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Alydar

Alydar (March 23, 1975 – November 15, 1990) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse best known for his intense rivalry with Affirmed during the 1978 Triple Crown series, where he finished a close second in all three races, and for his exceptional success as a leading sire. Bred and raced by the historic Calumet Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, Alydar was sired by Raise a Native out of the mare Sweet Tooth, whose damsire was On-and-On. Under Hall of Fame trainer John M. Veitch, he began his racing career in 1977 as a two-year-old, showing early promise with victories in allowance races and stakes like the Great American Stakes. As a three-year-old in 1978, Alydar dominated the Kentucky Derby prep season, winning the Flamingo Stakes, Florida Derby, and Blue Grass Stakes, all Grade 1 events, positioning him as the favorite for the Derby. However, in the Triple Crown, he was narrowly defeated by Affirmed each time: by 1 1/2 lengths in the Kentucky Derby, by a neck in the Preakness Stakes, and by less than a length in the Belmont Stakes' famous stretch duel, often regarded as one of the greatest races in Thoroughbred history. Alydar concluded his racing career with wins in the Whitney Handicap and Travers Stakes as a four-year-old in 1979, retiring with a record of 14 wins, 9 seconds, and 1 third from 26 starts, earning $957,195. At stud, Alydar became one of North America's most influential sires, standing at Calumet Farm and ranking second on the general sire list from 1986 to 1989 before leading in earnings and stakes winners in 1990. His progeny included Hall of Famers Alysheba (1988 Eclipse Award winner and Breeders' Cup Classic victor) and Easy Goer (1989 Belmont Stakes winner and Horse of the Year contender), as well as champions like Turkoman, Strike the Gold (1991 Kentucky Derby winner), and Criminal Type (1990 Horse of the Year). Alydar's impact on the breed was profound, siring 77 stakes winners and contributing to Calumet's legacy despite the farm's mounting financial woes under president J.T. Lundy. His career was tragically cut short on November 13, 1990, when he was discovered in his stall at Calumet with a severely fractured right rear cannon bone; despite initial treatment with a cast, the injury worsened, leading to euthanasia two days later. The incident, occurring amid Calumet's bankruptcy and Alydar's $36.5 million insurance policy, sparked persistent theories of foul play tied to insurance fraud, though no charges were ever proven against Lundy or others involved. Alydar was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1989, cementing his status as one of the greatest runners and sires never to claim a divisional championship.

Background and Early Development

Birth and Pedigree

Alydar was born on March 23, 1975, at in , as a chestnut colt. He was bred and owned by , which at the time was under the ownership of Admiral and Lucille Wright Markey. Registered as a , Alydar's name derived from "Aly Darling," a term of endearment used by Lucille Markey for Prince Aly Khan, reflecting the farm's tradition of honoring notable figures. Alydar's pedigree traced to prominent lines in . He was sired by , a leading stallion known for his speed and influence on modern breeding, out of the mare , who was by On-and-On and earned recognition as the 1977 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year. himself descended from the influential , a undefeated juvenile champion and top sire, while the dam line connected to Hyperion, the great British stallion whose stamina contributed to enduring Thoroughbred bloodlines. This combination provided Alydar with a genetic foundation blending speed and endurance, hallmarks of Calumet Farm's breeding program.

