In 1978, a horse named Affirmed became the eleventh winner of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. He narrowly defeated favored colt Alydar, who remains the only horse to finish second in all three races. Since then, no horse has succeeded in winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, though some horses have come mere inches short of completing the trifecta.

Many sports blame their championship droughts on curses. This is thoroughbred racing's curse.

Rated moderate for language.