Affirmed in Snow, Stretched Canvas

One of Tony’s favorite subjects was the Triple Crown winner Affirmed, and anyone who knew Tony can just imagine his pleasure in having the chance to catch the champ on a snowy January day at Spendthrift Farm. Twice named American Horse of the Year, Affirmed was about to embark on his second season at stud at the time of this photo. Affirmed later stood at Jonabell Farm, where he was buried after his death at age 26. Affirmed’s grave is marked with a bronze statue, which is decorated with a blanket of roses every year the week before the Kentucky Derby.