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Haskin's Belmont Report: Billy Turner

Seattle Slew, who under Turner's guidance and expertise became racing's only undefeated Triple Crown winner.

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O'Neill, Turner Discuss Belmont Preparations

As he continues to prepare I'll Have Another for the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), trainer Doug O'Neill on May 30 recounted a conversation he had with trainer Billy Turner, who trained 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew.

Leparoux and 'Rags' a Strong Union

Julien Leparoux has put the Fla Derby behind him and is looking ahead with Union Rags

Commentary: Drill Bits

Big Brown's downfall in the Belmont came in his training regimen.

Divine Park Strolls to Westchester Win

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin thought odds-on choice Grasshopper could be vulnerable running a one-turn mile in the $109,100 Westchester Handicap (gr. III) to open Belmont Park's spring/summer meet April 30, and he was proved correct when his Divine Park swept to a five-length victory.

California Stallion Strike Gold Dead

California stallion Strike Gold, sire of 25 stakes winners, was euthanized Oct. 7 at Gary and Marlene Howard's Hideaway Farms near San Jacinto, Calif., because of complications from the infirmities of old age.

Sheepshead Bay Distance an Issue for Finery

Beaugay Handicap (gr. IIIT) winner Finery faces an evenly-matched field of eight expected to line up for Sunday's $150,000 Sheepshead Bay Handicap (gr. IIT) for fillies and mares on the Belmont Park grass.

Finery Shows Her Style in Beaugay Win

Finery, making her first start in more than five months, collared the favorite Changing World in the final strides to win the $112,800 Beaugay Handicap (gr. IIIT) on the turf at fog-shrouded Aqueduct Saturday.

Ex-Trainer Tommy Pascuma Dead

Former trainer Tommy Pascuma, who in later years worked as an assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Phil Johnson, John Parisella and John Hertler, passed away Thursday after a long illness. He was 67.

Lizzy Cool Enjoys the Ruthless Pace at Big A

Blinkers have done the trick for Lizzy Cool, upset winner of Sunday's $80,425 Ruthless Stakes at Aqueduct.

Seattle Slew: Greatness on the Track

It was nine o'clock in the morning on May 7, 2002--25 years to the day since Seattle Slew's historic victory in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). The great Thoroughbred gave one final look at his devoted owners, Karen and Mickey Taylor, who, as usual, were by his side. And with his eyes, he proclaimed, as the Sioux warriors used to before going to battle, "It is a good day to die."

A Groom's View of Slew: John Polston's Rub With Greatness

John Polston was one day shy of his 57th birthday when he received a call from Seattle Slew's co-owner Karen Taylor, informing him that the great horse he had rubbed for two years had died at 9 o'clock that morning. It was 25 years to the day since Slew's victory in the 1977 Kentucky Derby.

Slew: 'His Influence Will Be Felt By This Breed Forever'

Trainer Billy Turner said the late Seattle Slew stood alone in comparison to racing's other Triple Crown winners. "He was undefeated. He set track records. He did everything he had to do." Yet Turner said some people resented the horse who won the 1977 Triple Crown, just four years after Secretariat.