This Day in History: 1979-10-06

In their only race together, champions Affirmed and Spectacular Bid met in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Odds-on favorite Affirmed, ridden by Laffit Pincay Jr., won by 3/4 of a length. Affirmed was later voted Horse of the Year off this convincing victory over Spectacular Bid, who was named champion 3-year-old.