GRIT AND VALOR

THE STORY OF A HORSE NAMED SWALE

I began work on GRIT AND VALOR: THE STORY OF SWALE, on August 8 2004. Initially, I did a great deal of research at the local library. From this research, I received information on the existence of a rare article in New York Magazine which outlined Swale's life and racing career. On the very next day, I sent away for a back issue, and received it in the mail about ten days later. It only cost me ten dollars, and really jump started my project. I then conducted an interview with Seth W. Hancock, Swale's principal owner, and the Master of historic and venerable Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky. Swale was a great thoroughbred. There are no two ways about it. In order to back this statement up, just take a look at his race record below. You will see what I am talking about.


1983 VICTORIES:
1. MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT......…………..JULY 21
2. SARATOGA SPECIAL STAKES......…...AUG 1
3. BELMONT FUTURITY STAKES......…...SEPT 10
4. BREEDERS' FUTURITY STAKES...……...OCT 8
5. YOUNG AMERICA STAKES.........…...NOV 5


1983 GAMELY SECOND PLACE FINISH:
1. MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT.........JULY 7

1983 GAMELY THIRD PLACE FINISH:
1. SARATOGA SPECIAL STAKES........AUG 21

1984 VICTORIES:
1. HUTCHESON STAKES...............MAR 7
2. FLORIDA DERBY..................MAR 31
3. KENTUCKY DERBY.................MAY 5
4. BELMONT STAKES.................JUNE 9


1984 GAMELY SECOND PLACE FINISH:
1. LEXINGTON STAKES...............APRIL 17

1984 GAMELY THIRD PLACE FINISH:
1. FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH STAKES.......MARCH 17

DID NOT PLACE IN 1984:

1. PREAKNESS STAKES...............MAY 19

SWALE SIMPLY TRAINED WAY TOO HARD FOR THE PREAKNESS, OR HE WOULD HAVE EASILY WON. THIS WAS THE ONE AND ONLY TIME HE EVER FINISHED OUT OF THE MONEY IN HIS MAGNIFICENT CAREER. THAT SHOWS YOU JUST HOW GAME OF A COLT HE WAS.



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