Far removed from the glare of cameras and the attention of eager journalists, the excerpt below depicts a typical day in the life of champion Riva Ridge while also giving readers a rare glimpse into the world of Edward Sweat.
Edward Sweat was always thinking about horses. They just fascinated him.
Born in 1939 near Holly Hill in South Carolina, Eddie was the sixth of the nine children of Mary and David Sweat. David Sweat carried the blood of not only his African ancestors, but of the Cherokee Indian. Eddie’s father was also a herbalist, who knew how to collect plants that could be used to make ointments and poultices for the family’s team of horses and mules. Eddie learned about these ancient herbal remedies at his father’s side.
As a little fellow on the bus on his way to school, Eddie always wanted a window seat so that he could watch the horses that dotted the thoroughbred farms of Holly Hill. As fate would have it, one of those farms was owned by trainer Lucien Laurin. Until the bus turned onto the school grounds, Eddie would dream about horses.
The Sweat family were poor tenant farmers, as were many of the Afro-American families in the area and Mary Sweat was determined that every one of her children would have the benefit of an education. She believed that a good education would open doors to a future sparkling with possibilities. And even though his mother became enraged each and every time he did it, on those days when the fascination for horses overtook the drudgery of learning, Eddie would skip school to hang around the Laurin farm for the day.
He left home at a young age, spent a brief period pursuing a career as a boxer and then returned to Holly Hill in the 1950’s, where he landed a job at Lucien Laurin’s farm. The notable French Canadian trainer was to form a relationship with Eddie that was very much that of father-son, since Lucien raised the boy as much as he trained the groom.
Eddie, or “Shorty,” as he was dubbed by those who knew him best, was a small man with powerful forearms and those arms would serve him well: it was not long before he became Laurin’s most trusted groom. Horse people will tell you that horsemen are born, not made. And among even the toughest critics, Eddie Sweat was considered “The Master” when it came to horsemanship. His boyhood fascination with thoroughbreds was an early indicator of a rare and precious gift: Eddie had “the touch” — he just seemed to know instinctively how a thoroughbred’s mind worked and what it was they needed to keep them happy, fit and confident.
In their respective books, Raymond Woolfe, Lawrence Scanlon and Bill Nack each had only wonderful things to say about Eddie, as did the prestigious horsemen they interviewed. The portrait that emerges is one of a consummate professional who took the greatest pride in all aspects of his work. Eddie was responsible and dependable. Knowing the importance of routine in building a horse’s sense of security and trust, Eddie was a stickler for orderliness and punctuality. As a person, Eddie was noted for his cheerfulness and generosity, as well as his calm, kind nature. By his own admission, his horses were number one. Even his wife and family needed to understand that Eddie’s career would always come first. And that meant he would be away for long periods at a time, since being Lucien Laurin’s #1 man meant travelling with the Laurin stable on its annual racing circuit. Although it wrecked havoc with his personal life, it was Eddie’s calling to work with thoroughbreds.
Before Riva Ridge and Secretariat came into Eddie’s life, there were other horses he loved and cared for. First among them was a horse called Lake Erie. Although he was unsound, Eddie worked magic on the colt’s legs, drawing on his knowledge of herbal medicine that he had learned from his father. Quoted in Scanlon’s book, Eddie said of the colt, “The little horse ran good for me. He won every time I turned him loose, he must have won four or five straight. So that sort of gave me ‘the spirit’ of rubbing horses.” It was a spiritual matter to him, the “rubbing” of horses, which was how he always described his work. In the rubbing lay the language he spoke to his horses, one they seemed to understand. After Lake Erie, Eddie rubbed Count Amber, his son Amberoid (who took the Belmont Stakes in 1966), Traffic, National, Tumiga, Bronzerullah and Lord Quillo. Each one held a special place in his heart.
A groom’s life is hard. It involves physical labor and a precise attention to detail, seven days a week, all year round. Eddie was in the Laurin stable before dawn and left, if he could, late into the night. He often lived in cramped conditions in rooms the size of a cubicle. During peak periods, he slept on a thin cot near his horses, for their protection and safety. And he worked for minimum wage with few, if any, benefits.
