Sandra Boom of Wilmington, Del., said she has sent cards to Seattle Slew, but this year she did something different to celebrate his Feb. 15 foaling date.

  "I decided it would be a real tribute to Slew to remember him that way," she said. "It's an organization I feel very strongly about-I wish all horses that give so much could have homes after they finish racing."

  Slew couldn't open the envelope announcing the gift himself, but his emissary, Dan Rosenberg, was happy to help out. Rosenberg, Three Chimneys' president, was thrilled with what he found.

  "I thought this was such a wonderful thing," he said. honor. It is so meaningful to make a donation in Slew's name to help other horses.

  "I would love to encourage other people to do the same whether it's for Seattle Slew or other horses the fans love... and whether it's the Exceller Fund or any other number of worthy organizations. What a great thing for fans of horses to do!"

  Boom and her husband, Gary, have visited Seattle Slew at his Midway, Ky., home, and have followed his career with interest. Boom said even when he was racing's 'baby Huey,' she saw a powerful racehorse. "I loved him because he was big and gorgeous and had a lot of power. I never thought of him as awkward. He has been a favorite of mine ever since I watched him in the Triple Crown races on TV." The Booms also donated to the fund in honor of recently deceased Affirmed.

By Kristin J. Ingwell
Copyright © 2001 The Blood-Horse, Inc.