple Crown winner I saw race was during the summer of ‘48 when Citation whipped 20 older horses in the Stars and Stripes Handicap at old Arlington Park. I was 13, became a racing fan, and Citation remains my favorite thoroughbred.
Antonio
Tickets Available for the Chicago Cubs!
June 21st, 2009
Anna Woodward asked:
Americans love sports and love to watch sports. In the last few years, many sports have seen old records fall, new records rise and athletic heroes come of age. All of these great sports moments have something in common: the thousands of fans watching it happen in person.
Some of those fans take advantage of premium seating tickets to put them in the stadium. Watch history in the making from the best seats at the game.
Good tickets are easy to find and easy to purchase. An independent firm handles the sales, not a national distributor, auction site or the venue box office.
The independent firm can offer you seats when the box office is sold out or the national distributors are sold out of the good seats. Unlike the others, the independent firm lets you purchase when you’re ready.
Getting into your favorite event is simple and quick. All you have to do is decide what games you want to see.
Whether you want to see the Chicago Cubs, the Dallas Mavericks or the Kentucky Derby, premium seating tickets put you close to the action. You, too, can be part of the game.
The football preseason is over and the regular season is only just beginning. Get in on the energy of the game. Cheer your team to victory, see the stars of America’s football teams on their turf or even watch the big game in person when you get the best seats in the stadium.
If baseball is your game, great tickets put you in the stadium. You can watch as the Chicago Cubs finish their season. See the best in baseball from a stadium seat instead of your easy chair at home. Eat hot dogs at the ballpark and sing along as familiar ballpark tunes come across the stadium speakers
For basketball fans, you can check out the Dallas Mavericks all season. Basketball season is only just beginning. These passes have you at the game, cheering every point your team makes and watching ordinary players become basketball superstars.
When you purchase great seats, you catch every pass, every shot and every second of your favorite team battling for its place in the play-offs.
If horse races are your passion, you can get choice seats for the track, too. Kentucky Derby admissions put you in some of the best seats in the house.
From your premium seats, you can watch as the favorite to win breaks away from the pack, or the long shot surprises everyone with a photo finish. Premium seating at the Kentucky Derby puts you where the action is and lets you watch as the winning horse and jockey get crowned in the winner’s circle.
Premium seating tickets are easy to find and easy to get so you can catch every game, play by play. You can bring your family or your buddies and enjoy the game from premium seats. Make your sports come alive by being there. Chicago Cubs, Dallas Mavericks or Kentucky Derby tickets in premium seating let you skip the commercials, tune in to the action and live the excitement of being there.
Shane
Americans love sports and love to watch sports. In the last few years, many sports have seen old records fall, new records rise and athletic heroes come of age. All of these great sports moments have something in common: the thousands of fans watching it happen in person.
Some of those fans take advantage of premium seating tickets to put them in the stadium. Watch history in the making from the best seats at the game.
Good tickets are easy to find and easy to purchase. An independent firm handles the sales, not a national distributor, auction site or the venue box office.
The independent firm can offer you seats when the box office is sold out or the national distributors are sold out of the good seats. Unlike the others, the independent firm lets you purchase when you’re ready.
Getting into your favorite event is simple and quick. All you have to do is decide what games you want to see.
Whether you want to see the Chicago Cubs, the Dallas Mavericks or the Kentucky Derby, premium seating tickets put you close to the action. You, too, can be part of the game.
The football preseason is over and the regular season is only just beginning. Get in on the energy of the game. Cheer your team to victory, see the stars of America’s football teams on their turf or even watch the big game in person when you get the best seats in the stadium.
If baseball is your game, great tickets put you in the stadium. You can watch as the Chicago Cubs finish their season. See the best in baseball from a stadium seat instead of your easy chair at home. Eat hot dogs at the ballpark and sing along as familiar ballpark tunes come across the stadium speakers
For basketball fans, you can check out the Dallas Mavericks all season. Basketball season is only just beginning. These passes have you at the game, cheering every point your team makes and watching ordinary players become basketball superstars.
When you purchase great seats, you catch every pass, every shot and every second of your favorite team battling for its place in the play-offs.
If horse races are your passion, you can get choice seats for the track, too. Kentucky Derby admissions put you in some of the best seats in the house.
From your premium seats, you can watch as the favorite to win breaks away from the pack, or the long shot surprises everyone with a photo finish. Premium seating at the Kentucky Derby puts you where the action is and lets you watch as the winning horse and jockey get crowned in the winner’s circle.
Premium seating tickets are easy to find and easy to get so you can catch every game, play by play. You can bring your family or your buddies and enjoy the game from premium seats. Make your sports come alive by being there. Chicago Cubs, Dallas Mavericks or Kentucky Derby tickets in premium seating let you skip the commercials, tune in to the action and live the excitement of being there.
