Seattle Slew to undergo surgery

MIDWAY, Ky. (AP) -- Seattle Slew, winner of the 1977 Triple Crown, will undergo spinal surgery for the second time in two years and his future in the breeding shed is uncertain.

The minimum recovery time from the surgery is six to eight weeks, said a statement from Three Chimneys Farm, meaning the stallion would miss most of the breeding season even if he makes a successful recovery.

The only living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew has fathered more than 100 stakes winners. His progeny have earned $75.4 million.

Whether he returns to the breeding shed after surgery will depend on the best interest of the horse, the farm said.

The surgery will be performed in the next few days.

Seattle Slew has been diagnosed with spinal cord compression, the same ailment that led to a spinal fusion in 2000. The same procedure will be performed again by the same doctor, Dr. Barrie Grant of the San Luis Rey Equine Hospital.

Seattle Slew was examined at the farm on Tuesday, and tests revealed the need for the surgery.

 

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