Derby Remix: The Triple Crown victors

Secretariat after his win in the 1973 Kentucky Derby. (Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Derby/Churchill Downs)

May 1st, 2020

Last week, we looked at the top songs during the years of each Triple Crown triumph. This week, Derby Remix will share another Triple Crown playlist.

However, this one isn't constrained by year. Each song tells part of the story of a Triple Crown winner.

Sir Barton (1919)

The Triple Crown wasn't a well-defined achievement in 1919, and he even entered the Kentucky Derby a maiden. A tale unique enough to earn Frank Sinatra's "My Way."

Gallant Fox (1930)

"Ali in the Jungle" by The Hours depicts a difficult, worthy comeback. This special horse lured jockey Earl Sande out of retirement.

Not only did he return to the saddle; he reached the top of his game.

Omaha (1935)

Despite his middle American name, Omaha was as well-travelled as the protagonist of The Byrds' "Wasn't Born to Follow."

The year after his Triple Crown, Omaha campaigned at the top level in England.

War Admiral (1937)

So often discussed alongside Seabiscuit or Man O' War, instead of in the context of his own illustrious career, War Admiral must feel seen by "Numb," Linkin Park's rejection of external expectations.

Whirlaway (1941)

"Formula One" by Primal Fear may be about auto racing, but it captures the rush of Whirlaway accelerating, overtaking the field, and basking in sweet victory.

Count Fleet (1943)

He never raced again, after his 25-length Belmont victory, an ending as simultaneously triumphant and unresolved as the ending of The Graduate, brought home by "The Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel.

Assault (1946)

Robert Kleberg had the same imperturbable Texas pride that underlies "That's Right (You're Not from Texas)" by Lyle Lovett. He yearned to breed a champion in his home state — and he did.

Citation (1948)

He may not have bought you a green dress — real or otherwise — but unlike in the Barenaked Ladies' "If I Had $1,000,000," the money was no hypothetical.

This Triple Crown winner was the first to earn seven figures on the track.

Secretariat (1973)

Though he had a few bumps along the way, his best was legendary, and he set records in all three Triple Crown races.

That deserves a rousing rendition of Queen's "We Are the Champions."

Seattle Slew (1977)

He was unflappably confident from day one, which makes "A New Level" by Pantera his perfect heavy metal anthem.

Affirmed (1978)

"Hit Me with Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar is an anthem of confidence and toughness — two qualities Affirmed exemplified when he defeated Alydar in all three Triple Crown races.

American Pharoah (2015)

After 37 years, the horse racing world began to doubt there would be another Triple Crown winner. But, in the words of Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years," "watching you stand alone, all of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow."

Justify (2018)

Less than four months elapsed from his debut to his final race. But, as "Summer of Roses" by Willie Nelson makes clear, a short time can still be worth it.