Training and Preparation

Alydar, a , developed into a robust during his early years at in , where he was noted for his strong conformation characterized by a muscular build suited for speed and stamina. Standing approximately 16.1 hands high and weighing around 1,200 pounds, he exhibited the compact yet powerful physique typical of his lineage, with well-proportioned legs and a deep chest that supported explosive acceleration. His physical traits were influenced briefly by his sire , whose bloodline emphasized speed-oriented development over excessive size. Early training commenced when Alydar was a in 1976, under the guidance of John Veitch, who had recently been appointed as Calumet Farm's head trainer at age 31. Veitch identified Alydar's potential early, overseeing his initial breaking and conditioning at the farm's facilities, where the colt transitioned from pasture life to structured exercise routines. Daily grooming in a spacious oak-paneled stall and supervised play in a three-acre paddock helped build his foundation, with Veitch emphasizing gradual acclimation to maintain soundness. As a two-year-old in 1977, Alydar's preparation for his racing debut intensified with targeted workouts designed to hone his and , including controlled gallops that showcased his bold, competitive . Trainers assessed him as headstrong yet responsive, with a demanding personality that included snorting impatiently if attention waned, but he displayed exceptional and eagerness during sessions. Initial health checks confirmed no major issues, allowing a smooth shift from farm-based development to the , where Veitch's regimen positioned him for a stakes-level entry rather than a standard maiden due to his impressive training progress.

Racing Career

Juvenile Season (1977)

Alydar made his racing debut on June 15, 1977, in the Youthful Stakes at , finishing fifth in a field that included his future rival , who won the 5½-furlong event by a neck. Building on the physical conditioning from his early development at , Alydar quickly showed improvement in subsequent outings. In his second start on July 6 at , the colt secured his first victory in the Great American Stakes, rallying from off the pace to defeat by 3½ lengths over 5½ furlongs, marking the largest margin in any of their ten career meetings. Alydar followed up with another dominant performance on July 27, 1977, winning the Tremont Stakes at by five lengths under Velasquez, covering seven furlongs in a sharp time that highlighted his closing ability. The rivalry with intensified at , where Alydar finished a close second by a head to the colt in the Sanford Stakes on August 3 over six furlongs, then trailed by 4½ lengths in the prestigious Hopeful Stakes (G1) on August 20, despite showing strong late speed in the 6½-furlong test. Velasquez, who became Alydar's regular rider for major juvenile engagements, guided the colt to another narrow defeat in the Futurity Stakes (G1) at on September 11, where prevailed by a in a thrilling stretch duel over seven furlongs. Alydar evened his head-to-head ledger somewhat in the Champagne Stakes (G1) on October 15, 1977, at , launching a powerful rally from mid-pack to win by 1½ lengths over the one-mile distance on a sloppy track, with third. This victory, under Velasquez's patient handling, solidified Alydar's status as a top juvenile contender and demonstrated his versatility on off tracks. Later that fall, he posted a second to by a head in the Laurel Futurity (G1) on November 5 at Laurel Park, but rebounded with authoritative wins in allowance company and the Sapling Stakes, closing out the season with strong form. Overall, Alydar compiled a record of five wins and four seconds in ten starts during his juvenile campaign, earning $318,654 and establishing an early rivalry with through six meetings that year, where he won two and lost four by a combined margin of less than seven lengths. Velasquez's tactical riding in these high-profile stakes races was instrumental, helping Alydar develop into a consistent closer capable of challenging elite competition.

Triple Crown Campaign (1978)

Alydar entered his three-year-old season with impressive prep performances. On March 4 at Hialeah Park, he won the Flamingo Stakes (G1) by 4½ lengths over 1⅛ miles. Three weeks later, on April 1 at , Alydar captured the (G1) by 2½ lengths, ridden out over 1⅛ miles. He capped his preparations with a dominant victory in the (G1) on April 29 at , rallying from far back to win by 13 lengths over 1⅛ miles, earning favoritism for the . Alydar entered the 1978 Triple Crown series as a highly regarded three-year-old colt, building on his strong juvenile performances against Affirmed the previous year and his dominant prep season. In the Kentucky Derby on May 6 at , Alydar finished second to Affirmed, beaten by 1½ lengths in a field of 20 horses over 1¼ miles. Jockey Jorge Velasquez urged Alydar forward in the stretch, but the colt could not overcome Affirmed's early speed and determination, securing a runner-up position in the classic. Two weeks later, in the on May 20 at , Alydar again trailed , losing by a neck in a thrilling over 1⅛ miles. The pair hooked up early and battled head-and-head through the stretch, with Alydar pressing relentlessly but falling just short as held on under . This performance highlighted Alydar's closing ability and stamina, though it marked his second consecutive defeat to his rival in the series. The on June 10 at capped the portion of Alydar's campaign, where he finished second once more to , beaten by less than a length in the 1½-mile test. The race featured an intense stretch run, with the two colts inseparable for nearly the final half-mile, but edged ahead at the wire to complete the . Alydar's consistent second-place finishes across all three races made him the only horse at the time to achieve such a feat in the U.S. . Following the Belmont, Alydar returned on June 24 at to win the Arlington Classic by 13 lengths over 1¼ miles under jockey Jeffrey Fell. On August 5 at , he dominated the Whitney Handicap (G1) by 10 lengths over 1⅛ miles, arguably his most impressive career victory. Their rivalry concluded in the (G1) on August 19 at , where crossed first but was disqualified for ; Alydar was awarded the win over 1¼ miles. From the races, Alydar earned approximately $400,000 in purses. For the 1978 season overall, he recorded 7 wins and 3 seconds in 10 starts, demonstrating remarkable consistency despite the high-level competition.

