In 1978, Affirmed and Alydar met in all three Triple Crown races and produced one of the greatest rivalries in thoroughbred history. Alydar finished second in the Kentucky Derby, second in the Preakness, and second in the Belmont Stakes, where the two horses ran the final mile virtually stride for stride and Affirmed held on by a head. Tom Chapman was part of the California racing world during this era and painted this scene from the knowledge of what it takes to hold a lead when a horse of that quality is coming for you. Signed and numbered limited edition canvas print.

Affirmed vs. Alydar

The 1978 Belmont Stakes

Limited Edition S/N Limited Edition Canvas Prints

Horse racing has produced many unforgettable rivalries, but none has captured the imagination of racing fans quite like Affirmed and Alydar. Their battles throughout the 1978 Triple Crown showcased two extraordinary champions who refused to give an inch. Their final meeting in the Belmont Stakes remains one of the greatest finishes in Thoroughbred racing history.

This painting captures the dramatic closing strides of that historic race. Midway down the backstretch of the mile-and-a-half Belmont Stakes, Alydar surged alongside Affirmed and appeared ready to take command. Time and again he challenged, but the courageous chestnut dug in every step of the way. Locked together through the stretch, the two champions raced as one until the finish, where Affirmed held on by a nose in one of the most thrilling conclusions the sport has ever witnessed.

As a former jockey, I have an even greater appreciation for this race. Steve Cauthen somehow found just a little more from Affirmed each time Alydar challenged him. That's one of the qualities that separates great riders from good ones—the ability to ask for one final effort when it matters most. Together, horse and rider refused to surrender, creating one of the greatest finishes in Thoroughbred racing history.

With that victory, Affirmed became the 11th winner of the Triple Crown, joining horse racing's most elite company. His achievement would stand alone for 37 years until American Pharoah ended the long drought in 2015, making this race an enduring milestone in racing history.

I have signed and numbered limited edition S/N Limited Edition Canvas Prints available in several sizes. Each print is faithfully reproduced on premium canvas and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, making it a wonderful addition to the collection of any Thoroughbred racing enthusiast.

2 sizes available.    12 x 16"    75 prints

                               18 x 24"    35 prints

 Each print comes with a certificate of authenticity.