Justify wins the Triple Crown - 2018 Belmont Stakes (G1)

[@Irishmahn87]

After American Pharoh I didn’t think I’d live long enough to see another horse win the Triple Crown

[@Venom24213]

Justify failed a drug test

[@bggraham83]

@@Venom24213 Okay, still won it though. You can "vacate" it but still happened and will still be remembered as a triple crown winner regardless of what is written. Like Louisville NCAA mens. They still won the championship and Joe Paterno still has most wins in NCAA football.

[@silverguard8105]

If history is any indicator, you will probably see another one fairly soon. Triple crown winners seem to come in bunches of 3 or 4 within 10 years.

[@camimarques]

@@Venom24213 an article I read said it was due to a plant in pasture

[@schumi246]

Dylan 93 especially this year with the races more spread out, the Belmont is this weekend, the derby is beginning of September, with the Preakness beginning of October, right??

[@doctormosquito5270]

Great call. "He's just perfect and now he's just immortal!" That gave me goosebumps.

[@williamdunphy352]

Doctor Mosquito Called by Larry Collmus.

[@connorduke4619]

they practice those ending lines the day before methinks.

[@33amillion]

Amen

[@razorback9926]

But he’s not immortal, he’s a footnote. By never racing against older horses, no one cares much about Justify.

[@RedJohnO22]

razorback9926 go away troll

[@CharlieMorningstar]

No one is denying that Justify was amazing here, but is no one gonna talk about that comeback from Ronkowski?

[@camimarques]

YES! It was also legendary, let's be honest

[@Venya9]

Just looking at how big his strides are when he moves through the pack - wow!

[@sarahneuren7057]

It's GRONKowski. After the NFL player Rob Gronkowski who is a minority owner of the horse.

[@Otis_TheHxllHound]

Ikr, when I was watching the race and saw him coming up, I was so afraid that he was gonna beat justify

[@MoMoMyPup10]

@@Otis_TheHxllHound A mere mortal horse would've been caught by Gronk. But Justify still had plenty of gas in the tank to finish very strong.

[@andreabryan9710]

There was no way this horse was going to give up that lead. He wanted to win and was moving up when he heard other horses coming. Well done!!

[@augustuswilliams5381]

Andrea Bryan n

[@equinegirl369]

I totally agree with you. Justify is a special horse.

[@CC-xn5xi]

@tahoemist98 Why do you think so? He is so big and fast.

[@CC-xn5xi]

@tahoemist98 I know that much.

[@daisymontague9515]

He wanted to win? Are you kidding? It’s animal abuse.

[@ClubhouseWorldAdventures]

I was there. It was an incredible day. We were right at the finish line. 150th Belmont stakes and Justify for the triple crown. Historical!

[@738polarbear]

Justify is a wonder horse .he is in company with the other Triple Crown winners .I dont know why people do not give this poor horse the credit he so deserves . This horse may not be the best ever but HE IS ONE OF THEM.

[@guyD0]

Best I've seen in my 35 yrs of life.

[@Venom24213]

He failed drug tests. Nobody talks about that

[@bobbygoff8766]

@@Venom24213 and if Secretariat would of been tested back in 73 so would she.

[@JackTheripper911]

@@bobbygoff8766 he*

[@mikeprevost8650]

@@bobbygoff8766 nonsense, every major stakes winner has been tested for years. Even the winners of claiming races are tested. The NYRA has full time chemists who do nothing but test the urine of horses. Believing that Secretariat was a "she" really doesn't help your credibility much, too.

[@elastronaute1198]

wow I love when he says 'and now he's just IMMORTAL' - wow, powerful stuff, goosebumps

[@tomcarroll6116]

Great effort by Gronkowski to come from dead last, cutting along the rail was key, but let's not kid ourselves, once he came at Justify and Smith did a little asking, Gronk never closed that two lenths from the quarter pole on through the stretch. No way Justify loses this race to ANY of those other horses! Reminded me of another.... "He's moving like a tremendous machine!....."

[@davidm2688]

A superb horse, a superb trainer, a superb jockey....perfection!!!

[@ivanboesky1520]

Yep, doping perfection. 😀😀

[@a.wesson5250]

I know pedigree isn't everything but nice to see Secretariat in his sire's lines. Incredible Horse, incredible finish!

[@hollywoodpineapple8337]

It might be...American Pharaoh is also related to him.

[@parkerscott4547]

You have to give props to Gronkowski for that comeback

[@andrickkale351]

I suspect Gronkowski was already given enough "props" if you will before the race.

[@parkerscott4547]

Andrick Kale Vegas gave him 12-1 odds, most other people gave him 30-1 odds troll

[@Laura-st8fr]

Especially considering how slow the overall pace was! I was really interested in this horse leading up to the Derby before he was taken off of the Derby Trail. I love this year's 3 year old crop so many talented ones to look out for in the later 3 year old races and even for the Breeders Cup.I'm super excited for Justify and the rest of his career, wish he would stay in training for his 4 year old campaign but knowing how many talented horses that will hopefully stay in training for their 4 year old campaign is promising.

[@Venckman]

Great ride by Ortiz. The rail was wide open, and he was the only one who chose that route. Saved a ton of ground.

