Jason Kelce’s bizarre ‘drug’ statement on Secretariat doesn’t sit well with the iconic horse’s family

Secretariat won the triple crown and still holds records to this day.

Jason Kelce’s bizarre ‘drug’ statement on Secretariat doesn’t sit well with the iconic horse’s family

Retired NFL champion Jason Kelce suggested Secretariat used steroids, which did not sit well with the racehorse's family (Image via Imago/X)

Secretariat was the greatest racehorse in history, winning the first triple crown and holding records to this day. At the time of those record-breaking races, steroid use was rampant in US sports. Tapping onto that, retired NFL superstar Jason Kelce stated that probably Secretariat was also fed drugs. A statement that did not sit well with the horse’s owners.

On the May 8th episode of New Heights, Jason Kelce said that the racehorse was ‘juiced’. To this, Kate and John Tweedy, the children of Secretariat’s late owner Penny Chenery, said this to Horse Racing Nation;

We, the family of Penny Chenery, strongly protest the grossly inaccurate speculation recently posted by Jason Kelce about Secretariat racing while being ‘juiced.’ The fact is Secretariat was never given performance enhancing drugs. The fact that in 1973 drugs were less regulated just underscores the exceptionality of Secretariat’s performance — given that he was NOT under the influence of steroids or any other drugs now banned.
Kate and John Tweedy’s statement

The family did not appreciate Kelce undermining their record-breaking racehorse by suggesting drug use. However, they did acknowledge that the horse did race in the era when drug abuse was rampant.

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Jason Kelce did not base his comments out of thin air. Unlike today, in the period from the 70s to the 90s, athletes were using steroids unchecked, reaching the peak of their usage during that time. The use of the drug even found its way to horseracing. At the time of his death, experts found that Secretariat had an enlarged heart.

Secretariat’s enlarged heart was a key factor in his unmatched speed and endurance on the racetrack. Athletes who use steroids do have enlarged hearts, something that helps with strength and stamina. This is how the former NFL All-Pro center based his opinion. However, he later came to apologize after the family’s response.

Jason Kelce apologizes to Secretariat’s owners

The former Philadelphia Eagles center faced a lot of backlash from horse racing fans for his statement. He later came around to apologize to the family through his social media account.

I’m sorry everyone, wasn’t trying to get people riled up, I really thought it was just known that in the 70s steroid use was rampant. I’m not trying to take away from Secretariat’s, or anyone from that eras legacy. You’re right, without proof it is unfair to assume these things publicly, I apologize.
Jason Kelce wrote on X

Kelce was simply trying to base his statement around what was happening in those days. But his intention was not to negate the great horse and its accomplishments.

Former All-Pro Jason Kelce later issued an apology
Former All-Pro Jason Kelce later issued an apology (image via Imago)

He also mentioned in a previous post that he did not have any proof. But was speaking based on the data that is available about athletes around that time. He also suggested that considering other racehorses were on steroids at the time, it makes Secretariat’s accomplishments greater.

Without facts, Jason Kelce cannot prove his point. Therefore, all he can do is apologize. Considering he and his brother are both horse racing fans, it is best not to rile up that community.

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