As well, Sewell would, and did, ride for other owners whenever not needed by the Gates stable and the Pittsburgh Press estimated he could earn an additional $40,000 (today $1,200,000) that year.
[5] Returning to New York to compete against the best jockeys in the country, LaVerne Sewell would win a number of stakes events including the Fashion Stakes for racing's preeminent trainer James G. Rowe Sr. at Belmont Park riding Court Dress who would go on to be recognized as that year's American Champion Two-Year-Old Filly.
Dandelion ran second in the Metropolitan and Brooklyn Handicaps in which he was ridden by star jockey and future Hall of Fame inductee, Frank O'Neill.
[11] The July 10, 1906, edition of the Daily Racing Form reported that Francis Hitchcock was negotiating with trainer Charles Rowe to acquire the services of LaVerne Swell.
[16] The result was that on August 2, 1906, Hickock's trainer John Madden gave Sewell the ride on Dandelion in the mile and one-quarter Invincible Handicap at Brighton Beach Race Course.
While the Chart shows that Sewell's horse fell coming down the stretch there is no further comment as to what caused the fall that proved fatal for the jockey.
On the way he began passing out and once at home medical help was obtained but he died late that evening with what would be diagnosed as a ruptured kidney and internal bleeding.