Jason Kelce recently made comments on his “New Heights” podcast suggesting that Secretariat, the legendary racehorse, was given steroids during its Triple Crown run in 1973. These comments were met with backlash online, with some defending Secretariat’s legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Following the backlash, Kelce issued an apology on social media, acknowledging that it was unfair to make assumptions publicly without proof. He clarified that he did not intend to take away from Secretariat’s accomplishments and apologized for his remarks.
In his initial comments, Kelce claimed that during the 1970s, steroid use was rampant among athletes, including NFL and baseball players, leading him to believe that Secretariat was also “juiced to the rafters.” He suggested that the lack of drug testing at the time allowed for doping in horse racing. However, some horse racing enthusiasts pointed out the unique physical attributes of Secretariat, such as the size of its heart, which contributed to its legendary stamina and speed. Despite the criticism, Kelce stood by his comments, questioning the circumstances of the time and the dominance of Secretariat in the era.
Following Secretariat’s death in 1989, a necropsy revealed that the horse’s heart was more than twice the size of a normal horse’s heart. This unique physical characteristic led experts to believe that it played a significant role in Secretariat’s racing abilities. Dr. Thomas Swerczek, a professor of veterinary science, emphasized that there was no evidence of artificial enlargement of the heart, further solidifying Secretariat’s natural talents. The horse’s owner, Penny Chenery, passed away in 2017, and her children issued a statement refuting Kelce’s claims that Secretariat was given performance-enhancing drugs.
Kelce’s comments sparked a debate among horse racing enthusiasts and sports fans, with many expressing support for Secretariat’s legacy and achievements. While Kelce acknowledged that he did not have concrete evidence to support his claims, he maintained his skepticism based on the prevalence of steroid use during that era. Despite the controversy, the discussion prompted a closer examination of Secretariat’s remarkable career and the enduring impact of his contributions to the sport of horse racing. Ultimately, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of factual accuracy and responsible commentary when discussing historical figures and their legacies.
