<P> The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, often shortened to Triple Crown, comprises three races for three - year - old Thoroughbred horses . Winning all three of these Thoroughbred horse races is considered the greatest accomplishment in Thoroughbred racing . The term originated in mid-19th century England and different nations where thoroughbred racing is popular each have their own Triple Crown series . </P> <P> In the United States, the three races that make up the Triple Crown are: </P> <Ol> <Li> Kentucky Derby, run over the 1 ⁄ - mile (2.0 km) dirt track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky </Li> <Li> Preakness Stakes, run over the 1 ⁄ - mile (1.9 km) dirt track at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland </Li> <Li> Belmont Stakes, run over the 1 ⁄ - mile (2.4 km) dirt track, the longest in U.S. thoroughbred racing, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, just east of the New York City borough of Queens in Nassau County, Long Island </Li> </Ol> <Li> Kentucky Derby, run over the 1 ⁄ - mile (2.0 km) dirt track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky </Li>

Where do the triple crown races take place