Seattle Slew: Thoroughbred Legends
Seattle Slew was one of the most popular tourist attractions for racing fans who visit the Kentucky Bluegrass. It is easy to understand why. The dark bay horse carries the special distinction of being the only horse to win the Triple Crown while undefeated.
In Seattle Slew, author Dan Mearns, a longtime racing journalist and editor, explores the life of the great horse, who is one of only 11 Triple Crown winners (horses who have won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes at the age of three) in the history of horse racing. In an indication of how difficult it is to win the coveted Triple Crown, from 1997-99, top horses Silver Charm, Real Quiet, and Charismatic won the first two races only to fail in the Belmont, which is run at a testing 1 1/2 miles.
While Seattle Slew's career was filled with many highs like the Triple Crown, there were plenty of lows as well, including his first defeat, the replacement of his trainer, squabbling among his owners, the illness that nearly took his life. However, Seattle Slew was able to overcome all these things to recapture his earlier glory on the racetrack. In retirement he shone even brighter, with many of his offspring becoming champions on the racetrack.