Alydar (1975-1990) - Find a Grave Memorial

Race Horse. As a 2-year-old, Alydar won 4 of his 8 stakes races and finished second in the remainder. He was matched 5 times against soon-to-be arch rival and divisional champion Affirmed, winning 2 while losing 3, including a photo finish loss in the Laurel Futurity. In 1978, Alydar began his career in Florida while Affirmed raced in California. Next came some of the greatest racing in North American turf history. Alydar finished second to Affirmed by 1 1/2 lengths in the Kentucky Derby and closed the margin of defeat to a neck in the Preakness. The 1978 Belmont will surely be remembered as one of the most exciting races of all time as Affirmed and Alydar dueled through the stretch, neither horse giving quarter. As they approached the finish, Affirmed pulled ahead by a nose to become Thoroughbred racing's eleventh Triple Crown winner, with Alydar becoming the first Triple Crown runner-up in history by a 1 1/2 lengths, a neck, and a head. Alydar sired 10 champions who earned over $24 million dollars, including 1987 Kentucky Derby winner Alysheba.