Jason Kelce's Apology to Secretariat's Family Sparks Controversy Over Steroid Allegations

Jason Kelce s Steroid Statements About Secretariat Outraged Iconic Racehorse s Family 016

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Secretariat's family was upset by Jason Kelce's allegations that the horse used steroids during the 1970s. Kate Tweedy, daughter of Secretariat's owner Penny Tweedy Chenery, strongly refuted these claims in a statement to Horse Racing Nation on May 10. She emphasized that the horse never used performance-enhancing drugs and criticized Kelce for making unfair assumptions.

The family of Penny Chenery strongly opposes the inaccurate claims made by Jason Kelce regarding Secretariat being 'juiced' while racing. Kelce admitted that he lacks knowledge about Secretariat and formed his opinions based on the prevalence of drug use in athletes during that era. However, it is important to note that Secretariat never received any performance enhancing drugs.

Penny Chenery, who managed Secretariat, and Christopher Chenery, who bred him, were dedicated to the principle that horses should only be provided with healthy food, water, and necessary medical care for their well-being. This rule was well-known among our trainers and handlers. Kelce, as a professional athlete with a significant platform, has a responsibility to refrain from making claims about subjects he is not informed about.

Jason Kelce, 36, mentioned on the "New Heights" podcast he hosts with his brother Travis on May 8, that he believed Secretariat may have been given performance-enhancing drugs. He shared his thoughts again the next day, mentioning the horse's impressive physical condition, early death, and lack of steroid testing during its racing era as reasons for his suspicions.

He mentioned that if Secretariat was truly a natural horse, it would make his achievements even more remarkable. He expressed doubt about this possibility considering the sport's status at that time, the horse's dominance, and the enduring records it set.

Following the backlash from Secretariat's fans, Jason issued an apology a few hours later.

I apologize for unintentionally causing controversy. I mistakenly believed that steroid use was common in the 1970s. I did not mean to diminish the accomplishments of Secretariat or any other horses from that era. It is unfair to make assumptions without evidence, and I am sorry for doing so publicly.

In her statement, Tweedy clarified that Secretariat had a naturally large heart, which she attributed to genetics. Secretariat was euthanized in 1989 due to the painful hoof condition laminitis.

She went on to explain that the remarkable thing about him was the size of his heart. At 22 pounds, it was more than twice the size of the average horse heart. It wasn't enlarged due to chemicals or illness, but rather a natural genetic advantage that allowed him to outperform any other horse in the past hundred years.

Editor's P/S:

Jason Kelce's unfounded allegations about Secretariat's steroid use have sparked a justified backlash from the racing community. The horse's family has vehemently denied these claims, emphasizing his natural abilities and ethical treatment. It's irresponsible for individuals to make such accusations without concrete evidence, especially when they lack expertise in the subject matter.

The article highlights the importance of accurate information and respecting the legacies of iconic figures. Kelce's apology acknowledges his mistake, but it's crucial to remember that words can have lasting consequences. The racing industry has a proud history of integrity and animal welfare, and it's essential to protect that reputation from baseless claims.