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Affirmed vs. Alydar: The Greatest Rivalry in Horse Racing History

Allan James

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Affirmed and Alydar were two of the greatest racehorses of all time, and their rivalry is one of the most legendary in sports history. The two horses met on the track 10 times, with Affirmed winning six of those races and Alydar winning four. Their most famous race was the 1978 Belmont Stakes, which Affirmed won by a nose, giving him the Triple Crown.

Duel for the Crown: Affirmed, Alydar, and Racing's Greatest Rivalry

by Linda Carroll

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27794 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	370 pages

The rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar was so intense that it divided the racing world. Fans of Affirmed saw him as the true champion, while fans of Alydar believed that he was the better horse who had been unlucky in his races against Affirmed. The two horses were so closely matched that it was often impossible to predict who would win, and their races were always thrilling to watch.

Affirmed and Alydar were both retired to stud after their racing careers, and they both became successful sires. Affirmed sired 126 stakes winners, including the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand. Alydar sired 106 stakes winners, including the 1989 Kentucky Derby winner Sunday Silence. The rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar continues to this day, as their descendants continue to compete on the racetrack.

The Races

The first time Affirmed and Alydar met on the track was in the 1977 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Affirmed won that race by a neck, but Alydar came back to win the Champagne Stakes two weeks later. The two horses then met again in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, which Affirmed won by a nose.

In 1978, Affirmed and Alydar met four times, with each horse winning two races. Alydar won the Flamingo Stakes and the Preakness Stakes, while Affirmed won the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. The Belmont Stakes was the most dramatic race of their rivalry, as Affirmed won by a nose after a thrilling stretch duel.

Affirmed and Alydar met for the final time in the 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Alydar won that race by a neck, but it was Affirmed who had the last laugh, as he was named Horse of the Year for 1978.

The Horses

Affirmed was a bay colt by Exclusive Native out of Won't Tell You. He was bred by Calumet Farm in Kentucky and raced for Harbor View Farm. Affirmed was a powerful horse with a long stride, and he was known for his determination and toughness.

Alydar was a dark bay or brown colt by Raise a Native out of Sweet Tooth. He was bred by Calumet Farm in Kentucky and raced for Elmendorf Farm. Alydar was a smaller horse than Affirmed, but he was just as fast and just as tough.

The Legacy

The rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar is one of the most legendary in sports history. The two horses were so closely matched that it was often impossible to predict who would win, and their races were always thrilling to watch. their rivalry helped to make the 1970s one of the most exciting eras in horse racing history.

Today, Affirmed and Alydar are both remembered as two of the greatest racehorses of all time. Their rivalry is a reminder that even the greatest of rivals can share a mutual respect and admiration.

Affirmed Alydar And Racing Greatest Rivalry Book

This book tells the story of the greatest rivalry in horse racing history. It is a fascinating and inspiring story of two great horses and the people who loved them.

The book is written by award-winning author Steve Haskin, who has covered horse racing for more than 40 years. Haskin provides a unique insider's perspective on the rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar, and he tells the story with great insight and humor.

Whether you are a fan of horse racing or just a fan of great stories, you will love this book. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the greatest rivalry in sports history.

Buy the book on Our Book Library now

Duel for the Crown: Affirmed, Alydar, and Racing's Greatest Rivalry

by Linda Carroll

4.7 out of 5