There is a full moon this winter night. The air is crisp. Snowflakes sparkle and dance among the stars. Venus is like a beacon in the western sky. But it is silent and still... just like the heart of yet another champion to leave us. Affirmed. I cannot imagine him that way.

“A horse like Affirmed comes along more by magic than by plan,” said his breeder/owner Patrice Wolfson.

The last time I saw Affirmed he had a big grin on his face as he left the breeding shed. But the first time I saw him he had a different look on his face. The look of determination... eyes focused down the track, driving, driving to the finish line a length-and-a-half ahead of his ever-present rival, Alydar.

The second race I saw was even closer--only a neck separated them at Pimlico. Then the Belmont Stakes, the true test of a champion’s heart. Once around--one mile and a half--and one determined colt stood between Affirmed and racing’s richest prize. Eyeball to eyeball down the long stretch they ran. Two three-year-old colts matching strides all the way. Briefly, Alydar stuck his nose out in front, but only for a split second. Affirmed would not be beaten. The crown belonged to him... and his eighteen-year-old rider, “The Kid,” Steve Cauthen. Affirmed was “magic” indeed.

Alydar, Affirmed's famous rival
photo by L. A. Williams

Affirmed and Alydar. The names just go together, like raindrops and roses... like heart and soul. Ten races and it was over, until they became stable mates in the stallion barn of the legendary Calumet Farm, seemingly ready to engage in yet another rivalry. And now they meet again... in the meadow.

There are nine there to greet him. Nine who have traveled the way before him. Sir Barton. Gallant Fox. Omaha. War Admiral. Whirlaway. Count Fleet. Assault. Citation. And Secretariat.

But wait. There is another. How can that be? Who are they nudging to the front of the line. Slowly he comes forward. Softly he nickers. Their eyes meet. The nine champions of the Triple Crown have this day allowed one they have deemed “worthy” entrance to their meadow. He has been given a special task. To greet his friend and greatest rival, Affirmed.

Look! Look! The sun is coming out. The green grass of the meadow is fragrant and new. The sounds of a rippling stream, of birds, of horses fills the air. And they’re OFF! Ten winners of the Triple Crown suddenly wheel and dash through the meadow, the latest entrant, Affirmed leading the pack.

But in the shadow of his coppery coat, just a neck away is his friend, his rival here on earth... and now for all eternity.

Affirmed and Alydar... at the wire... again... just as it should be.