Then, the difficulty of his Triple Crown triumph was diminished when Affirmed also swept the Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes in 1978. Yet the tests of time have served to illuminate his equine excellence. Affirmed was racing's last Triple Crown winner, and Seattle Slew remains the only horse to complete the three-race series with an undefeated record intact. And when you look 'em in the eye, they look back at you and back you down. When you come in this barn, you are surrounded by horses with that quality.
Horsemen are quick to perceive human traits in animal behavior.
Yet when Angel Cordero completed the 103rd Kentucky Derby, he was convinced Seattle Slew was trying to communicate with him. He was looking at me. Then he went by with a burst, pulling away en route to the wire. A great horse gets inside of its owners, but Seattle Slew had the same effect on the hired hands. Wade said Tuesday. ''Not only to me, but to my family.