In the storied history of horse racing, few names command as much reverence as Seattle Slew. He wasn’t just a champion; he was a phenomenon. A nearly black colt purchased for a mere $17,500, he defied all expectations to become the tenth horse to win the American Triple Crown, and the very first to do so with a perfect, undefeated record. The story of Seattle Slew Horse Racing is one of raw power, untamed speed, and a fighting spirit that captured the hearts of a nation and left an indelible mark on the sport.
This was the horse that shouldn’t have been. His pedigree was solid but not spectacular, and his early gait was described by some as clumsy. But owners Mickey and Karen Taylor, along with their partners Dr. Jim and Sally Hill, saw something special. Under the guidance of trainer Billy Turner, that raw potential was honed into a force of nature that would dominate his generation and build a legacy that echoes through every major racetrack in the world today.
The Rise of a Bargain Champion
Seattle Slew’s journey began not in the winner’s circle, but at a Kentucky yearling sale in 1975. He was bought for $17,500—a pittance in the world of high-stakes thoroughbreds. The colt, a son of Bold Reasoning and My Charmer, was powerful but unrefined. It was this underdog beginning that made his subsequent perfection all the more compelling.
His racing debut came on September 20, 1976, at Belmont Park. He didn’t just win; he demolished the field by five lengths. It was a sign of what was to come. Slew finished his two-year-old season with a stunning victory in the prestigious Champagne Stakes, breaking the stakes record and earning the Eclipse Award for Champion 2-Year-Old Male. He was perfect in three starts, and the racing world was on high alert. This wasn’t just a good horse; he was a freight train on four legs.
What Made Seattle Slew’s Running Style So Dominant?
Seattle Slew possessed a devastating combination of pure, unadulterated speed and incredible stamina. Unlike many horses that are either front-runners or closers, Slew could do it all. His signature, however, was his blistering early pace. He would break from the gate with explosive power, immediately seize the lead, and dare anyone to keep up. This high cruising speed would break the will of his opponents, who would be exhausted trying to match his pace, leaving Slew to pull away in the stretch.
“He had this incredible, raw power,” notes equine historian Dr. Eleanor Vance. “It wasn’t just about how fast he could run, but how he imposed his presence on a race from the first second. He controlled the pace, the field, and ultimately, the outcome. That kind of dominance is exceptionally rare.”
The Unbeaten Path to the Triple Crown
The year 1977 is etched in horse racing lore as the year of “Slewmania.” As a three-year-old, Seattle Slew continued his rampage, winning his first three races of the season, including the Wood Memorial. He arrived at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby as the undefeated, odds-on favorite. The pressure was immense.
The start of the Derby was nearly a disaster. Slew was slammed coming out of the gate, losing several lengths to the field. For any other horse, it would have been a race-ending event. For Seattle Slew, it was merely an inconvenience. With jockey Jean Cruguet in the irons, he recovered with astonishing speed, carved his way through the pack, took the lead, and won convincingly.
Two weeks later at the Preakness Stakes, there was no drama—just dominance. He went straight to the lead and never looked back. The final challenge was the grueling 1.5-mile Belmont Stakes, the “Test of the Champion.” Once again, Seattle Slew was simply in a class of his own. He led wire-to-wire, and as he turned for home, Cruguet famously stood up in the stirrups and raised his whip in a triumphant salute to the crowd before he even crossed the finish line. He had done it. Seattle Slew was the 10th Triple Crown winner and the first to achieve it without a single loss.
Beyond Perfection: A Champion’s Heart
Just three weeks after the exhausting Triple Crown campaign, Seattle Slew’s owners made the controversial decision to run him in the Swaps Stakes in California. The toll of the previous races showed, and the champion suffered his first career loss, finishing a shocking fourth. The streak was over, but the story was not.
After a long rest to recover from health issues, Seattle Slew returned as a four-year-old in 1978 under a new trainer, Douglas Peterson. His campaign that year proved his true greatness. The highlight was the Marlboro Cup, where he faced the 1978 Triple Crown winner, Affirmed, in one of the most anticipated matchups in racing history. In a breathtaking display, Seattle Slew defeated the younger champion decisively. He concluded his career with a victory in the Stuyvesant Handicap, finishing with a remarkable record of 14 wins in 17 starts and earnings of over $1.2 million.
The Enduring Legacy of a Sire
While his performance on the track was legendary, Seattle Slew’s impact on the thoroughbred breed is arguably even greater. He retired to stud and became one of the most influential sires of the 20th century. His offspring were known for inheriting his speed, stamina, and competitive fire.
Key descendants and achievements as a sire include:
- A.P. Indy: A Hall of Famer and Belmont Stakes winner who became a breed-shaping sire himself.
- Swale: Winner of the 1984 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
- Slew o’ Gold: A Hall of Fame champion who earned over $3.5 million.
- Leading Sire: He topped the North American sire list in 1984.
- Leading Broodmare Sire: His daughters also became phenomenal producers, earning him the title of leading broodmare sire in 1995 and 1996.
Seattle Slew passed away on May 7, 2002, exactly 25 years to the day after his Kentucky Derby victory. His influence is so profound that his bloodline remains a dominant force in modern racing, with champions like 2018’s undefeated Triple Crown winner Justify tracing their lineage directly back to him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Seattle Slew?
Seattle Slew was a champion American Thoroughbred racehorse who, in 1977, became the tenth winner of the American Triple Crown. He is famous for being the first horse to ever win the Triple Crown while remaining undefeated in all previous races.
How much did Seattle Slew cost?
Seattle Slew was purchased as a yearling for a bargain price of $17,500. His owners were Mickey and Karen Taylor and Dr. Jim and Sally Hill, who were newcomers to the racing world at the time.
Did Seattle Slew ever lose a race?
Yes, despite his undefeated Triple Crown season, Seattle Slew did lose. His first loss came in the 1977 Swaps Stakes, shortly after the Belmont Stakes. He finished his career with 14 wins from 17 starts.
Who was Seattle Slew’s biggest rival?
While he raced against many great horses, his most famous matchup was against the 1978 Triple Crown winner, Affirmed, in the Marlboro Cup. Seattle Slew won the race decisively, proving his status as one of the all-time greats.
What is Seattle Slew’s legacy in horse racing?
Seattle Slew’s legacy is twofold. On the track, he is remembered for his incredible speed, dominance, and his undefeated Triple Crown victory. Off the track, he became a world-class sire, producing numerous champions and establishing a bloodline that continues to influence the sport today.
A Champion for the Ages
The story of Seattle Slew horse racing is more than a list of victories; it’s a testament to the idea that greatness can come from anywhere. He was the modestly-priced colt who ran with the heart of a titan, a black blur of speed who redefined what was possible on the racetrack. His journey from a Kentucky sales ring to the pinnacle of the sport remains one of racing’s most inspiring tales, reminding us that a true champion’s spirit is priceless.
