5/7/07 - NEW YORK REMEMBERS SEATTLE SLEW

Dear Slew,

Its hard to believe that 30 years have passed since you won the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 1977 and then went on to sweep the Triple Crown.  It was amazing that you overcame the tremendous obstacles that fate presented you prior to and during the Kentucky Derby.  You were the most deserving winner in the history of the sport's most famous race.

The Preakness brought the challenge of an outside post on a speed-favoring and rail-favoring track against awesome rivals.  In answer to that, you simply turned in one of the greatest performances in the history of the sport.

You were based in New York and that made you even more special to us.  Just knowing that you were on the grounds of Belmont Park put excitement and electricity in the air, all those years ago.

The final leg on June 11, 1977 was extra special to us New Yorkers.  The Belmont Stakes was a crowning coronation and we came out in droves to cheer and support you.  It seemed that all eyes were always upon you because of your unique personality and dynamic energy.  The rains could not keep us away and the mud could not keep you away from your destiny.  

Throughout the rest of your career you continued to persevere through challenge after challenge, and always made us proud.  Your return to racing in 1978 gave New York the privilege of witnessing the most powerful thoroughbred to grace the American turf.  We thank you for that.     

The memories of you are always with us.

With love,

Charles Raehse