The Triple Crown is awarded to the Home Nation (England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales) that beats all three of the other Home Nations in a single Six Nations Championship. For Irish punters, the Triple Crown is a separate betting market alongside the outright Six Nations Championship winner.
What is the Triple Crown?
The Triple Crown requires Ireland (or any Home Nation) to beat England, Scotland and Wales in the same Six Nations. It is a subset of the Grand Slam — a Grand Slam means beating all five opponents; the Triple Crown requires beating only the other three Home Nations. Ireland can win the Triple Crown without winning the Championship if they lose to France or Italy.
Ireland have won the Triple Crown on multiple occasions, most recently in years when they have been strong championship contenders.
Betting on the Triple Crown
Dedicated Triple Crown betting markets are available at GRAI-licensed bookmakers from the opening of Six Nations markets in autumn. Prices update after each round of fixtures based on how the Home Nations perform. Ireland winning the Triple Crown typically prices up at longer odds than winning the Grand Slam if France are strong favourites for the overall Championship.
Related Markets
- Grand Slam (beat all five opponents): Longer odds, more difficult to achieve
- Championship winner: The standard outright winner market
- Triple Crown for each nation: Markets available for England, Scotland and Wales Triple Crown
Frequently Asked Questions
Horse Racing Triple Crowns: What They Are
| Crown | Country | Races | Distance Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Triple Crown | GB | 2000 Guineas / Epsom Derby / St Leger | 1m – 1m6f |
| Irish Triple Crown | Ireland | Irish 2000 Gns / Irish Derby / Irish St Leger | 1m – 1m6f |
| American Triple Crown | USA | Kentucky Derby / Preakness / Belmont | 1m¼ – 1m½ |
| Australian Cox Plate series | AUS | Caulfield Cup / Cox Plate / Melbourne Cup | 1m2f – 2m |
Triple Crown Betting: Ante-Post Strategy
- Triple Crown ante-post markets open after each leg; price shortens dramatically after Guineas win
- Non-runner void rule applies in ante-post: if horse doesn't run in a later leg, stake returned
- Last British Triple Crown winner: Nijinsky (1970) – rarity adds to market interest
- Irish bookmakers offer enhanced specials (e.g. NRNR) during classic season
Six Nations Triple Crown: What It Is
The Triple Crown is an unofficial prize awarded to the Home Nation (England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales) that beats all three other Home Nations in the Six Nations Championship. It is not a trophy given by the Six Nations organisation — it is a historic concept tracked by fans and media.
| Nation | Triple Crown wins (all-time) |
|---|---|
| England | 24 |
| Wales | 20 |
| Ireland | 12 |
| Scotland | 10 |
Triple Crown Betting Markets
| Market | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ireland to win Triple Crown | Settles when Ireland beats England, Scotland and Wales in same Six Nations |
| Any nation to win Triple Crown | Often bet alongside Grand Slam market |
| Grand Slam | All five victories including France and Italy |
Ireland have won the Triple Crown on multiple occasions in the Six Nations era. Check the latest IRFU and Six Nations website for the full record.
No. The Grand Slam requires a team to beat all five opponents. The Triple Crown only requires beating the other three Home Nations (England, Scotland and Wales for Ireland).
Dedicated Triple Crown betting markets are available at all major GRAI-licensed bookmakers from the autumn before the tournament.
Yes. If Ireland beat England, Scotland and Wales but lose to France or Italy, they can still win the Triple Crown without winning the overall Championship.