[@sophiavee]

I saw him right when the race started and thought to myself will he pull off a Secretariat, but eventually made it up to top 3 and I had to return watch the whole race to see how he cover that much ground

[@kalpeshmalpani3798]

Boy that was a great line ' Justify is just perfect and now he is Immortal !!

[@kwgrid]

The surprise for me was Gronkowski. Watch this race again and keep an eye on him way in the back all by his lonesome. Not one earthly thing in his record or pedigree indicated that he could do what he did. If he had changed leads when he should have, the margin at the end might have been smaller, but I don't think he could have beaten Justify. All the same, Chad Brown now knows what he's capable of.

[@stanusher5225]

I actually backed Gronkowski. The whole week before the race I was telling all who would listen that he was the only horse capable of beating "Big Red the second"

[@jackkelly.11]

During the live race I thought he was going to pass Justify at the end. He passed all those other horses within like 10 seconds but justify was too good

[@newstarcadefan]

I at least hope you bet on Gronkowski to at least Place or Show.

[@stanusher5225]

Sadly, only have myself to blame as I had a trifecta with Justify 1st, Gronkowski 2nd and Vino Rosso or Blended Citizen 3rd. Was even more pissed when the exacta paid 87 bucks!

[@mauricewillims1656]

kwgrid he ran second because. All the rest were tired

[@charlesgross4893]

Was fortunate to see the last two Triple Crown winners at Belmont

[@virghammer1]

Ooo ... Wistfully jealous ...

[@dougsnell7674]

I waited 35 years for a horse like Justify....he finally showed up !!! Also I had the trifecta.... for the 150th Belmont Stakes !!!!!

[@briankennedy1192]

Awesome Doug he's a champion stallion now, besides city of Troy in Europe he has storm boy in Australia both champions and worth a fortune, storm boy is the hot favourite to win the Australian 2 year old triple crown, starting on 30th march in the Golden slipper then the Sires produce and lastly the Champagne stakes. He's already been sold for 60 million after winning the magic millions on the Gold Coast in January.

[@One10cc]

strong finish from gronkowski coming from behind second place finish to the mighty justify

[@newstarcadefan]

Funnily Enough Rob Gronkowski actually won still by placing a $69 bet to place.

[@MelissaNowacki]

Justify is not mighty he had a rabbit to run his opponents into the ground first. And that is the only reason he won.

[@southtexasangler]

The fact that the 2 recent triple crown winners are descendants of Secretariat really shows how great of a horse he really was

[@MixUpMike69]

Crazy to think that big money mike didn't even ask for it. Pure intelligence from the horse he knows exactly what's going on around him and he pulls thru. One a blue moon horse right here.

[@briankennedy1192]

His 2 year colt son Storm Boy in Australia is just like dad. Speeds to the lead early, high cruising speed, then let's down like a freak in the home straight. Recently sold to Coolmore for 60 million.

[@pauladangel776]

Justify I just love him this was such a happy day he made history I cried I had watched all his races he so deserved this all love to the big guy Justify all Love

[@rosewetzel8284]

Yeah Justify is my soul stallion I mean his whole Triple Crown journey and watching all the Triple Crown races I got tears and I couldn’t stop them I was like “ Go Justify Go!” And I was praying for him to win the Triple Crown and he won it especially during his Preakness Stakes win when I saw his nostrils flaring as he put away his competition and won by half a length and when he won the Belmont Stakes and won it I felt so much relief and could finally relax I love this horse with the all of me and I feel like he won that crown for me as if he knew I was rooting for him and wouldn’t let his fans down…. He’s just immortal and there’s no forgetting Triple Crown Winner Justify! My soul stallion💞🥰🌹😇🐎☮️

[@MarianoFreyreX]

Gronkowski, amazing.He was last! !! and almost win, amazing estrategy! !!!!!

[@shazerj6067]

Champ is still a champ God bless justify for races to come

[@Kinlow54]

Every time I look at these horses I think of Secretariat. I then understand why these other horses are just horses and Secretariat was an athlete “who is moving like a tremendous machine”!!!!

[@autumnskye5882]

LLoyd David I just watched it again! Great choice of words! All other horses just seem slowwww compared to our wonder horse!

[@Kinlow54]

Diana Lynn Correction!!! God's Horse!!!!!

[@liasoetje2531]

I agree. There is only one Super Horse and that's Secretariat. The Legend!

[@boo5408]

Did you know that justify is secitariat 's great great great grandson :)

[@davidl5037]

Don't forget affirmed. One of the true GOATS

[@redrider1435]

JUST LIKE AMERICAN PHAROAH JUSTIFY HAS A HEART OF A CHAMPION!!!!!!!

[@BigCat-ds3gv]

Anthony Pepe don’t you mean secretariat

[@onlyequines8003]

Justify is just as beutifull to match it

[@michaeladams2077]

his heart is pumped full of roids you mean! ********* he was toying with them, could have took off anytime but didn't want to make it obvious. sad sport these days!

[@aidanjoyce3248]

Superb athlete.

[@rosewetzel8284]

Agreed

[@teenadennis8590]

2018 Eclipse Award winner for Horse of The Year. Congratulations Justify and all of his connections!

[@karinshinn4775]

I unfortunately missed the 2015 Belmont with American Pharoah due to a previous commitment to Texas Motor Speedway. I am so glad I was able to see it LIVE from the THIRD BENCH ROW on the HOME STRETCH!! Getting there early and enduring the long line back to catch the LIRR was worth it!