Mature Seasons (1979–1980)

Entering his mature phase as a four-year-old in 1979, Alydar competed in six races against older horses, showcasing resilience following his near-misses in the previous year's races. Under trainer John M. Veitch's guidance, the strategy shifted to weight-for-age handicaps and allowance events to build stamina and leverage his closing speed in longer distances, with jockey Jorge Velásquez riding most starts before transitioning to Jeffrey Fell for select engagements. Alydar opened the year with a dominant seven-length in an allowance race at Hialeah Park on March 31, earning $20,280 and signaling a strong return from injury. However, Alydar faced stiff competition in graded stakes, finishing a nose second to San Juan Hill in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap at Oaklawn Park on April 13 despite carrying high weight of 126 pounds. He followed with another narrow defeat, a neck behind Star de Naskra in the Grade 1 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct on May 5, where Velásquez's tactical ride kept him close but unable to overhaul the winner in the sprint. Regaining form, Alydar secured his second win of the season in the Grade 3 Nassau County Handicap at on June 18 under Fell, pulling away by 3¾ lengths in 1:34 for seven furlongs and boosting his career win total to 14. Alydar's campaign concluded with mixed results in New York handicaps. On July 4, he ran third in the Grade 1 Suburban Handicap at , beaten 1¼ lengths by State Dinner after a troubled trip, marking his only off-the-board finish in the race but revealing emerging soundness issues. Returning in the fall, he closed strongly for second place in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at on October 6, finishing 1½ lengths behind in a field featuring elite older males like Spectacular Bid, who placed third. For the season, Alydar recorded 2 wins, 3 seconds, and 1 third, earning $107,098. Alydar did not race as a five-year-old in 1980, as Veitch retired him to stud at following a of minor sesamoid from the Suburban Handicap, prioritizing his long-term breeding potential over further campaigning. Over his career, Alydar amassed 14 wins, 9 seconds, and 1 third in 26 starts—never finishing worse than third—while earning $957,195, with Veitch's patient handling preserving his competitive edge against top competition.

