There is no level of achievement in horseracing more respected or difficult to achieve than the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The trifecta victory in each of the three featured races for three-year-old Thoroughbreds: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Since 1875, the first season all three races were run, only 13 horses have been awarded the Triple Crown, demonstrating the exclusiveness of this honor. The select company of winners makes the actual Triple Crown trophy one of the hobby’s most sought-after pieces of memorabilia.
This example was presented to Hall of Fame trainer Laz Barrera upon Affirmed winning the Belmont Stakes in 1978, completing a sweep of all three races. Jockey Steve Cauthen, who at just 18 years old rode Affirmed to the Triple Crown and a place in the Hall of Fame, later said, "He was basically the best horse I ever rode, the most intelligent.” In that dramatic 1978 season, Affirmed’s intelligence would become the difference that made him the champion. In that year’s Kentucky Derby, the first jewel in the Triple Crown, Affirmed beat out rival Alydar by one and a half lengths. This would be the easiest margin Affirmed would best Alydar that year. In the Preakness, Affirmed surpassed Alydar by a neck, narrowly preserving his path to the Triple Crown. Then, in the Belmont Stakes, the two rivals dueled to their closest finish of the season, the result decided in a near photo-finish with Affirmed winning by a nose in his final stride. The fruit of this Hollywood-ending to a most dramatic season is this Triple Crown trophy awarded to Affirmed’s trainer, Laz Barrera. Barrera is a legend in thoroughbred racing, to this day the only trainer to win four consecutive Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Trainer. In his long career, Barrera trained six champions and more than 140 American Stakes race winners, but it was his work with Affirmed that would be most remembered.
The 1978 Triple Crown trophy awarded to Laz Barrera was crafted by the world-famous jeweler Cartier. The majestic triangular sterling cup stands seven inches tall and has been engraved with the details of Affirmed’s three victories. The silver base bears the brand of the Thoroughbred Racing Association in gold surmounted by three crowns. Completing this exclusive trophy is the signature of Hall of Fame jockey Steve Cauthen who has signed the underside, “1978 AFFIRMED” in bold black marker. The award shows only light wear from age and remains close to mint condition. There is no more coveted or exclusive award in thoroughbred racing, and this is one of the finest examples in existence today.
Estimate: $150,000+