This auction represents the only trophy ever offered publicly from a Triple Crown winner from one of the three Triple Crown races. This is the trophy earned by Affirmed for winning the 1978 Belmont Stakes, capturing the elusive Triple Crown. In Bloodhorse’s ranking of the top 100 Horse Racing Moments of the Twentieth Century, Affirmed’s win over Alydar at Belmont Park was identified at #4.
The Trophy is made of sterling silver by TIffany & Co. and engraved “New York Racing Association, The Belmont, BELMONT, 1978, Won by Harborview Farm’s Affirmed, Trainer – L.S. Barrera.” The sterling silver and maker hallmarks are located on the underside. Overall, the trophy exhibits light-to-medium wear and has aged quite well, appearing in near-mint condition.
If a horse is fortunate enough to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes, the NYRA presents to the winning connections in the winner’s circle two (2) trophies. One is the Belmont Stakes trophy, as recognition for winning the “Test of Champions”. The trophy offered here. The other is the Triple Crown trophy, representing the culmination of all three races. Affirmed’s Triple Crown trophy, presented to Laz Barrera sold at auction last year for over $150,000.
This auction offers the rare opportunity to obtain a priceless piece of horse racing memorabilia from a superstar horse, from a premiere race in a defining and indelible moment of not just horse racing, but sports in general. Good luck.
