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Why is Trifecta Called Trifecta?

Published in Horse Racing Wager 1 min read

The term trifecta is derived from a combination of linguistic elements that precisely describe the nature of this specific type of wager. It signifies a bet where a participant must correctly predict the first three finishers in a race in their exact order.

The Etymology Behind the Name

The name "trifecta" is a blend of an existing betting term and a numerical prefix:

  • Tri-: This prefix comes from Latin and Greek, meaning "three." In the context of the bet, it explicitly refers to the requirement of selecting the first three positions in a race.
  • Perfecta: This term was already established in horse racing as a wager, also commonly known as an exacta. A perfecta bet involves predicting which two horses will finish first and second in the correct order.

By combining "tri-" with "perfecta," the new term "trifecta" succinctly conveyed that this bet extended the "perfecta" concept to include a third position.

Historical Introduction

The term "trifecta" itself began to be used in the 1970s. The wagering option was first introduced in the United States at Arlington Park in 1971, quickly gaining popularity as a challenging and potentially lucrative bet for race enthusiasts.