Shane
Kentucky Derby, Chicago Cubs and Dallas Mavericks Tickets On-line
June 17th, 2009
Anna Woodward asked:
When the sign at the box office says “sold out,” it just means you have to look online. Welcome to the age of Internet sales! The Internet has revolutionized everything in our lives, including how we buy tickets to our favorite sporting events! If you want to buy Chicago Cubs, Kentucky Derby or Dallas Mavericks tickets, you can do it electronically. It’s faster, easier and often cheaper.
Why Buy Electronically?
Online dealers put consumers in control. This is because you can compare prices and seats. Check a few sights and see who offers you the best deal. Most sights will show you a map with just one click that shows you where those seats will be. There have never been so many options so readily available.
This means that there are no more long lines, no more hassles, no more driving all over the place or buying from scalpers.
Buying electronically is not only easier, but can be cheaper as well. This is because many online dealers buy wholesale and they buy early. They get the best seats and pass the savings on to you.
Where to Buy?
One great way to buy online is to go to the event’s website. For example, you can buy tickets for the Kentucky Derby on their website. If you want Chicago Cubs tickets, head for their site and they will have all the information you need. This is the safest way to buy directly from the stadium, without fighting your way through the crowds to the box office.
You can also try one of the popular online ticket outlets. These sites have been selling sporting event tickets online for many years, so they are names that you can trust.
There are also wholesale outlets, and you can even try online auction sites. Be warned, however, extremely high demand can drive the price way up. The market for online tickets has exploded in such a big way, that all kinds of travel sights are now also offering deals on sporting event packages.
How to Buy
For most electronic ticket purchases, you are required to have a credit card. You should only enter your credit card number on a secured server. The major online ticket outlets all have safety protection. You can usually read about that in their FAQ, or by emailing a representative of the company directly.
Some sights will also let you pay by using an electronic service linked to a personal checking account. This is a safer option for those who don’t want to use their credit cards. Some sites offer other methods of payment, but without a credit or debit card, it may be tough to shop around.
Always shop around before you buy. Don’t go with the first site that offers you those great Dallas Mavericks seats. Prices may vary because each site has different fees and charges.
Start with any search engine, and enter the event you want to see. Check out a few, pick the best deal, and pretty soon you’ll be enjoying the game!
Elsie
When the sign at the box office says “sold out,” it just means you have to look online. Welcome to the age of Internet sales! The Internet has revolutionized everything in our lives, including how we buy tickets to our favorite sporting events! If you want to buy Chicago Cubs, Kentucky Derby or Dallas Mavericks tickets, you can do it electronically. It’s faster, easier and often cheaper.
Why Buy Electronically?
Online dealers put consumers in control. This is because you can compare prices and seats. Check a few sights and see who offers you the best deal. Most sights will show you a map with just one click that shows you where those seats will be. There have never been so many options so readily available.
This means that there are no more long lines, no more hassles, no more driving all over the place or buying from scalpers.
Buying electronically is not only easier, but can be cheaper as well. This is because many online dealers buy wholesale and they buy early. They get the best seats and pass the savings on to you.
Where to Buy?
One great way to buy online is to go to the event’s website. For example, you can buy tickets for the Kentucky Derby on their website. If you want Chicago Cubs tickets, head for their site and they will have all the information you need. This is the safest way to buy directly from the stadium, without fighting your way through the crowds to the box office.
You can also try one of the popular online ticket outlets. These sites have been selling sporting event tickets online for many years, so they are names that you can trust.
There are also wholesale outlets, and you can even try online auction sites. Be warned, however, extremely high demand can drive the price way up. The market for online tickets has exploded in such a big way, that all kinds of travel sights are now also offering deals on sporting event packages.
How to Buy
For most electronic ticket purchases, you are required to have a credit card. You should only enter your credit card number on a secured server. The major online ticket outlets all have safety protection. You can usually read about that in their FAQ, or by emailing a representative of the company directly.
Some sights will also let you pay by using an electronic service linked to a personal checking account. This is a safer option for those who don’t want to use their credit cards. Some sites offer other methods of payment, but without a credit or debit card, it may be tough to shop around.
Always shop around before you buy. Don’t go with the first site that offers you those great Dallas Mavericks seats. Prices may vary because each site has different fees and charges.
Start with any search engine, and enter the event you want to see. Check out a few, pick the best deal, and pretty soon you’ll be enjoying the game!
Elsie
Get To Know Horse Racing By The Different Type Of Races
June 16th, 2009
Aiden Brunson asked:
Every horse racing enthusiast must know the different type of races, their requirements, and their implications on the horses that compete in them. Surprised that there are more than just one type of horse race? Then read on.
Every time horse racing becomes the topic of conversation, people usually think of only one thing, and that is the thoroughbred. But contrary to the misconception, there other types of horse racing such as harness racing and steeple chase. It just so happens that the thoroughbred is the most popular! In fact, the Kentucky Derby is known as the most exciting two minutes in the world of Sports.
