Pure speed, power and endurance. Seattle Slew had it all. This great horse racing champion came from very humble beginning. Also his barn nick-name was "Baby Huey". Seattle Slew's owners were Karen and Mickey Taylor. Who purchased Seattle Slew at the Keeneland Fall Sale for on $17,000. The Taylor's really hit the jackpot when they purchased him.
The Taylor's would hire friend and former Steeplechase jockey Billy Turner, to train Seattle Slew. Which was a great decision. As Billy turner showed a lot of patience with "The Slew". Usually owners and trainers that don't push there young racehorses. Are greatly rewarded later in there careers. Seattle Slew was undefeated in his 3 races as a two year old. His last race at two would be the "Champagne Stakes". Where "Baby Huey" trounced his competitors. Winning the race by 9 3/4 lengths. By doing so was voted "2 Year Old Champion" in the U.S. in 1976. Also making Seattle Slew the heavy favorite for the Kentucky Derby in 1977.
Seattle Slew made his first race as a 3 year old. On March 9, 1977 at Hialeah Racetrack located in Florida. My mom and dad were both at the races on that day. They were wintering our horses in Florida. Seattle Slew set all the fractions and pulled away to win his 1977 debut by 9 lengths. My parents were so impressed with Seattle Slew's performance. They were very confidant that they had just witnessed one of horse racing greatest, of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpOX-IrL5do&list=PL4D44C4A7E722ABD4 (video of first 3 year old race)
Then Seattle Slew would go on to win the Flamingo Stakes and the Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct. Before he swept the Triple Crown in impressive style. Becoming only the 10th racehorse to capture the triple crown. The first to accomplish this amazing feat with an undefeated record.
Adversity would strike this great champion as he was shipped to California to compete in the Swaps Stakes. A move not agree to by his trainer Billy Turner. Seattle Slew would suffer his first defeat, and come out of this race in poor condition. Ending his 3 year old campaign. Seattle Slew would still be voted Champion 3 Year Old and Horse of the Year honors.
Seattle Slew would come back in his 4 year old racing year. To run some fantastic races. To also prove that his was one of the best Thoroughbreds of all time. Both his regular trainer and jockey would be replaced. Doug Peterson would take over as his trainer. Regular rider Jean Cruguet would be replaced after a loss in the Paterson Handicap. A race run at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Angel Cordero would take over as his regular jockey.
Big wins in the Woodward, Stuyvesant Handicap, and Marlboro Cup. Where Seattle Slew would defeat 1978 Triple Crown Champion Affirmed. Would earn him Champion Older horse in the U.S. honors. A courageous loss by a head to Exceller in 1978 Jockey Cup Gold Cup. There was tremendous speed in the race. Which set it up perfectly for the fast closing Exceller. However Seattle Slew proved what a fantastic racehorse he was. My mounting an unbelievable comeback. To narrowly loose this race. Proving again what a great horse he was!
Seattle Slew would retire with a record of;
Record 17:14-2-0
Earnings $1,208,726.
Sire Bold Reasoning
Grandsire Boldnesian
Dam My Charmer
Damsire Poker
This great horse would also enjoy a successful career as a stallion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwOImSrzmCg (Seattle Slew documentary)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw-QYkEjVBM (1977 Kentuckey Derby)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1j8UvEQozg (1977 Preakness)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8783PipiJbo (1977 Belmont)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFwDvrEWHnQ (1978 Malbororo Cup)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZFr6N2lNY4 (1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup)
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