Betting The Horses

Horse racing has its legends. Triple Crown is one of the most prestigious feats to accomplish in horse racing. There never been a Triple Crown winner that one back to back, in 1978. Affirmed went into the history books and provided a new record set.

The rivalry between Affirmed and competitor Alydar was the biggest part about this event. In 1977, they met first during the Youthful Stakes. Affirmed came out the winner. In almost every other race thereafter, these 2 year olds slugged it out.

Affirmed won all four starts that he had in California, earlier in 1978 and it set the stage for the three Triple Crown Races. Affirmed came out on top although the final stretch both Affirmed and Alydar made a push

With Affirmed coming into the race on top but slowly getting pressure from Alydar, the next race was just as breathtaking. Three years later, the last race of the Triple Crown happened at the Belmont Stakes.

After a half mile into the race, the two horses were already running about neck and neck with Affirmed in first place. The crowd cheered and Affirmed secured his Triple Crown victory. Affirmed had just enough left in him to come out on top yet again although Alydar took the initial lead down the stretch.

Alydar and Affirmed only raced each other one more time and it was at the Travers Stakes in Saratoga. Affirmed won this race as well but was later disqualified for interfering with Alydar earlier in the race. His following performances resulted in two more losses but he still won Horse of the Year for his incredible accomplishments. Affirmed had an incredible run during his career, and every horse trainer is hoping that their mares will compare at some point.

Tags: Alydar, Belmont Stakes, Triple Crown