|
Affirmed -
A Racing Legend 1975 - 2001
Our VERY sincere thanks to
Joyce for her contributions to this site.
Joyce showing her '78 Derby shirt to Affirmed. He
looks like he's dreamin' back to the Derby!
The Rivalry
By Joyce Embrey Patci
In '78 they went to war - Afirmed and rival
Alydar
People still argue who was the best?
Speed, stamina, heart were put to the test
Chapter One, Derby day, eighth race sixth
of May
Who could have known that this was to be
thoroughbred racing's greatest rivalry?
Would "the kid" lose his cool,
fall apart at the seams,
or devil's red and blue shatter his dreams?
But Alydar faltered out of the gate......
made a last minute effort, but waited too late!
So off to the circle with a shy, boyish grin
and Harbor View Farm had its first Derby win.
Two weeks to the day in old Baltimore
would Alydar try to even the score?
This time he stayed just a hoof-beat away
as they stormed down the stretch that bright, sunny day.
But the small chestnut colt just wouldn't back down
and he's still right on track for the next Triple Crown.
By now most the doubters had all changed
their tune
when it came Belmont time the tenth day of June
But others, they said this would be the real test
to see once and for all which horse was the best
Could Affirmed go the distance, a mile and a half
or would Alydar's fans all have the last laugh?
It was a two horse race right from the
start
then the two ran as one barely inches apart
Down the stretch they flew as fans leapt to their feet
and for a second or two, looked like Affirmed might get beat!
But he nosed out his shadow, one of Calumet's best
horse, rider and trainer passed the ultimate test
Alydar left us, by cruel act of fate
and waits for Affirmed in a new starting gate
Once again they will race as they did like before
and live on forever in horse racing lore
Copyright 2000 -- Joyce
Embrey Patci
|