Rivalry with

Key Confrontations

Alydar and met in 10 races between 1977 and 1978, finishing first and second in nine of those encounters, with margins often under two lengths that highlighted their intense competition. secured seven official victories, while Alydar was credited with three wins, one of which resulted from a disqualification of for interference. As two-year-olds in 1977, the colts clashed six times, establishing the foundation of their rivalry. Their first meeting came in the Youthful Stakes at , where won by ½ length. prevailed in three more of these, including the Hopeful Stakes at by a neck, where he repelled Alydar's strong late surge, and the Futurity Stakes at by a nose after a fierce stretch battle. Alydar claimed the other two juvenile victories: the Great American Stakes at by 3½ lengths, showcasing his ability to dominate when positioned favorably, and the Champagne Stakes at by a head in a . also edged Alydar in the Laurel Futurity by a neck, completing his juvenile successes against the colt. Their 1978 Triple Crown campaign produced three unforgettable duels, all won by with Alydar a determined second. In the at , led from the front and held off Alydar's closing bid by 1½ lengths under jockey . The at saw the margin shrink to a neck, as Alydar, ridden by Jorge Velasquez, pressed relentlessly to the wire in a side-by-side finish. The at was their most dramatic confrontation, a 1½-mile neck-and-neck struggle where won by a head after Cauthen switched his whip to his left hand in the final strides to urge his mount home. Beyond the classics, their rivalry extended to one final contentious stakes at later in 1978. The concluded their head-to-head battles, with winning on the track by 1¾ lengths before another disqualification for interference handed the win to Alydar. Tactically, Affirmed's front-running style, often setting or pressing the pace under Cauthen, contrasted sharply with Alydar's deep-closing approach guided by Velasquez, who positioned him to unleash powerful finishes in the stretch. This dynamic created thrilling races, with five of their meetings decided by a length or less, underscoring the narrow superiority Affirmed held over his persistent rival.

Impact on Horse Racing History

The Affirmed-Alydar rivalry played a pivotal role in revitalizing public interest in during the late 1970s, particularly through its dramatic escalation during the 1978 series. The intense competition between the two colts, who met in all three races, generated widespread excitement and drew substantial television viewership, with the finale attracting millions of viewers as edged Alydar by a head to claim the . This marked the first victory since in 1948, amplifying the event's national significance and helping to broaden the sport's appeal beyond traditional racing fans. The duo's confrontations exemplified the highest standards of equine athleticism, as secured the while Alydar finished second in each leg, often by the slimmest of margins—a combined total of less than four lengths across the series. This unparalleled elevated the to a symbol of competitive excellence, where both horses demonstrated champion-level performance, with earning the for Horse of the Year in . Their mutual elevation of each other's abilities set a for future generations of racers, underscoring the value of evenly matched foes in producing legendary performances. Post-1978, the influenced and training approaches by highlighting the merits of bloodlines that foster versatility and under pressure. Alydar's , rooted in and Nantallah lines, proved particularly influential at stud, siring multiple winners and emphasizing the long-term value of sires from high-caliber racing over those prioritizing raw speed alone, as seen in Affirmed's comparatively modest success. Trainers began to prioritize conditioning regimens that balanced tactical speed with stamina to replicate such duels in major stakes. Often compared to the 1938 Seabiscuit-War Admiral matchup for its dramatic tension and cultural resonance, the Affirmed-Alydar saga remains a cornerstone of racing lore, credited with sustaining the sport's visibility during a period of growing media competition. Their ten meetings, spanning 14 months, not only produced thrilling finishes but also reinforced horse racing's narrative of heroism and rivalry as a driver of enduring fan engagement.

Stud Career

Breeding Achievements

Upon retiring from racing at the end of the 1979 season, Alydar entered at in , beginning his breeding career in 1980 with an initial book limited to 40 mares at a stud fee of $40,000. This conservative start reflected traditional practices for new stallions in the , though Alydar quickly exceeded expectations, breaking the 40-mare limit by the mid-1980s to cover over 100 mares annually as demand surged. Alydar proved exceptionally successful as a , ranking among the top 10 leading sires in for eight years between 1986 and 1994, including second place from 1986 to 1989, first in 1990, seventh in 1991, third in 1992, and eighth in 1994. From 707 named foals, he sired 376 winners (53.2% ) and 77 stakes winners (10.9%), with his progeny earning $35 million in the first decade of his stud career alone. He notably passed on traits from his own racing prowess, such as precocious speed and stamina for distances up to 1¼ miles, contributing to his high rankings on both general sire lists and broodmare sire lists (second in 1995). Alydar's breeding success became a lifeline for amid its financial decline in the 1980s, as mismanagement under owner J.T. Lundy led to mounting debts exceeding $15 million by 1989, forcing reliance on the stallion's escalating stud fees—which reached $250,000 by 1990—for revenue. Despite these challenges, Calumet prioritized Alydar's program, breeding him to top mares and selling shares in his services to generate millions annually, though the farm's overall instability ultimately impacted operations.