[@agustindejesus7398]

Karin shinn ...who cares, bob baffert.

[@WickedFelina]

Absolutely, the contraversy surrounding this win is spot on. Restoring Hope's role was to move to the front go wide past horses to keep them from moving forward to dual with Justify, then he moves back in pinning Bravazo and the other horses behind so they are unable to move forward, then, because Restoring Hope had no business being in a mile and a half race,. Restoring Hope then, losing his energy completely having sprinted to the front out of the gate to perform the strategy Baffert concieved and Restoring Hope's owners okayed, he falls to the back. The swing wide passing in front of horses trying to move ahead because they are actually trying to win the race then, moving back just behind Justify pinning horses to the rail is the same reason why Maximum Security in the Kentucky Derby today was disqualified. The HRA despite racing experts and the media calling Restoring Hope's role into question refused to even ask Florent Geroux's about his strange racing stratagy which is considered in the rule books as an "unlawful move." The only move or tactic a rider is allowed to employ in a race is to "win" the race not move around getting in the way of horses and pinning them to the rail then, proving he had no business being there drops to the back. This proves what Baffert and Restoring Hope's owners already knew: he is a sprint horse not a stamina horse. Restoring Hope doesn't have it in him to try to win a stamina race like the Belmont. I questioned the praise heaped on Justify early on as he had no racing history and was sure something was amiss when it was announced the moring of the Belmont that the "Secret Owner" was George Soros. Nevermind all the horses that had a chance at dueling him were pulled from the race because they had a connection by way of ownership or trainer to Winstar Farms to ensure a TC win. Jockey's always discuss their strategy after a race. Why the HRA refused to even question Geroux's tactics is a clear sign something is amiss. Plus, the giveaway that Smith and Geroux were working together to ensure Justify's win was a thumbs up from Smith to Geroux who came in next to last and the words spoken by Smith to Geroux "You da man!" That says it all. Then there is the choice to NOT race him every again after the TC. Very strange if he is this "Freak of a Wonder Horse" they kept telling us he was. The announcement that he injured himself in the Belmont where clearly no horse was in his way, he was never boxed in, no stumbling out of the gate: So, when exactly did this "injury" that was so bad he couldn't finish out the year happen? Either it happened in the Kentucky Derby when we all saw him limping as Baffert paraded him in front of the media telling them "He came out just fine!" One journalist as she was watching in wonder Baffert turning him around and around in tight circles (which a trainer anyone with common sense would never do unless they were clueless the horse was injured) said aloud in awe "He isn't even phazed!" Apparently, she was blinded by all the shiny fame of Baffert and the gleam off Justifies chestnut coat and could not see the limping. (See video of Baffert press conferent the morning after the KD right here on YT). If you disqualified Maximum Security who was the better horse and had a chance at the TC, you should have at least questioned Geroux as you questioned the jockey's involved in today's Derby debacle. I will eat my hat if Country House wins even one race in the rest of this years TC series.

[@OfficialMuffiin]

Very great points, I've never been okay with Justify being called great, he was mediocre, and they knew that, which is why he wasn't run against older horses.

[@WickedFelina]

@@OfficialMuffiin Very well put, concise and better than I. ;)

[@WickedFelina]

@@OfficialMuffiin He ran against nobody. The first 3, does anyone know what county fair they are running at today? The last 3, I ask the same? As you pointed out, they did not want to run him against older better horses: easy answer, they did not want to take the chance he'd lose because he would. That good of a horse, we should have all seen how he'd blow any an all competition away. How many horses are good and have zero losses in their first 5 or 6 races? A lot. Then they start losing to better horses as they widen out their racing career to include horses outside young inexperienced colts who all may have been born in a year that saw nothing special. It is all about getting the best $ in the breeding shed bottom line and a laurel for his 109 owners who have won everything else but a TC.

[@chuckschafer6728]

HE WAS JUST THE RABBIT

[@JeffRebornNow]

I agree with most of your points, particularly the idea that it was criminal to DQ Max. But I don't think Restoring Hope's presence in the Belmont should count against Justify. One of the best horses of the last century, Damascus, regularly ran with a rabbit, and no one questions his brilliance. He's on everyone's G.O.A.T. list.

[@davidwirth2716]

I wish would could of seen more of him , but glad we had another TC winner!

[@drewhendley]

Justify has done it 🐎

[@kalog0220]

Justify did what he was trained to do after The Preakness and that is to rate. Justify's heart could hear those hoofs behind & coming one at a time to take a shot but kept them there. Every pat from Mike's whip made Justify drew away further in the stretch. Justify defied everything from the jinx of number 13, to Apollo's curse, Storm Cat curse, not having the x-chromosome of an enlarged heart, not having the Buckpasser pedigree in a matter of 118 days. He was bouncing off the wall that night and in the morning after looked ready for more. We have not seen the best yet of what Justify could offer.

[@Temptresstoo]

He does have that Mr. P magic though. :)

[@danfrattinger1673]

Lawrence Camins and he only hit him with the whip once I think. The rest of the time he is just shaking it at him. A horse like him will give you his all just by showing it to him

[@kalog0220]

Yup ! The rest were just taps Amazing horse!

