Affirmed

Affirmed at Spendthrift Farm 1981

Affirmed (February 21, 1975 – January 12, 2001) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who is best known for winning the Triple Crown in 1978. As the 11th winner of the Triple Crown, Affirmed etched his name into horse racing history, engaging in a famous rivalry with Alydar, whom he defeated in all three Triple Crown races by narrow margins.

Background

Affirmed was sired by Exclusive Native, a prominent stallion, and his dam was Won't Tell You, a mare of significant pedigree. He was bred in Florida by Harbor View Farm. Standing at 16 hands tall, Affirmed had a chestnut coat and was known for his competitive spirit and determination on the track.

Racing Career

Affirmed's racing career was marked by his rivalry with Alydar, with the two horses facing off several times during their two-year-old and three-year-old seasons. Their most notable encounters occurred during the 1978 Triple Crown races.

Kentucky Derby

In the Kentucky Derby, Affirmed, ridden by jockey Steve Cauthen, managed to hold off Alydar, who closed in during the final stretch, to win by a length and a half. This victory set the stage for their historic battles in the subsequent Triple Crown races.

Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes saw a closer contest between Affirmed and Alydar. Affirmed took the lead early, but Alydar challenged fiercely in the stretch. Affirmed, however, showed his tenacity by fending off Alydar's challenge to win by a neck.

Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes was the climax of their rivalry, with Affirmed narrowly winning by a head after a grueling stretch duel that is often considered one of the greatest races in horse racing history. This victory secured Affirmed's place as the 11th Triple Crown winner.

Later Career and Retirement

After his Triple Crown victory, Affirmed continued to race, winning several major stakes races. However, his performances as a four-year-old were overshadowed by losses to Seattle Slew, the 1977 Triple Crown winner, in their two meetings. Affirmed was retired in 1979 with a record of 22 wins from 29 starts and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1980.

Stud Career

As a sire, Affirmed was successful, producing many stakes winners. His offspring continued his legacy in racing, though none achieved the same level of success as their sire in the Triple Crown races.

Death and Legacy

Affirmed died on January 12, 2001, due to laminitis, a disease affecting the hooves. His legacy lives on as one of the greatest racehorses in American history, remembered for his courage, determination, and his epic rivalry with Alydar.