Notable Progeny

Alydar's success as a sire extended through several standout offspring who achieved elite status in Thoroughbred racing. Among his most prominent progeny was Alysheba, foaled in 1984 out of the Lt. Stevens mare Bel Sheba. Alysheba captured the 1987 Kentucky Derby by three-quarters of a length over Bet Twice, overcoming a near-fatal collision at the start, and followed with a victory in the Preakness Stakes, securing two legs of the Triple Crown. In 1988, Alysheba earned the Eclipse Award as Champion Older Male Horse and was named American Horse of the Year after winning the Breeders' Cup Classic and six other graded stakes, retiring with earnings of $6,567,380. Another Hall of Famer, , born in 1986 from the Buckpasser mare Relaxing, dominated as a juvenile in 1988, winning the for Champion Two-Year-Old Male with victories in the Sanford Stakes and Futurity Stakes. As a three-year-old in 1989, he denied the by winning the in a track-record time of 2:26 flat, eight lengths ahead, while also securing the and Woodward Stakes. Easy Goer amassed $4,477,213 in earnings before his untimely death at age four. Strike the Gold, a 1988 foal by Alydar out of the Hatchet Man mare Majestic Gold, provided further classic glory by winning the 1991 in a dramatic stretch , holding off far-turn leader Best Pal by a in a final time of 2:03. He added wins in the , Pimlico Special, and Nassau County Handicap, retiring with a record of 6 wins, 8 seconds, and 5 thirds from 31 starts, earning $3,457,026. Other notable progeny included Criminal Type, the 1990 , and Turkoman, a multiple Grade 1 winner. Beyond these champions, Alydar sired 77 stakes winners from 707 named foals, including 46 graded stakes victors and 20 at Grade 1 level, with 376 overall winners representing 53.2% of his foals. His bloodlines continued to exert influence into the through successful descendants in major races and breeding programs, underscoring his lasting impact on modern pedigrees.

Death and Controversy

The Incident

On November 13, 1990, the 15-year-old stallion Alydar was found in his stall in Barn 29 at in , suffering from a severe to the cannon bone in his right hind leg. The injury resulted from Alydar kicking his stall door during routine evening feeding activities, as determined by attending veterinarians. This incident occurred amid Calumet Farm's severe financial difficulties, which had been escalating throughout 1990. Veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage arrived shortly after the discovery around 11:00 p.m. and diagnosed a mid-shaft transverse . was performed the following morning on November 14, during which a metal plate, screws, and a cast were applied to stabilize the leg after approximately two hours of work. However, early on November 15, Alydar slipped and fell while resisting a supportive , re-injuring the leg and fracturing his right , rendering further treatment impossible. At 8:20 a.m. on November 15, 1990, Alydar was humanely euthanized by administered by veterinarian Dr. Linda Rhodes to end his suffering. president J.T. Lundy described the loss as "a heartbreaker," noting that the horse "fought right to the end." Alydar was buried later that morning at 's equine cemetery, near the graves of fellow champions and .