Despite the fact that groom and exercise rider are the two most important people in a trainer’s stable, since they are the ones who keep champions healthy, happy and winning, during Eddie’s lifetime these men ranked at the very bottom of the horse racing pyramid. This lowly status accounts for the fact that the best friends of some of the world’s greatest thoroughbreds have been lost to history, probably forever. As Bill Nack pointed out in an aptly-titled article he wrote for Sports Illustrated: “We Don’t Even Know Their Names.”
In Eddie’s case, we have the cruel irony of a gifted professional who cared for a thoroughbred legend and several champions throughout their racing careers, only to die a pauper.
When Secretariat first came into Eddie’s life he wasn’t very impressed with the handsome son of Bold Ruler. “I didn’t think much of him when we first got him. I thought he was just a big clown. He was real clumsy and a bit on the wild side, you know…” (Eddie quoted in the Canadian Horsemen, 1973) He was also too fat, as far as Eddie was concerned, and devoured his food as though he were starving. In fact, the Laurin team nicknamed Secretariat “Ol’ Hopalong” because he was awkward, chubby and seemed best at eating, sleeping and acting up.
The love of Eddie’s life at that time was Riva Ridge, champion 2 year-old of 1971 and winner of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 1972. The bay colt with the comical floppy ears was sweet and easy going, and so honest that he always gave 125% when he hit the racetrack. Riva and Secretariat were very different personalities. The one thing they shared in common was a passion for long, undisturbed naps. Riva would lie down to nap after his morning works, but Secretariat usually napped standing, with his head in a corner of his stall. And although he would grow to love Ol’ Hopalong in a very special way, Eddie never stopped loving and appreciating the Meadows’ first superstar of that era. When Secretariat’s fame began to grow and journalists, photographers and fans turned up in the stable, Eddie’s thoughts turned to the champion that had been forgotten. Leaving Secretariat in the care of Charlie Davis, the other member of “Team Sweat,” Eddie would return to the barn to talk to Riva. He didn’t want his Riva to feel neglected or ignored. Cozying up to the little bay with a carrot in one hand, Eddie would tell him, “You’re my champ, Riva. You’re my boy.”
Of course, like all intelligent horses, “Peahead” as Eddie called Riva and “Hopalong” also needed to know that Eddie was the leader of the pack. And Eddie took little time establishing the hierarchy, without ever raising his voice. Instead, he was firm. When Riva or Secretariat acted up, he would either use a tone of voice that any good teacher recognizes or else he’d stop what he was doing and stare them down.
It remains unclear just how Ol’ Hopalong won Eddie’s heart, but win it — forever — he did. Secretariat was basically a kind and gentle giant, but he was also an alpha-type personality and this had shown itself very early on. Even as a foal he was always, as Penny Chenery would later reflect, “…the boss of the herd.” This trait remained with the champion until the end of his days; Seth Hancock of Claiborne Farm, musing about Secretariat’s personality, reported that none of the other stallions would eat until Big Red had finished up. And not only was Secretariat an alpha but a princely one, who expected to be treated like royalty long before he had raced his way into thoroughbred legend. He had a haughty air — one that Eddie summarily dismissed. He refused to be pushed around or intimidated by Secretariat, making it clear, during the first few weeks that the colt was in his care, that it was Eddie who called the shots. And Secretariat respected that. As Raymond Woolfe put it, “{Eddie} was the only one who could handle Secretariat … Riva Ridge and Secretariat respected him. Damn right they did. Eddie called the tune, they listened.”
As a racehorse, Secretariat, like Man O’ War before him, was always on his toes.
He would rear at the slightest excuse and return from his morning works or after a race like the Kentucky Derby (where he broke the existing track record) more pent up than before he’d left the barn. It was Eddie’s constant chatter and grooming technique that taught Secretariat to slow down a little.
