The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, or the Belmont Stakes? – Let’s Settle the Debate

Horse racing is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting sports in the world, and for us in the US, there are three races that stand above the rest—the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes – that together form the coveted Triple Crown.

But each is its own race, with its own unique charm and history and they all come with their own challenges. Whether you’re a big horse bettor, a fan who loves the excitement, or just a casual viewer, it’s good to understand what each of these legendary races is all about.

Here, we take a look at all three to see which one is actually the best!

The Kentucky Derby: The Most Prestigious of All

Well, The Kentucky Derby is also known as ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’ – which is a testament to the fact that this one is the most famous horse race in the US and is considered by many to be the ultimate. Run every year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, this has been creating champions since 1875.

Why Is It The Best?

  • Tradition: The Kentucky Derby is seen as the ultimate race in the Triple Crown series – and you’ll find everyone in the crowd – celebrities, fashionistas, and die-hard racing fans.
  • Fancy Hats: This is as much a social spectacle as it is a sporting event – and it comes with iconic traditions like sipping mint juleps and wearing seriously out-there hats.
  • Unpredictability: Run over a 1 1/4-mile distance, it fields up to 20 horses and has an unpredictable pace which can create chaos and unpredictability.
  • The Ultimate Destination: The road to the Derby includes prep races that all come with their own massive excitement as you track your favorite horses on the way to ultimate victory.

However, because of the large field, it can be pretty unpredictable – so no matter how much you study the horse racing odds and horse form, etc, making a winning wager can be a lot more difficult. Sometimes, the best horse doesn’t get the cleanest trip – which could mean a pretty surprising outcome.

The Preakness Stakes: All About Intensity

The Preakness Stakes, which is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, is the shortest but the most intense of the three races.

Why Is It The Best?:

  • A Bit of Triple Crown Drama: If the winner of the Kentucky Derby runs in the Preakness, there’s a lot of excitement over a potential Triple Crown winner.
  • Quick and Thrilling: This race is great for horses with early speed because of its shorter distance and thus, faster pace.
  • Traditions: Like the Derby, it has its own traditions – including the famous “Black-Eyed Susan” cocktail and its legendary blanket of yellow flowers that is draped over the winner.
  • Better for Bettors: Because it has a smaller field -usually around 8-14 horses, it’s generally a bit more predictable than the Kentucky Derby.

That being said, no matter how exciting the race is, it sometimes feels as though it’s overshadowed by the Kentucky Derby – and if the Derby winner doesn’t enter, it can lose some of its shine.

The Belmont Stakes: The Ultimate Test

The Belmont Stakes, which is held three weeks after the Preakness at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, is the longest of the three races – run over 1 1/2 miles. This one, sometimes called ‘The Test of the Champion’ is a real challenge for even the very best horses.

Why Is It the Best?:

  • Triple Crown Glory: If a horse has won both the Derby and Preakness, this is a must-watch event as it could potentially unfold in a historic event.
  • All About Stamina: This is where great horses prove themselves – a race of endurance that separates the best from the rest.
  • The Belmont Jewel and White Carnations:The race has its own, special, official drink and that special floral blanket.
  • Strategic Betting: Because there aren’t as many horses that can handle the longer distance, if you understand stamina and pedigree, you can make more informed bets.

However, this is a race that, without a Triple Crown contender, can sometimes feel like a bit of an anti-climax. What’s more, because of its distance, it can be more of a slow, tactical race rather than a thrilling finale.

So, Which Is the Best?

Well, this depends on what you want in a horse race! If you’re looking for prestige, it has to be the Kentucky Derby, if you love fast-paced action it’s the Preakness Stakes – and if you want pure racing excellence, it’s the Belmont Stakes. However, it’s the combination of all three that makes for a real champion and a proper horse racing experience.