A look back on the career of Affirmed, 30 years after his Triple Crown.

Photo: Milt Toby

Affirmed: Champion, Horse of the Year, Triple Crown Winner

Photo: Tony Leonard

Exclusive Native, sire of Affirmed

Photo: Tony Leonard

Affirmed's dam, Won't Tell You.

Photo: John Noye

Affirmed was bred and raced by Louis and Patrice Wolfson

Photo: Inger Drysdale

And trained by Laz Barrera.

Photo: Dell Hancock

Affirmed's first stakes win in the Youthful was also his first meeting with soon-to-be rival Alydar who finished 5th (it was Alydar's first start).

Photo: NYRA-Bob Coglianese

In the Great American, however, it was Alydar in front.

Photo: NYRA-Bob Coglianese

Affirmed took the Hopeful,

Photo: NYRA-Bob Coglianese

And held off Alydar (outside) in the Futurity, a finish that would foreshadow things to come.

Photo: NYRA-Bob Coglianese

Alydar took the Champagne.

Photo: NYRA-Bob Coglianese

But, Affirmed ended the year in front in the Laurel Futurity.

Photo: Jerry Frutkoff/James McCue

Affirmed made his 3-year old debut in an allowance race at Santa Anita. With Alydar in Florida, Affirmed won by 5.

Photo: Santa Anita

The Santa Anita Derby was even easier, an eight length win. And it was on to Kentucky.

Photo: Santa Anita

Working at Churchill Downs before the Derby.

Photo: Tony Leonard

The Derby walkover.

Photo: Milt Toby

Affirmed and Steve Cauthen in the Derby post parade.

Photo: Tony Leonard

Affirmed draws away in the Derby. Alydar is coming, but it's too late.

Photo: Kinetic Corporation

A jubilant Steve Cauthen and Affirmed after Derby victory.

Photo: Tony Leonard

Wearing the roses.

Photo: Blood-Horse Library

The Preakness was closer.

Photo: Jerry Frutkoff

But, Affirmed prevailed again.

Photo: Jerry Frutkoff

The Belmont was a race for the ages. Two chestnuts fighting side by side for most of the mile and a half race. At the wire, Affirmed got his head in front to become the eleventh Triple Crown winner.

Photo: Jerry Cooke Collection

Portrait of a Triple Crown Winner.

Photo: Blood-Horse Library

Life after the Triple Crown began with a victory in the Jim Dandy.

Photo: NYRA-Bob Coglianese

The last meeting between Affirmed and Alydar came in the Travers. Affirmed finished in front, but was disqualified and victory was awarded to Alydar.

Photo: NYRA-Bob Coglianese

The 1978 Marlboro Cup featured the rare meeting of two Triple Crown winners, Seattle Slew prevailed over Affirmed.

Photo: NYRA-Bob Coglianese

Affirmed's 4-year old season was fantastic and included victories in the Strub,

Photo: Vic Stein

The Californian,

Photo: Kevin Ellsworth

and the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Photo: Kevin Ellsworth

Before ending his career with a victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup over 1979 Derby and Preakness winner Spectacular Bid.

Photo: NYRA

Two-time champion Flawlessly was one of Affirmed's best offspring.

Photo: Stidham and Associates

The first two races were just the opening act for the main event, the Belmont Stakes. This time, the pair battled for a mile, taking turns leading. At the wire, however, it was Affirmed by a head, as he became the 11th Triple Crown winner. In 29 starts, Affirmed had 22 wins, 5 seconds, 1 third, and earnings of $2,393,818.

Photo: Jerry Cooke Collection

A fitting monument for a champion. Affirmed: 29 starts, 22 wins, 5 seconds, 1 third. Three-time Champion. Two-time Horse of the Year. 1978 Triple Crown Winner.

Photo: Mary Rezny