New Mexico Stallion Louisiana Slew Dies from Freak Accident

Louisiana Slew, a son of Seattle Slew who sold for $2.9 million as a yearling, died in late May at San Juan Equine Center near Bloomfield, N.M. Dr. Dan Walker, who owns the farm with his wife, Cathy, found the 23-year-old stallion in his stall with a fractured humerus.

Walker theorized that Louisiana Slew acted up when he looked out a window in his stall and saw a bobcat attack a baby fox. A dead fox was found outside the barn. Walker figured that in the excitement Louisiana Slew hit his humerus on a cast-iron feed tub.

Louisiana Slew was discovered in his stall in distress, and the decision immediately was made to euthanize him.

Bred in Kentucky by Tom Gentry, Louisiana Slew boasted an impressive catalog page at the 1984 Keeneland July yearling sale. He not only was by Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, but was a half-brother to three stakes winners, including champion sprinter Gallant Bob. J.E. Jumonville Jr. of Louisiana bought him for $2.9 million.

Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Louisiana Slew captured the Sunny Slope Stakes and was twice stakes-placed. He won two of eight starts and earned $75,298.

Louisiana Slew entered stud in 1987. In 1992, John T.L. Jones Jr., owner of Walmac International near Lexington, bought Louisiana Slew for an undisclosed sum. The sale, mandated by a court order, was held to satisfy a debt incurred by Jumonville, who according to Walmac owed the farm money for board bills.

Louisiana Slew stood for a time at West Texas Stud in the Lone Star State, then was moved to Ellen Jackson's Victory Rose Thoroughbreds in California for the 1994 breeding season. He stood the last two years at San Juan Equine Center.

As a stallion, Louisiana Slew sired 11 stakes winners, 10 stakes-placed runners, and the earners of $3.5 million.

Louisiana Slew, who is out of the New Policy mare Wisp O'Will, is buried at San Juan Equine. A marker will be erected in his honor.