Two Down, One to Go


"It's kind of ironic that the two sports with the greatest characters, boxing and horse racing, have both been on the decline. In both cases it's for the lack of a suitable hero." - Dick Schaap

Yesterday California Chrome, the unlikely colt with an amazing story owned by a couple California farmers, won the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown. Having already won the Kentucky Derby to start the month, the horse is now just a mile and a half away from adding its name to history.

The Triple Crown in horse racing is, perhaps, the most illusive prize in all of sports. I have watched these races with great interest for as long as I can remember, yet in my lifetime there has not been a Triple Crown winner. The last was in 1978, three years before I was born.

Many times I've seen a horse race through the first two races, only to fall short. In fact, California Chrome became the 34th horse to win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Of those 34, only 11 have won the Triple Crown. Eleven winners in more than 150 years of racing.

Yet, each May, hope springs a new. We who love watching these races, often dubbed the most exciting two minutes in sports, have hope, despite recent history. This year was no different. And as California Chrome surged over the finish line yesterday, I couldn't help but feel that sense of excitement and wonder, yet again.

I long to see a Triple Crown winner in my lifetime. Will California Chrome be the one to accomplish the feat? We'll find out at Belmont Park, New York on Saturday, June 7.

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