What is the ultimate accolade awarded in American thoroughbred racing?

The ultimate accolade in American thoroughbred racing is the Triple Crown. This prestigious title is achieved when a horse wins three specific major races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, all within a single racing season. The accomplishment is rare and signifies exceptional talent and consistency, making it the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. Winning the Triple Crown places the horse and its connections among the elite in thoroughbred racing history, as only a select few horses have accomplished this feat over the years.

While other events like the Breeders' Cup and major races such as the Derby and the Pegasus World Cup are significant in their own right, they do not carry the same level of historical importance or recognition as the Triple Crown. Each of those races serves distinct purposes in the racing calendar and attracts tremendous attention, but none encapsulates the dream of horse racing in America quite like the pursuit of the Triple Crown.