Seattle Slew, an American Thoroughbred racehorse, etched his name in history by becoming the tenth winner of the American Triple Crown in 1977. His journey to this prestigious title was marked by determination, skill, and a series of remarkable races that captivated the nation. This article delves into the path Seattle Slew took to achieve this monumental feat, highlighting the key races and moments that defined his Triple Crown victory.
The Kentucky Derby Triumph
Seattle Slew's
quest for the Triple Crown began with the Kentucky Derby, held on May 7, 1977. Despite facing a large field and being the heavy favorite, Seattle Slew encountered challenges right from the start. He reacted slowly at the break and found himself trapped near the back of the field. However, his determination shone through as he charged through the field, bumping several horses along the way. By the time he reached the second furlong, he had worked his way into second place, just behind For the Moment.
The two colts dueled around the first turn, but Seattle Slew's jockey, Jean Cruguet, managed to get him to relax down the backstretch. As they moved around the final turn, Seattle Slew pulled away by four lengths, eventually winning by 1¾ lengths over Run Dusty Run. Despite the final time being considered slow, Seattle Slew's victory was a testament to his resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Preakness Stakes: A Test of Speed
Two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, Seattle Slew faced a new rival in the Preakness Stakes. The race was anticipated to be a speed duel with Cormorant, a multiple-stakes winner. Seattle Slew broke from post position 8 and battled for the early lead, sprinting nearly ten lengths clear of the rest of the field. Around the far turn, Seattle Slew started to open up a lead, completing the mile in 1:34¾.
Cruguet eased up on Seattle Slew down the stretch, allowing Iron Constitution to close to within 1½ lengths. Despite the fast pace and the track being somewhat dead, Seattle Slew's performance was one of the fastest in the history of the Preakness Stakes. His ability to maintain speed and stamina under pressure was a key factor in his victory.
The Belmont Stakes: Sealing the Triple Crown
The final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, took place on June 11, 1977. Seattle Slew faced eight rivals on a muddy track before a crowd of 70,229. Despite arriving late at the saddling enclosure, Seattle Slew went to the early lead. He was able to relax, completing the opening mile in a leisurely 1:38¾.
As the race progressed, Seattle Slew responded to challenges from Spirit Level and Run Dusty Run, eventually opening up daylight between himself and the rest of the field. Down the stretch, Cruguet tapped him with the whip a few times to keep his mind on the race, and Seattle Slew won comfortably by four lengths. This victory made him the first Triple Crown winner to finish the series undefeated, solidifying his place in racing history.
