Seattle Slew debut, Maiden Special Weights, Belmont 1976

Seattle Slew won this 6-furlong debut handily in September 1976, adopting the familiar front running style with fractions of :22 2/5, :45 2/5 and 1:10 1/5.

I can't get over the awful spill at the beginning, the #10 horse throwing the rider head down onto the track. One of the worst I've ever seen smack out of the gate. You can hear the thud. Then the rider less horse shows up in the background entering the stretch.

Ironic that the first races of Secretariat and Seattle Slew had major mishaps immediately. At least this incident didn't compromise the chances of another horse, unlike Secretariat who was clobbered coming out of the gate in his debut.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Seattle
• Slew
• Belmont
• Park
• First
• Race
• Debut
• Maiden
• Special
• Weights
• 1976
• Jean
• Cruguet
• Billy
• Turner

[cf1970]

Great stuff. I feel that Slew was the best frontrunner of all time, myself. I'm running out of superlatives for him.

That spill was one of the worst I've seen, bar none. That jockey looked in bad shape as the others ran off. Hopefully no serious damage was done.

Slew...I can't get enough of him. Thanks again.

[AwsiDooger]

The #10 horse also appeared to kick the fallen jockey as he instinctively continued to run. I have no idea who the jockey was, or the extent of the injuries.

[universalradio]

I have one of SS's great-grandsons.

:) He's small, stocky, nice horse. 

[cf1970]

@thepillband Hey, sorry, just noticed your comment again after all these months. Seattle Slew's story would make for a great movie. His incredible rise, near-death, and rise again as a four year old was, and still is awe-inspiring. That fella was as tough as nails, and is a true legend.

Take care.

[SWALE1984]

This video showed the beginning of true greatness. Check out GRIT AND VALOR: THE STORY OF SWALE to read about one of SLEW'S greatest sons.

[cf1970]

@thepillband Excellent point. I think the amazing story of Slew and his remarkable rise to the top of the thoroughbred world would make great theater. I'd love to see it.

[thepillband]

@cf1970 WHY DONT HEY MAKE A MOVIE OF SEATTLE SLEW?

[LiquorWreckedEm]

Great points dude.

[DevilHisDue]

And even more fun to wager on!! Theres nothing in the world like the feeling you get when youre holding a fistfull of tickets on a horse that goes flagfall thats all!!

[AwsiDooger]

That makes sense, that the thud could be the PA turned on. It is perfect timing, precisely as the rider's head hits the ground. I like my version better, even if it's wrong. :)

[ridingxruffian]

He's good fun to watch...it looks like he's gonna explode with energy.