With a superstar young jockey, dueling rivals, and electrifying finishes, the 1978 Triple Crown stands out amongst the other 12 on the strength of the sheer thrills and chills that Affirmed and Alydar brought each time they met on the racetrack.
Tag: Legends
How a Legendary Trainer Known as ‘The Bald Eagle’ Excelled for Five Decades
Some might say that Charlie Whittingham was the best and most famous trainer California has ever known. As true as that might be, Whittingham deserves to be viewed in a context much greater than even a state as large as California. Though synonymous with the Golden State, Whittingham was unquestionably one of greatest trainers in the long and glorious history of Thoroughbred racing anywhere in the United States.
Favorite Trick: Special Racehorse, Remarkable Season
It’s a rare occurrence when a 2-year-old manages to earn the Horse of the Year title at the Eclipse Awards, but then again, it’s not every day that a 2-year-old as talented and dominant as Favorite Trick emerges on the scene.
Triple Crown Turning Point: Seattle Slew, a Great Horse with Humble Beginnings
In a plain brown wrapper, the yearling colt did not leave the same impression that struck those closest to Secretariat when he was that age. With a fair pedigree and a front leg that toed out, he did not pass muster with one sales company and instead was relegated to the upstart alternative. But this would not deter fate. Neigh. Instead, the long-legged colt with an awkward stride was available for a price far below what he would eventually be worth.
