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.