The British Triple Crown has rarely been attempted during the five-and-a-bit decades since Nijinsky became the last horse to win the 2,000 Guineas, the Derby and the St. Leger, all under Lester Piggott, in 1970. However, it is worth remembering that the even Nijinsky, once described by his legendary jockey as ‘probably the most brilliant horse I’ve ever ridden’, was the first winner of the Triple Crown since Bahram, who was retired unbeaten after nine races, in 1935. In other words, notwithstanding the emphasis on speed, rather than stamina, in the modern bloodstock industry, not to mention the temptation of richer pickings in, say, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – which is run over two and a half furlongs shorter than the St. Leger, but at the same time of year – winning the Triple Crown is, and always has been, an inordinately difficult feat.
That said, it may be no coincidence that the only one of the three horses since Nijinsky to complete the 2,000 Guineas – Derby double and attempt the Triple Crown, Camelot, was trained by Aidan O’Brien. The latest potential Ballydoyle contender for the most coveted accolade in British racing, City Of Troy, is an impeccably bred son of unbeaten US Triple Crown winner Justify, out of Together Forever, by Galileo. He made a winning debut in a maiden race, over 7 furlongs, at the Curragh on July 1, 2023, but left that form miles behind when hacking up, by 6½ lengths, in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes, also over 7 furlongs, on the July Course at Newmarket.
As a result of that performance, he was installed as ante-post favourite for the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby in 2024 and, while much can happen between now and next spring, few would argue that he sets the clear standard for juveniles in 2023, at least so far. O’Brien said of him, ‘He could be a Triple Crown type of horse because he could have enough pace for a mile as a three-year-old, he could get a mile and a half and could get even further.’