[@kalog0220]

Hey Dan: I think you have to rethink that. You made those other jockeys look like a fool who were continuously whipping in the Kentucky Derby, The Preakness and The Belmont and/or when Mike him more than once in The Kentucky Derby and The Preakness. Looking at the stretch I counted 4 whips and the rest are taps and whip wavings.

[@Celal7411]

Yes we have not seen the best of what Justify could offer. You are right. Hope they run him for few more derbies.

[@Nikkib700]

And he came out completely clean At the end it was like watching black and white footage with just Justify and Mike brightly coloured

[@carterreid9869]

Holy shit gronkowski that was amazing

[@CorwynCelesil]

I thought so, too. I was riveted first by how far back he was and then by how he snuck up into second. Beautifully done.

[@trickster_198danny5]

Well i think we hes the nes SHAM

[@FreesTylerFurYa]

What a race! I have to say tho, other than Justify winning the tripple crown, that comeback from Gronkowski was huge! From being dead last and far behind to end up in second place? That was dang impressive!

[@ryderwashington4199]

I came across this race on TV outta nowhere, I didn't understand what was going on but the announcer got me hooked. He's immortal!

[@newstarcadefan]

That's Larry Collmus. He's been calling races since he was 18 years old...and has had some very legendary calls. If you haven't seen it look up that "one" race at Monmouth with serendipitous names.

[@colleenjohnson3270]

@@newstarcadefan Or when he called the Triple Crown races for American Pharoah, excellent!

[@brettwilkinson9529]

Pays to stay out in front and save on the dry cleaning.

[@robertsmale3714]

Justify was the best of this crop of three year olds. What he accomplished was amazing, especially since he was unraced as a two year old. He was a well deserved Triple Crown Champion. Too bad we never got to see his full potential later in the year. But nothing takes away from his unblemished Triple Crown record. However, Pharoah and Secretariat easily beat him in the Belmont.

[@mus3415]

By their times,. Secretariat- 2:24 American Pharoah- 2:26 Justify- 2:28 Since in timing, 1 second is about 5lengths, let's say... Secretariat would have beat Justify by ~20lengths. American Pharoah would have beat Justify by ~10lenghts.

[@bmack2244]

From a hockey baseball and football fan (so good announcers), this guys the best announcer in all of sports

[@victoriavenegas6407]

For you guys that are sketchy of Restoring Hope, #5 horse. Justify is owned by mostly Winstar and China Horse club. Restoring Hope is owned by Mary and Gary West. RH didn't belong in this race, he's a sprinter but the Wests probably didn't want to be left out of the action this year kinda like last year with West Coast. If Restoring Hope was there to block he did a shit job because a bunch of horses had an opportunity to take the lead through that 1 1/2 mile. And Restoring Hope wasn't even a rabbit since he wasn't setting fractions. If anything he challenged Justify at the beginning. Florent Geroux said RS was being aggressive when he broke and he didn't want to put RS with behind all the horses and risk an injury so he put RS in the clear and up in front. Mike Smith also gave Unique Bella a wide trip in the Apple Blossom when she didn't get a good break. She wanted to go for the lead and she did. Racehorses don't always do what their jockey asks of them. And that goes for any horse or live being.

[@sherylejeffers9491]

victoria Venegas....get your head out of your ass...restoring Hope was in there to run interference for Justify and that jockey did a damn good job on restoring hope and together with bob baffert they beat the others at their own game.......Bravo..!

[@stevie56565]

that was a perfect run! Justify was the leader the whole race.... Take note he is the only clean horse after the race!

[@drrob1963]

Great race and triumph by Justify! Truly deserved to be a Triple Crown winner. A really good looking horse too. Out of interest, the immortal Secretariat would have beaten Justify by about 70 meters [230 feet or 28.7 lengths] as a comparison of their winning Belmont times.

[@sl-rt5kv]

The probability that Secretariat would have beaten Justify by more or less 70 meters is slim. The two Belmont's were different races, with different paces, with different track conditions, with different competitors, and different numbers of competitors. There are also significant variations in the way racehorses perform on any given day. They are not machines. I am reminded of the fact that Secretariat also ran 1 1/2 miles in the MOW on a turf course, which is FASTER than dirt, in a SLOWER time than Belmont 2:24.8. Using your line of reasoning, Kelso who covered 1 1/2 miles on turf in 2:23.8 would have beaten Secretariat on turf by one second. This doesn't make sense to me. Also, Twilight Eclipse, who completed 1 1/2 miles on turf in 2:22.6 would have beaten Secretariat by 2.2 seconds at 1 1/2 miles on turf. Really? Also, Swaps ran 2:38 for 1 5/8 carrying 130 pounds on dirt and would have defeated Secretariat, who covered the 1 5/8 on a faster turf course in 2:41.8 (carrying 121 pounds) by almost 4 seconds. This line of reasoning doesn't make sense to me. They are all different races.

[@drrob1963]

They are different races, different times, different conditions - absolutely. You are reading more into my comment than I intended to convey, merely that the difference between a 2.24 time and a 2.28.18 time is a LONG way.- about 70 metres. In reality, on the day, you can only race the other horses that turn up - any triple crown win is a great achievement! It is only when your horse wins the Crown, that he starts being compared to the great horses of history. If you whisk them away in a time machine from their race start moments, and match race them off together, who knows? But my money is on Secretariat!