The Famous Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is only part of a three-part grand slam horse racing: The Triple Crown. Imagine the excitement offered by the entire race. It’s triple the fun and adrenaline! The Kentucky Derby plus the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes complete the renowned Triple Crown prize. To this day, there are only 11 known horses to have achieved such a prestigious prize.
For the record, the highest level of competition for horse racing are the stake races. This type of race is reserved for the best horses, and even then, there is a required registration for each horse. The money collected is added to the prize money. When a Stake race is a Graded race, there is a certain appeal of class to it.
Other Types of Horse Races and their Criteria
Horses have to meet criteria before they can be allowed to race. A race may require additional weight requirements for better horses. This type of race is called a handicap race. The added weight is dependent upon past performances of the horses.
Other races sometimes require that horse must be a “non winner of three”. This is called an allowance race. Horses entered in this type of race is usually chosen to be prepped for better races. Most of the time these horses go on to compete in handicap and stake races.
Another type of race, and probably the most common, is the claiming race. A claiming race may also be “optional.” Before the race, owners are asked to specify an amount by which the thoroughbred may be claimed or purchased for.
You can rest assured that the racing field is leveled by this requirement. Obviously, owners will not list better horses in a claiming race. This type of race may be a good place to expose or train your weaker horses. Who knows? They might just need a little training to turn into a champion. Just make sure you are ready to part with your horse.
If you don’t want to part with your horses and you want to list them in a race to see just how they perform or to familiarize them with competitive races, a maiden race is the best avenue for this. This type of race is confined for horses with no record of wins. The winner of the race is said to have “broken his maidenhood.”
When to Watch Which Race
Race tracks usually hold eight or more races each day, combining all of the above-mentioned races. It doesn’t matter which type or race you watch and whether you win or not. In the end, you’ll still experience the fervent excitement that keeps horse racing enthusiasts coming back for seconds.
Doris
Every horse racing enthusiast must know the different type of races, their requirements, and their implications on the horses that compete in them. Surprised that there are more than just one type of horse race? Then read on.
Every time horse racing becomes the topic of conversation, people usually think of only one thing, and that is the thoroughbred. But contrary to the misconception, there other types of horse racing such as harness racing and steeple chase. It just so happens that the thoroughbred is the most popular! In fact, the Kentucky Derby is known as the most exciting two minutes in the world of Sports.
The Famous Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is only part of a three-part grand slam horse racing: The Triple Crown. Imagine the excitement offered by the entire race. It’s triple the fun and adrenaline! The Kentucky Derby plus the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes complete the renowned Triple Crown prize. To this day, there are only 11 known horses to have achieved such a prestigious prize.
For the record, the highest level of competition for horse racing are the stake races. This type of race is reserved for the best horses, and even then, there is a required registration for each horse. The money collected is added to the prize money. When a Stake race is a Graded race, there is a certain appeal of class to it.
Other Types of Horse Races and their Criteria
Horses have to meet criteria before they can be allowed to race. A race may require additional weight requirements for better horses. This type of race is called a handicap race. The added weight is dependent upon past performances of the horses.
Other races sometimes require that horse must be a “non winner of three”. This is called an allowance race. Horses entered in this type of race is usually chosen to be prepped for better races. Most of the time these horses go on to compete in handicap and stake races.
Another type of race, and probably the most common, is the claiming race. A claiming race may also be “optional.” Before the race, owners are asked to specify an amount by which the thoroughbred may be claimed or purchased for.
You can rest assured that the racing field is leveled by this requirement. Obviously, owners will not list better horses in a claiming race. This type of race may be a good place to expose or train your weaker horses. Who knows? They might just need a little training to turn into a champion. Just make sure you are ready to part with your horse.
If you don’t want to part with your horses and you want to list them in a race to see just how they perform or to familiarize them with competitive races, a maiden race is the best avenue for this. This type of race is confined for horses with no record of wins. The winner of the race is said to have “broken his maidenhood.”
When to Watch Which Race
Race tracks usually hold eight or more races each day, combining all of the above-mentioned races. It doesn’t matter which type or race you watch and whether you win or not. In the end, you’ll still experience the fervent excitement that keeps horse racing enthusiasts coming back for seconds.
Doris
Affirmed vs. Alydar - 1978 Kentucky Derby (7th Meeting)
June 14th, 2009cf1970 asked:
HorseRaceGame.com Affirmed and Alydar vie for the first jewel in the Triple Crown.
Allison
kentucky derby
June 12th, 2009Affirmed - 1978 Kentucky Derby
June 12th, 2009cf1970 asked:
www.HorseRaceGame.com The 1978 Kentucky Derby won by the great Affirmed with the hard-charging Alydar second.
Clifford
Celebrities at Kentucky Derby 2007
June 12th, 2009heraldleaderphoto asked:
See the stars at the Derby in Louisville. Larry Birkhead, Joey Fatone, Kid Rock, John Salley, Gene Simmons, Nick Lachey, Shandi Finnessey, Jennifer Tilly, Star Jones-Reynolds, Niecy Nash.
Pearl