From Bargain Basement to Racing Royalty: The Hilariously Low Price Tag of Seattle Slew
Seattle Slew. The name itself evokes images of thundering hooves, glistening coats, and trophies galore. This champion racehorse wasn't just any nag; he was a Triple Crown winner, a legend, a beacon of equine excellence. But here's the thing, folks, and this is where we get to the good part: Seattle Slew wasn't exactly born with a silver horseshoe in his mouth. In fact, his price tag would make most budget-conscious car buyers blush.
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| How Much Did Seattle Slew Cost |
Stealing the Show, Not the Spotlight (For Cheap!)
Believe it or not, Seattle Slew was purchased at a yearling auction in 1975 for a measly $17,500. That's right, the future king of the racetrack went for less than a decent used sedan. Now, some of you might be thinking, "Hold on, that was back in the day. How much would that be in today's money?" Well, let me tell you, even adjusted for inflation, it's still a steal. We're talking a cool $99,000 in 2023 dollars.
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So, what's the moral of the story? It ain't always about the starting price tag, folks. Sometimes, greatness can be hiding in plain sight, waiting to be discovered by those with an eye for talent (and maybe a little bit of luck).
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The Slew Crew: From Humble Beginnings to the Winner's Circle
The folks who snatched up Seattle Slew for this bargain basement price were a group known as the "Slew Crew." Now, these weren't your typical high-rolling horse owners. Karen and Mickey Taylor, along with Jim and Sally Hill, were just regular people with a love for horses. Mickey was a lumberman, Karen a former flight attendant. They weren't exactly rolling in dough, but they had a passion and a keen eye for a potential champion (and apparently, a willingness to bend their budget a bit thanks to Karen's persuasive powers).
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Goes to show, you don't need a fancy pedigree to own a champion. Just a good eye for horseflesh and maybe a lucky horseshoe hidden in your pocket.
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How Did This Budget Buy Turn into a Racing Dynasty?
Well, that, my friends, is a story for another day. But let's just say Seattle Slew went on to become a racing superstar, proving that sometimes the most unexpected things can turn into legends.
How to: Train a future Triple Crown Winner on a Budget (Probably Not Recommended)
- Hit the Yearling Auctions: You never know what hidden gems you might find! (Although, Seattle Slew might be a once-in-a-lifetime deal.)
- Train with Kindness: Love and respect go a long way with any animal, even a future champion.
- Hope for a Lot of Luck: Because honestly, a big part of racing success is just being in the right place at the right time.
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