Secretariat’s family, particularly Penny Chenery’s daughter Kate Tweedy, was outraged by claims made by Jason Kelce suggesting that the Triple Crown winner used steroids during its racing career in the 1970s. Kate Tweedy vehemently denied these allegations, stating that Secretariat was never given performance-enhancing drugs and that both Penny Chenery and Christopher Chenery, who bred the horse, were morally committed to only providing healthy feed, water, and necessary medical treatment for the horses under their care. The family criticized Kelce for making inaccurate speculations without any factual basis, especially given his national platform as a pro athlete.
Jason Kelce initially made the controversial statement about Secretariat during an episode of his podcast with his brother Travis Kelce. He mentioned the horse’s physical stature, its death with an enlarged heart, and the prevalent use of steroids in the 1970s without adequate testing that raised flags for him. Kelce admitted that he did not know for sure whether Secretariat used steroids or not but found it unlikely that the horse’s accomplishments were solely the result of natural ability due to the circumstances of the time period and the horse’s dominance in the sport. After facing backlash from Secretariat’s fan base, Kelce issued an apology for his comments, acknowledging that without proof, it was unfair to publicly assume such things about the legendary horse.
Kate Tweedy emphasized in her statement that Secretariat’s large heart was a genetic gift rather than a result of chemical or pathological enlargement. She explained that Secretariat’s heart weighed 22 pounds, over twice the size of an average equine heart, and enabled him to run faster and farther than any other horse of the last century. The horse was euthanized in 1989 due to the painful hoof condition laminitis, but Tweedy made it clear that Secretariat’s exceptional abilities were due to natural genetics rather than the use of performance-enhancing drugs, as Kelce had implied.
The controversy surrounding Jason Kelce’s comments brought attention to the ongoing debate about drug use in sports, particularly in the context of historic athletes like Secretariat. Kelce’s statements raised questions about the credibility of achievements in sports where drug testing was minimal or nonexistent, and the impact of such allegations on the legacies of iconic figures in those sports. The response from Secretariat’s family underscored the importance of accurate information and responsible commentary, especially when discussing the accomplishments of legendary athletes like Secretariat.
In conclusion, the dispute between Jason Kelce and Secretariat’s family highlighted the sensitivity of discussing drug use in sports, particularly when it involves historic figures like Secretariat. While Kelce’s initial comments sparked controversy, his subsequent apology and clarification demonstrated a willingness to acknowledge the potential harm of making unfounded allegations. Secretariat’s family’s response reiterated the importance of respecting the legacy of athletes and ensuring that information is based on facts rather than speculation. Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration and responsible communication in discussions involving iconic sports figures and their achievements.
