In the United States, the Triple Crown consists of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

• The Kentucky Derby: First run in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., and is a staple of American horse racing. Held on the first Saturday in May, the derby is the first race of the Triple Crown. It is an American Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds.
• The Preakness Stakes: Even older than the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes was first run in 1873. The race is held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md. The race is often called the "Run for the Black-eyed Susans," because a wreath of black-eyed Susans (Maryland's state flower) is put around the winner's neck. The Preakness is an American Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds, and it takes place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
• The Belmont Stakes: The oldest race of the three, the Belmont Stakes began in 1867 and is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. Similar to the Preakness Stakes, this race is called the "Run for the Carnations" because of the white wreath of carnations placed around the winner's neck. The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds. It is held in June, five weeks after the Kentucky Derby.