Unbeaten Seattle Slew Takes Belmont for Triple Crown

Once upon a time, an ordinary looking horse was sold at public auction in Kentucky for the very ordinary price of $17,500.00. His owners named him Seattle Slew, dreamed of Triple Crown glory – and crossed their fingers. And yesterday the impossible dream came true when their horse became thoroughbred racing’s first undefeated Triple Crown champion.

At the finish of the one and one-half mile “test of the champion,” Seattle Slew was coasting along four lengths ahead of second place Run Dusty Run.

He was more than 5 seconds slower than Secretariat in that colt’s 31-length Belmont triumph in 1973. There were some questions too, about Slew’s late arrival in the paddock. His regular route was apparently blocked by cars, and he arrived 10 minutes late, forcing a delay of five minutes in the post time.
NYT Cady 6/12/77