[@sl-rt5kv]

Winning the triple crown is a great achievement, but it is only one part of a horse's resume. A triple crown winner is the best of that year's crop of immature three year old's that, with few exceptions, haven't yet reached their full racing potential. This explains why horses who never won the triple crown such as Man O War, Native Dancer, Kelso, Forego, Dr. Fager, Damascus, Buckpasser, Spectacular Bid, Round Table, Swaps, and many others are typically ranked higher than many or most triple crown winners. They achieved their notoriety outside of the TC races. Six of Bloodhorse's top 10 horses of the 20th century never won the triple crown. A couple of them never even competed in a triple crown race.

[@drrob1963]

Its up to their owners - we will never know what Sec would have done as a 4yo, as Penny put him straight out to stud, as per the syndication agreement...

[@sl-rt5kv]

We certainly don't know. Excellent horses often peak and deliver great performances for several races and then fall off. Injuries also factor in. The capacity to sustain excellence over many races, while running constantly over a long career, requires a combination of talent, toughness, and durability which is rare in a racehorse.

[@spideraxis]

I was there at Belmont. It was the biggest thrill in the world.

[@karinshinn4775]

So was I!!!!

[@spideraxis]

So surely you must agree it was the experience of a lifetime.

[@karinshinn4775]

Yes especially sitting on a THIRD BENCH ROW on the HOME STRETCH! Where were you sitting? Got great phone video of Justify charging by!

[@spideraxis]

In Clubhouse, seventh row, almost exactly at finish line. I was so excited and overwhelmed at this point in the race, that I couldn't get my phone to take a video. Will make assumption that you were in a better position at that time of the race to take video. By the time it got to where I was, the level of excitement was just too much.

[@karinshinn4775]

My 24 yr old daughter took the video. Native Brooklynite....I kinda just dragged her along and she did me this favor from her phone!

[@TTony-tu6dm]

Mike Francesca: “No horse will ever win the triple crown again. I own racehorses and I know how they’re trained “. 2015: American Pharoh 2018: Justify Oops!

[@lukaleon3221]

This horse was juiced

[@1800s]

Your brain is juiced. If you train them fast, they run fast.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

There's a reason why Big Mike is so BIG - he's full of himself.

[@mariaguardia9274]

I MISSED 2015 AP.. BUT WAS THERE WITH MY 10 YEARS OLD SON AND PROUDLY PASSED ON THE TORCH. ON THIS GREATEST SPORT..

[@foxdavis9856]

Ever since Justify did it here in 2018, not only has there not been a triple crown winner, there hasn't even been a horse who's managed to win two races in a row.

[@frankcastle5294]

Only 13 Triple Crown winners since 1879 when the 3 race event was dreamed up. Give you some idea how difficult this is? Unreal.

[@Kaidhicksii]

I knew this horse was special first time I saw him, and even more so after he beat Bolt, who I didn't think he'd get at Santa Anita. So I said it would be either one of them who'd capture the Crown; of course that was Justify, and I was enthralled to see my second Triple Crown winner. So message to anyone who previously doubted him: don't say anything ever again until the Breeders' Cup, seriously.

[@pumanation]

Lets not forget the fact that Gronkowski came from dead last and gave him a great run

[@stanlygranger7238]

Gronkowski reminded me of 2009 Mine that bird with the way he came storming back. 2009 Kentucky Derby remains the best race I ever saw with Mine that bird blowing everyone away. Borel just held him back then let him loose!! If you havent seen it i highly recommend it.

[@goonervillegonad3662]

Excellent call by the commentator. I must say, the US comms seem to find the words for the moment more often than our English comms do. Probably rehearsed in anticipation of seeing history made again, but then so it be should be. What else is there to prepare for when you watch such an amazing beast at the track.

[@aidanjoyce3248]

We've heard all the superlatives. Justify was an all time great.

[@BookReviewsWithBecky]

This is thrilling to watch! Had to watch it again!

[@edy1434]

both AF and Justify are decendants of Secretariat is that correct?

[@khardison6004]

So you think they know when they win? I do

[@davidrosado9642]

Yes! Horses know when they win! By the reaction of the people around them... they know!

[@elastronaute1198]

of course they do, they're not dumb

[@marlysmorse4047]

I still can't shake how much Justify is like Secretariat In looks, body type, conformation, style of gait, attitude, ability to think way through a race.As Ronny Turcotte said about Big Red He does the thinking,I am just along for the ride.Something Justify's jockey said after they had just won the Belmont. Genetically they are not related but one has got to wonder. The only real difference I noticed is Ronny rarely took a whip to Red, he didn't need to, Red always the speed handled and is still the King of times for triple crown races.

[@toniearl3497]

Actually, Justify is related to Secretariat. J's sire is Scat Daddy, who comes down the Storm Cat line. (Secretariat sired SC's dam, Terlingua.) And on J's dam's side, there is A.P. Indy in his pedigree. (Secretariat sired AP's dam, Weekend Surprise.) You can look up thoroughbred pedigrees here: www.pedigreequery.com/justify11

[@FreesTylerFurYa]

@@toniearl3497 That's a really cool link! Looking down it, Justify is also related to Man O'War which is pretty cool.