Investigations and Theories

Following Alydar's death on November 15, 1990, Calumet Farm held a $36.5 million mortality insurance policy on the stallion with Lloyd's of London, which was quickly processed after an initial veterinary assessment deemed the injury accidental. The insurers paid out $32 million within 30 days, the fastest equine claim settlement in Lloyd's history, which helped Calumet temporarily alleviate its mounting financial pressures by repaying a key bank loan. Official investigations began shortly after the payout, with conducting its own probe alongside federal authorities, including the FBI, starting in late 1990 and intensifying through 1991 and 1992 amid Calumet's bankruptcy filing. These inquiries examined the circumstances of Alydar's broken leg but ultimately ruled the death accidental, with no criminal charges filed against any individuals involved. Speculation of foul play persisted, fueled by Calumet's dire finances—debts exceeding $120 million by late 1990, including $65 million in loans from —and the substantial windfall, raising suspicions of orchestrated to rescue the farm. , Calumet's from 1982 to , faced particular scrutiny; while not charged in relation to Alydar, he was convicted in 2000 of , , and for misleading lenders about the farm's financial health, receiving a 4.5-year sentence and $20.4 million in restitution. Lundy died on , 2023, at the age of 82. Prosecutors during Lundy's argued he had motive and opportunity for Alydar's death but could not prove it, leaving the theory unproven. Media scrutiny amplified these doubts, notably in Fred M. Kray's 2023 book Broken: The Suspicious Death of Alydar and the End of Horse Racing's , which draws on declassified FBI documents and interviews to challenge the accidental ruling and detail the 20-year probe into potential insurance-related misconduct.

Legacy

Hall of Fame Induction

Alydar was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1989, becoming one of the few horses honored without having previously earned an official divisional championship. The induction ceremony took place in , recognizing his exceptional racing career, including 14 wins from 26 starts and earnings of $957,195, as well as his profound influence as a leading sire. At the time of his enshrinement, Alydar remained active at stud, where he had already begun establishing a legacy by siring multiple stakes winners, further bolstering his case for Hall of Fame recognition. The Hall of Fame's selection process for horses emphasizes outstanding achievements on the track, contributions to the sport's excitement—such as Alydar's legendary rivalry with —and lasting impact on breeding. Alydar's near-misses in the races, combined with dominant performances like his 10-length victory in the 1978 , exemplified the consistency and heart that defined his career, making him a standout candidate despite not securing Eclipse Awards. In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, Alydar received posthumous acclaim through rankings by industry experts. He was placed at #27 on Blood-Horse magazine's list of the top 100 U.S. champions of the , highlighting his enduring reputation as one of racing's most influential figures. This honor underscores the criteria of racing excellence and breed influence that aligned with his Hall of Fame credentials.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Alydar's rivalry with has been extensively portrayed in media, capturing the drama of the 1978 and cementing its place as one of 's most iconic narratives. Books such as Affirmed and Alydar: Racing's Greatest Rivalry by Timothy T. Capps detail the intense competition, highlighting how their ten meetings, including narrow finishes in the Derby, Preakness, and , captivated audiences and elevated the sport's popularity. Documentaries and television segments, including archival footage from the era, frequently revisit these races to illustrate the thrill of close contests, while the story has inspired broader discussions on equine excellence in racing literature and broadcasts. Alydar's breeding influence extended far beyond his immediate offspring, shaping modern lines through his role as a broodmare . His daughters produced over 150 stakes winners, contributing to dominant bloodlines in North racing. By the early , Alydar's foals had collectively earned over $35 million in purses, underscoring his economic impact on the breeding industry at a time when fees reached $250,000 per season. Symbolizing the archetype of the "nearly great" horse, Alydar embodied perseverance, consistently rallying despite setbacks, as noted by jockey Steve Cauthen: "A lot of horses give up when they get beat, but he never gave up. He kept coming back." Recent retrospectives, including Fred M. Kray's 2023 book Broken: The Suspicious Death of Alydar and the End of Horse Racing's Golden Age, have revisited his story amid ongoing industry scandals like doping controversies, framing him as a poignant emblem of the sport's highs and vulnerabilities. As a cornerstone of Calumet Farm's operations during its post-World War II golden era, Alydar's career and stud success highlighted the precarious financial risks inherent in breeding. The farm, once debt-free in 1982 with Alydar as its star stallion, faced mounting pressures from declining horse prices starting in 1987, aggressive overbreeding, and heavy mortgaging, leading to filings exceeding $127 million in debts by 1991. Alydar's story thus serves as a cautionary symbol of how even elite bloodstock cannot insulate the industry from economic volatility and mismanagement. His influence persists in contemporary racing, with descendants like those from appearing in pedigrees of recent champions as of 2025.

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