IT'S BEEN 34 YEARS SINCE THERE WAS A TRIPLE CROWN WINNER............

The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and The Belmont Stakes, are the prestigious Triple Crown of American Horseracing.  Today is the running of the Belmont Stakes in New York, the oldest of the three triple crown races, going back to 1867; as compared to the Preakness, 1873; and the Kentucky Derby, 1875.  In the history of the Triple Crown uniting these three horse races, only 11 horses have won all three races, versus 21 horses who have won two of the three races.  "I'll Have Another", winner of this year's Kentucky Derby, and Preakness, was on its way to potentially winner today's Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown, until swelling and tendinitis were discovered and diagnosed yesterday morning, causing the horse's owner and trainer, to pull "I'll Gave Another", from today's running of the Belmont.  Becoming the twelfth horse since 1979, to win two out of the three triple crown contests, leaves "Affirmed", 1978's Triple Crown  Champion.  As horesracing fans await today's Belmont Stakes, it is with a day's knowledge it will be at least another year before the next three for three victor to become a Triple Crown winner is determined............Fr.  Troy