[@toniearl3497]

@@FreesTylerFurYa Oh let's see..., Justify has Man o' War twice in his pedigree thru Relaunch (by In Reality), and once again thru Ogygian, and again thru Raise a Native, and again thru Awesome Again (out of Primal Force) - all way, way back. Did I miss any?

[@daTREX111]

Too bad it was just revealed he tested positive for scopolamine, which is a performance enhancer after the Santa Anita race, which was 9 days before the Derby. That should have disqualified him from competing in the Derby. But the committee threw the results out.

[@Venom24213]

Yes nobody wants to talk about that though

[@AlcaTres81]

Justify has done it. That's it. Nothing more...nothing else...! The Horse & The Man

[@mom2huskies]

I remember watching Secretariat race in 1973 and hearing Chic Anderson say Secretariat was a "tremendous machine." To quote Ron Turcotte "My job, as I saw it, was to be a good passenger and stay out of his way." There have been some great horses since, but there will never be another Big Red.

[@gotch09]

Always gotta be one Secretariat fan that has to rain on everybody elses' parade. Justify won fair and square. What took you so long?

[@shawndrake8607]

There will always be a secretariat fan to rain on the parade. Doesn't matter what horse wins the tc. Until they do it better than big red they are just another horse. Facts are facts. Sorry not sorry

[@csracingreport2024]

iam so SICK of people saying this horse isnt as good as AP ; he set a "NEW BAR" as an unraced 2 year old to sweep the Triple Crown ; 2nd ; his rivals handled the "off going", TWICE ; something AP' s opponents failed to do in the Preakness ; that weather / lack of competition BREAK allowed AP to coast home in such a slow time ,which was the key 2 having the extra energy 2 capture the T. Crown ; keep in mind , the pace, on a FAST TRACK btw ,in the KY .DERBY, was far SLOWER than Justifys, yet Dortmund had NO FINISH, and Pharoah had 2 be hit 32 times to outlast Firing Line ; and Justify had some 1, "look him in the eye" in the Preakness, and he still prevailed ; every 1 tried to get Justify beat in the Belmont, now the narrative has CHANGED to he didnt beat anyone; though i agree this may not be the greatest bunch, its better than Pharoah ; is there any 1 out there that can say w/ a STRAIGHT FACE that American Pharoah beat legends born in the wrong year like Alydar or Sham ? he did what a very good HORSE should do ; DESTROY a BAD BUNCH ...in the end u need a bit of luck and a talent gap 2 win the TC , like AP, and Justify had ; they were all fortunate 2 not hook a VICTORY GALLOP ,Touch Gold, Silver Charm, Point Given, Afleet Alex, Empire Maker type, along w/ countless others , or neither would have swept the series...but make no mistake ; what Justify did was very impressive ; overcoming 2 "off tracks", slightly better opponents, and become an "undefeated" TRIPLE CROWN " champion w/ NO 2 year old foundation...if anyone thinks Justify couldnt have beaten Pharoahs crop 2 win the Triple Crown, then u might want 2 check into a alcohol & drug rehab facility and get treatment

[@jivedizzy1669]

Still not as good as Secretariat

[@vanteal]

That #6 horse..Wowzers.

[@nemomarlen8261]

He is such a big horse compared to the others

[@fendertremolo9793]

No Triple Crowns for 37 years, then we get two in 3 years. Go figure

[@angebonanno85]

That call was awesome

[@GeorgeJetsonJunior]

What type of 'Track It; does NYRA use? That was painful.

[@andrewnelis9791]

Justify well timed run

[@joelwidman1778]

I have absolutely no interest in horse racing, don't know a thing about it but this commentating is top notch! the way he says "Immortal!!!!" I almost break into tears

[@turtles11756]

very few horses can do what Justify has done 13 have done it thousands have failed. thirteen are 'immortal" Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, American Pharoah and now Justify

[@fklifter1]

if you go back far enough you see he has the bloodline of the greatest sire of the 20th century Northern Dancer in his pedigree more than once just like alot of the great race horses

[@iheartpanic00]

He is a true champion.

[@kevinharrison5651]

I think hes a better horse then American pharaoh. Its a great shame he can't run in B. C. Classic, would have been very strong contender.

[@Patriciacollier-v3l]

Yes he is! Justify was sold to Coolmore farm for $75 million dollars. That makes him the most expensive racehorse in history. He is worth every dollar because his sons and daughters are dominating races in the US, Europe and Australia.

[@jocelynquilnet7453]

#SKYSPORTS JUSTIFY TRIPLE CROWN 🇺🇸

[@mikemelino5553]

That is the most electic commentary in sports history

[@j2thau]

Not even close. Secretariat and Chromes calls were better.

[@VampireYoshi]

Not to diminish Justify's superlative performance, but the way he ran was actually "classical" for Triple Crown Champions, not unprecedented. Even Gallant Fox, the "gregarious" 1930 Champion who preferred running in packs to being out on his own, took the lead and held it throughout the race, and Whirlaway, the "actually possibly crazy" 1941 Champion who preferred to run a lot like Gronkowski did here (except that crazy Whirlaway would try to run on the OUTSIDE rail and still win, you can look it up), led the whole race when his opponents tried to run at a ridiculously slow pace to conserve energy. Coming from behind in a Triple Crown winning Belmont is very much the exception, not the rule.

