DERBY WINNER · 2018
Justify: a Triple Crown in 111 days
In this story
A brief racing career left a permanent place in Derby history.
A late start, a fast rise
Justify made his first start on February 18, 2018, at Santa Anita. Only 111 days later, he completed the Triple Crown at Belmont Park. His racing career was unusually compressed.
Ending the Apollo pattern
Before Justify, no horse who had gone unraced at two had won the Derby since Apollo in 1882. Justify broke that pattern with a 2½-length victory on a sloppy track at Churchill Downs.
A perfect six
He retired with six victories in six starts. The Derby, Preakness, and Belmont were part of that unbeaten campaign, with Mike Smith riding him through the Triple Crown series.
A close call in the fog
His Preakness was not a runaway: Justify held Bravazo by half a length in foggy conditions at Pimlico. The narrow margin is a reminder of how demanding the three-race series can be.
A gift with a date attached
For a fan whose racing memories center on 2018, a year-specific keepsake can be more thoughtful than a generic souvenir. Check year availability and the seller’s description rather than assuming every historic year is stocked.
Historical source: National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame ↗. Written November 6, 2026.