Statement from Jonabell Farm:

1978 Triple Crown Winner AFFIRMED was put to sleep at 1:30 pm on January 12, 2001.

"It has been a privilege and honor to be the caretaker of Affirmed," said farm general manager James Bell. "He will be greatly missed and certainly never forgotten. His tremendous heart, class, and courage made him a genuine pleasure to be around - a true gentleman and Champion."

In October, Affirmed had experienced discomfort due to a chronic condition from a ligamentous injury to the back of his pastern on his left foreleg. Dr. Larry Bramlage had performed surgery on Affirmed to realign the ankle joint at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.

Recovery was underway at Jonabell, however, when he began exercising again, he developed additional problems that began to aggravate laminitis in the opposite foreleg.

On January 8, it was decided that for his optimal comfort and well being he would be returned to Rood & Riddle where he would be under continuous observation in a controlled environment. This morning Dr. Bramlage examined Affirmed and euthanasia was recommended for humane reasons.

Affirmed was returned to Jonabell where he was laid to rest. He was buried with the familiar flamingo pink and black silks of owner/breeder Lou and Patrice Wolfson's Harbor View Farm next to the stallion complex at Jonabell Farm.