[@davidpatalano394]

This was the best moment of my life

[@jimcunningham61]

Your kidding

[@ontarionagasaki1441]

2 horses that could have possibly beat him we're scratched, I get the feeling everyone was in on the reported $75 mil payday if Justify won

[@theravagedgrapefruit8190]

That was a sick exacta!!!

[@billbriscoe9414]

Just watched it again and you can clearly see that Restoring hope was blocking. He did go up fast then the jockey looked back and he moved over onto Justify's flank. BUT! That being said, I do not know if that had anything to do with the outcome of the race. Did it stop a horse from challenging Justify early and make him burn out some energy? All I know is Justify is a bad ass Horse and won the Triple Crown and is King this year big time. Even Vino made a charge at the final turn and did not have enough gas to catch Justify. Nor Hofburg! Other then Justify, Gronk was to me the best horse in this field. What a beautiful Animal Justify and Gronkowski are!

[@pasimaenpaa2360]

great run and TC. but to me, not great enough. time tells everything. on the other hand, what else you can expect this horse?

[@djoscarmix]

Im really confused to starting to be in usa horse racing, for example if a horse pays in the official 7.00$ to win, if i bet 1$ how much i will cash out? The official results is based on 1$ or 2$

[@johnhunter2294]

The prices given are based on a $2 bet. If you bet $1 you'll get half the official price, $3.50.

[@MarianoFreyreX]

Secretariat is the only one. The others are just horses.

[@jivedizzy1669]

I was looking for it! Finally someone who also thinks Secretariat is the best of all time!

[@nicholasgranat2999]

Mariano Freyre .......always watch secretariat...never gets old....amazing!

[@caseywalker7224]

No question everyone knows that

[@theredbaronlives9889]

Seattle slew was no slouch.Citation was amazing.Man O' War incredible.But.......... On that Saturday June 9th 1973 Secretariat become the stuff of legend.

[@raquelbarralescamara669]

Exactly! Secretariat is the best of all time... Never gets old

[@cesarmutuc2503]

I have a question why is justify unpopular as compared to other triple crown winners?

[@kleinbogen]

In case you don't notice, Justify's silk when seen above is the Chinese Communist flag. The horse is owned by China Horse Club based in Shanghai. The communist party is subtle.

[@steviems]

This guy needs to commentate on everything

[@bordercollie1140]

And now his son 'City of Troy' has just won the Epsom Derby. Some blood running through this horse's veins.

[@Rockhound6165]

Are we just going to blow off how the tracker wasn't even close to what was going on in this race? It had Justify going from 1st to 4th to 3rd to first when he was in first the entire time.

[@CC-xn5xi]

What EXACTLY is wrong with Justify's legs? Why did Baffert turn him around in tight circles after the KD? Did he have a clue?

[@grantp4022]

Justify takes the Belmont in 2:28 -- reminds me of the way Seattle Slew ran a race. Quick start out of the gate, and both horses could lead from wire to wire, which is hard to do. Looks like a great horse to me. It shows though just how great Secretariat was, who ran it in 2:24- amazing !! A lot of great horses have ran it in 2:26 --including Affirmed, AP Indy ( Slews son) and Easy Goer --and a couple of others. No other horse did it in less than 2:26. However 2:26 is only 2 seconds off Secretariat --some horse maybe could have ? I think Secretariat was a generational horse -- but I think horses like Seattle Slew, and Affirmed could have beaten him, or very close in shorter races like the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness. Would have been very close !!! I think Seattle Slew could have, possibly beat Secretariat in the Kentucky Derby -- but not in the Belmont.

[@eliasperdedor2642]

Grant P Seattle Slew wont even beat Sham in the derby

[@lazylesbian3544]

Secretariat's times for the KY, PS and BS are still standing.. So, how could they have beaten him if his times were faster?

[@anthonyvargas888]

JUSTIFY THE ONLY UNDEFEATED TRIPLE CROWN WINNER IN HISTORY! No other horse in the history of the world can claim period !

[@rustyshackleford5366]

He was a great horse, but that does not mean to much considering he had 6 starts. Seattle slew was also undefeated when he won the triple crown. But was defeated later on.

[@timtam7626]

He also failed a drug test.

[@marii6445]

Bob baffert G.O.A.T of horse racing

[@Tiger_Pawzzzzz]

Did you notice the stablemate got pulled back. Something fishy about this race. Audible and Good magic isn't there. Why? Watch the horse with pink silks. When they turn the Jockey held him back. WTF!

[@CarlVelma360]

owner of justify is the same owne of audible ,why did he scratch audible ,he is afraid audible might beat justify

[@CarlVelma360]

audible would of beat justify in the belmont stake ,look @ audible in the Kentucky derby

[@Venckman]

I looked. He was beaten by open lengths.

[@Venckman]

Good Magic couldn't close on him in the Derby, and couldn't run with him on the lead in the Preakness. I think the owners decided, wisely, that they'd had enough.

[@markc6378]

Something was definitely up in this race , I’ve never seen a horse gunned so hard for the front n then pulled back to sit off , maybe Barffert was useing RH to counter NI tactics of fighting him for the lead and before anyone says well the other horses had their chance to go around RH you got to remember it’s a 1 1/2 mile race and to use a horse hard in the second quarter of the race to get to the leader while going around and losing ground is basically forfeiting the race cause horses just can’t sustain those burst of energy. Bottom line is people are losing interest I. Horse racing due to questionable tactics of some owners and riders and the industry is so desperate to inject new interests into the sport.

