In the short list of triple crown winners, this horse had to be one of the biggest bargains in racing history. We're referring to the puzzle of a wonder, Seattle Slew.
The story of this horse is just another reminder of how weird the sport of horse racing can be and how unpredictable it can also be. All over the racing industry millionaires were spending small fortunes trying to breed the best horses they could in the hopes of coming away with a winner. While this mad spending was going on a few friends got together and spent $17,500 to buy Seattle Slew when he was just one year old. You wouldn't think that kind of money would get you much of anything. But these friends saw their investment go on to become a triple crown winner and also go on to be one of the greatest horses in the 20th century.
Seattle Slew was the son of Bold Reasoning and My Charmer. The horse was brought along very slowly in his career by a young trainer named William H. Turner. He was the oldest horse in history to make his two year old maiden race which was on September 20, 1976 at Belmont Park. Out of twelve horses in the field, he went off as a 2.6 to 1 favorite. He took the lead quickly and won the race by five lengths.
Oddly, Seattle Slew started just two more races as a two year old. He won an allowance race on October 5 and then won the Champagne Stakes eleven days later by a whopping 9 and 3/4 lengths. After that race people were already talking about whether or not he would be the next triple crown winner in just 4 years since Secretariat in 1973.
Again, once Seattle Slew hit three years of age, his trainer took things slow with him, not starting him in his first race as a three year old until March 9, 1977. That race was in Hialeah where he won by nine lengths. On March 26 he then won again at the Flamingo Stakes by four lengths. Finally, he won the Wood Memorial Stakes on April 23 by 3 and 1/4 lengths.
By the time the Kentucky Derby came around on May 7, because of his past performances, Seattle Slew was the overwhelming favorite to win going off at 1 to 2. Ironically, the race was nearly a disaster for Slew when he swerved and was sharply taken by the jockey. He was allowed to take an early lead because of this but that resulted in him tiring down the stretch that became a 3 horse race. Slew did manage to hang on and win by 1 and 3/4 lengths.
At the Preakness, two weeks later, things were very similar to the Derby as Slew was involved in a real horse race but managed to hang on to win by 1 and 1/2 lengths. At this time people were starting to worry that he would fall short in the Belmont. But Slew didn't disappoint. The Belmont was a completely different story and Slew went on to win by four lengths.
The victory made him not only the 10th triple crown winner but the first undefeated triple crown winner. Slew finally retired at the end of the 1978 season.
Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Horse Racing" article category.
People interested in the above article "Horses - Seattle Slew" are also interested in the related articles listed below:
When the sun is out and it is a hot summer's day, there is a routine that should be followed to take care of your horse's needs. As you become more and more familiar with your own horses, you already know that there are so many things that you need to be aware of, and the different conditions that you have to watch out for and to check.
Your horse should have his own saddle and bridle, adjusted to fit, and kept in good condition. Do not be tempted to use an item of tack just because other people are using it; you should only use what your horse really needs.
Your horse riding is to be taken very seriously to be successful. Horse colors are very important to some people: some enjoy a black horse; others enjoy a white horse, while others prefer a grey horse, or want to know the if the breed of horse originated in Czechoslovakia.
If you have ever wanted to experience the thrill of a real horse race, now is your chance. Online horse racing games give you a chance to jockey, bet and even train finest race horses from all over the world in some of the most celebrated horse racing events.
Barrel horse racing is a rodeo horse racing event and just like other equestrian competitions requires a lot of preparation and hard work in advance. Caring properly for your barrel horse race saddles and exercising your horse are just two of them.
Horse racing has got to be one of the oldest sports in history. Although technology has continued to produce various vehicles that may be raced, horse racing still has strong supporters all over the world. In fact, when you look at the state of the internet today, you will find that a lot of people actually try to find horse racing videos. Why do they do this?
Thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular form of horse racing the whole world. It is so popular that some people do not know of any other form of horse racing. Thoroughbred horse racing is also known by some people as the "sport of kings". Usually, a thoroughbred horse owner would hire a trainer to condition the horse for only one type of race. This is because a good trainer knows that there is a best training regimen for every type of race. The owner may also opt to enter the horse in races that are somewhat similar to what it is in training for.
