Swale special on Inside Information (HRTV) Sunday (2/28)

[Kasept]

LEGEND OF SWALE ON HRTV'S "INSIDE INFORMATION" SUNDAY (9 ET/6 PT)

Arcadia, CA, Feb. 25 -- The intriguing story of Claiborne Farm's star-crossed double classic winner, Swale, will be subject of a half-hour documentary on HRTV's (R) "Inside Information" this Sunday, February 28 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The special Swale documentary is the first unveiling of a new format for "Inside Information," the popular show which has aired on HRTV since 2007. It will now be presented on the final Sunday of each month, and concentrate on documentary-type stories that encompass a wide-range of intriguing stories in the Thoroughbred world.

In 1984, Claiborne Farm -- currently celebrating a century of standing, caring for and raising some of the most successful thoroughbreds in North America -- finally found a horse to fulfill their dream of reaching the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle. In addition, a horse that would lay the groundwork for the farm's future. But just eight days after capturing the Belmont Stakes, Swale would remind his owners of the unpredictability, and fragile nature of the sport.

"Time has dulled the brilliance of Swale and what he meant to some of the most important people in the history of American turf," said Amy J. Zimmerman, executive producer for HRTV. "For five magical weeks, he exemplified everything racing is supposed to be. And, then, in an instant, he was gone."

The Hancock family has been synonymous with Claiborne, one of the most successful breeding farms in Kentucky. Founded in Virginia and thriving in Kentucky since 1915, Claiborne Farm has been guided by four generations, all pursuing the sport’s most elusive prize – the Kentucky Derby. His son Seth Hancock witnessed his father’s obsession first hand.

“It consumed him, it truly did, to the point it was almost maniacal," Seth recalled.

Their dream would come true with a son of Seattle Slew out of Claiborne-bred Tuerta, a mare with only one eye.

Said Dell Hancock: “Momma actually named him, we couldn’t find him, he was down in this bottom, in a swale, just flat out asleep.”

Under the guidance of Woody Stephens, Swale captured the Kentucky Derby running in the Claiborne silks. It was Swale who brought Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr. his first and only Derby win, and the son of Seattle Slew went the distance a few weeks later in the Belmont Stakes.

The euphoria was short-lived, cut short when the burgeoning star tragically dying after a routine gallop at Belmont. He was named 1984’s champion 3-year-old colt and will be inducted into the Aiken Hall of Fame the first weekend of March.

[Betsy]

I'm watching it now on the BloodHorse site...........poor horse. I don't really remember him, but I remember his death and how unbearably sad it made me. What a waste. I know that Devil's Bag was incredibly talented and Swale at times inconsistent, but I think Woody really loved his second-stringer. It took Claiborne a long time to get a son of Slew (or grandson, in the case of Pulpit) - I'm sure Swale would have been a fine sire.