[@MalbrancheTV]

Gronkowski come back was awesome. Oh boy!!

[@standoughope]

I'm ignorant of horse racing so please don't laugh at me but I've a question: Is it okay that Restoring Hope seemed to be boxing out for Justify to remain in front? Maybe I'm wrong but the announcer mentioned that they were stable neighbors then it appeared to me that RH's jockey was looking around a whole lot. I still think that Justify would have won but I felt weird about that aspect. Any info will be appreciated, Googling it brought an insane amount results that would take me forever to sift through. =)

[@leesog3203]

Why so many fools compare modern greats with those highly likely on the hot sauce in decades gone by? I can't speak for Man O'War era but I know some extremely funky shit was going down in 1960s/1970s America..

[@OfficialMuffiin]

I agree, there wasnt as many people complaining or even aware about drugging back then as there is now.

[@sheldonsafier9171]

Just to imply that Secreterit was juiced is the most ignorant statement. Nuf said.

[@leesog3203]

@@sheldonsafier9171 Are you telling me no freaky sh*t was going down in 1970's America?? I'm not saying he in particular was on it but there is a strong possibility and from what I've heard from many of the old timers at track it's common knowledge he was on it.. I like to believe not as well, because I love that horse but I'm not going run away from history and where the evidence points too

[@sheldonsafier9171]

@@leesog3203 maybe you're tripping? The Only gelding that was born standing up. Maybe the Earth is flat. Some events are sacred. You have no facts. Secretariat's lifetime record speaks for itself In over 140 years there's only been 13 Triple Crown Winners. Those are facts, not hearsay. Nuf Said

[@sheldonsafier9171]

Not gelding. Colt. My mistake

[@ManjuSingh-io6ix]

Admirable Grokwonski the way he blazes to a second position considering he was last he kept a steady pace for quite a distance if only he was pushed a little harder frm the start may have probably won !!

[@drewrockwell8000]

He was not winning that race justify was not losing and way better horse

[@CrystalSanchez094]

honestly Justify could be the son of American Pharaoh, the Great grandson of the king Secretariat and younger brother of Rachel Alexandra,what a horse. he's just unbeatable.

[@fklifter1]

also if you take a look at his bloodline you will see the name of Northern Dancer the greatest sire of the 20th century

[@lazylesbian3544]

He's the Great Great Great Grandson of Secretariat

[@ashtonsubedar123]

Left them in dust cleanest horse on the track

[@cristianobitoku2887]

Amazing animal. From France.

[@robertsmale3714]

Justify won the Triple Crown while being a lightly raced colt. That is a huge accomplishment. He stole the Belmont with relatively easy fractions on the lead. It is hardly his fault that none of the other horses pushed the pace. Smith rode the race needed in order to win. Bottom line he won! Something only 12 others were able to accomplish prior to him. Yes his combined times are the slowest of the recent Triple Crown winners, and he’s hardly Secretariat, but what other horse is, but to denigrate this colt for winning one of the most difficult triples in sports tarnishes all Triple Crown champions. With just three prior races he accomplished what no other horse in history did, winning the Triple Crown. That is no small feat. And for that he is indeed “immortal” as Larry Collmus remarked, for he will always be remembered as a Triple Crown champion alongside the likes of the others!

[@Steve-ff3xx]

I believe it is a greater accomplishment to win the Triple Crown after having been heavily raced. Citation's 14-2 record going into the Kentucky Derby, which included stakes victories against top older horses, is much more impressive than Justify's 3-0. Citation would go on to win 19 of 20 races he ran as a 3 year old. That is much more impressive than Justify's 6-0 record at age 3. By the end of his 3rd year, Citation's overall record was 27 wins in 29 races. Justify's 6-0 record doesn't come close.

[@timothyking1198]

This was the year that we would have a triple crown winner as Justify did it without racing as a 2 Year Old

[@Venom24213]

He was on drugs. He failed tests

[@11101983omega]

How far back was the 2 place at start.

[@beckyann8389]

Justify: I Justify, am now King of the Kentucky Derby Champions. I promise to rule with the same amount of peace, justice, and wisdom as did my great grandfather Secretariat. I do further decree, that all of my fellow racehorses lives are to be spared; and they are free to go back to their homes not only champions in their owners' point of view, but as heroes as well. As for my rider Big Money Mike, he is to banished from my ranch forever; he may seek new pastures, but he's never to return to my kingdom again.

[@giorgiofuda7950]

Ero presente emozioni indescrivibili

[@ayiechan8956]

American pharoah and justify are great, but we all know BiG REd is the real deal...

[@brenleegentry372]

I think Gronkowski could have done it honestly

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Eh, he laid back almost the whole race. Had plenty of time to move up like Big Red did twice. Halfway through he was still last. That's on the jockey, but even in the stretch he couldn't close the two length gap - Justify wasn't going to be passed.

[@Patriciacollier-v3l]

Justify is the most expensive horse in history at 75 million dollars! t's the end of 2023 and Justify is a world class superstar at stud! There is no talk of drugs, and no comparison to other horses. He is much better than Secretariat or American Pharaoh as a stud! So the haters can pound sand!