When did Affirmed win the Triple Crown?
The Triple Crown is one of the most prestigious achievements in horse racing, and Affirmed, a legendary thoroughbred, etched his name into history on June 9, 1978. This remarkable horse, sired by the great sire Native Dancer, became the eleventh to win the Triple Crown, which consists of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
Affirmed’s Triple Crown journey began with a victory in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5, 1978. Trained by the renowned Charlie Whittingham and ridden by jockey Steve Cauthen, Affirmed showcased his immense talent by winning the race by 1 1/2 lengths. His performance was a preview of the dominance he would display in the following races.
On May 19, 1978, Affirmed faced off against a field of seven in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Despite the challenging track conditions, Affirmed delivered another impressive victory, once again driven by Cauthen. The horse won by 1 1/2 lengths, maintaining his perfect record of three wins out of three starts.
The Belmont Stakes, held on June 9, 1978, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, was the final hurdle for Affirmed to claim the Triple Crown. The race featured a field of ten, including three-time champion Secretariat, who had won the Triple Crown in 1973. With a thrilling stretch drive, Affirmed overtook the favored Alydar in the final stretch, and with Cauthen’s expert guidance, the horse crossed the finish line by a half-length margin, becoming the eleventh and most recent Triple Crown winner.
Affirmed’s Triple Crown victory was not only a testament to his exceptional talent but also a reflection of the exceptional teamwork between the horse, his trainer, and his jockey. The victory solidified Affirmed’s place among the greatest thoroughbreds of all time and has since inspired countless aspiring racehorses to strive for the ultimate achievement in horse racing.