Bill Nack remarked on the sing-song quality of Eddie’s talk, part Gullah — a language that got its start in Georgia and South Carolina during the slave era, when slaves from different parts of Africa needed a universal language to communicate — and part dipthong. Eddie’s chanting was a kind of meditation, establishing an intimacy between horse and groom. One imagines the communion between the man and his champions, punctuated by the long arcs of brush and comb across their skin and the music of his voice.
Because Eddie read horses so perfectly, he knew not to stand beside Secretariat’s head when he was working on him (a sign of weakness) or to touch his ears (which the big horse hated). He also watched over the colt when he was sleeping and refused to let anyone disturb him. It wasn’t long before the colt would offer Eddie his special greeting: he would stick out his tongue and wait for Eddie to give it a shake. Whether morning or midday or night, the sound of Eddie’s footsteps brought Secretariat to the front of his stall, tongue hanging out. And the little groom would push his hand into the champion’s mouth, grab his tongue and say, “Hello there, baby.” (Eddie’s pet names for Secretariat were “Baby” or “Red.” He tended to refer to the champion as “Big Red” when he found himself in the public eye, since he knew that the media had given Secretariat this nickname.)
Too, Eddie knew that Secretariat was afraid of loud noises. As a two year-old, coming off the track after a morning’s work, the colt had been startled by the backfire of a truck and had bolted and thrown his rider. The shock to his system was permanently stored in his memory bank and meant he needed to be led off the track every day. Before the pony, Billy Silver, came into the picture, it was Eddie who would go to get him and lead him back to the barn, talking to him the whole way, “You had your exercise now, baby. And now you’re gonna have a bath and a walk. Is that okay, Red? Yeah, that’s okay.” Secretariat loved his morning works and meeting Eddie at the finish was the best part of all. It was just the same after a race, when his best friend came to lead him into the winner’s circle, all part of a familiar and happy routine: work over, Eddie and the colt could go back to the harmony of the stables and their shared life.
Horses don’t know they’re racing legends and they don’t know that the people who love and befriend them are stable employees. In most cases, their trainers spend only slightly more time with them, even if they are superstars, than they do with the other horses in their barns. Jockeys and owners appear and disappear. And often, the tone of trainer and jockey tells a thoroughbred about his job, which is to run.
Being an inquisitive horse, Secretariat liked people, appreciating their different voices, smells and behaviours. But it was Eddie who fed him, travelled with him and sheltered him from the glare of the public. Eddie played games with him — tongue shakes, throw and fetch, tug of war — and brought him surprises. When he was anxious, Secretariat could grab onto Eddie’s shirt or jacket. When he was happy, the colt would lean right into him just as though he wanted to crawl into Eddie’s arms. The language Eddie spoke was about trust, understanding, comfort and safety. And in Secretariat’s eyes, that made him the One and Only. Leader of the herd. Equine family.
Given the responsibility, care and hours he devoted to the colt, Eddie, for his part, came to feel that “my baby” was, for all intensive purposes, “his baby.” When he spoke of Secretariat’s victories, he used the “we” pronoun. As in: “We’re going to win the Triple Crown — I dreamed it.” Eddie dreamt about Secretariat often. Before the Belmont, Eddie dreamed that Secretariat would take a substantial lead, only to fall down, right himself and, with Turcotte in the irons, struggle to catch the rest of the field — but to no avail. Lucien Laurin also dreamed that Secretariat would stumble and fall leaving the gate. In this instance both trainer and groom were — happily — wrong. But the theme of Eddie’s dream hints at the anxiety he must have been feeling and his helplessness in the face of Secretariat’s destiny.
Secretariat ran his final race — the Canadian International — at Woodbine in Ontario, Canada.
Eddie is there, leading his big, red horse from the plane amid an explosion of cameras and voices. Charlie Davis, Secretariat’s exercise rider, is there too. Even Billy Silver has made the trip. Gracious as always, “Team Secretariat” arrived at Woodbine with an already advanced case of nostalgia. We hear it in their words and in their reflections: the narrative that wove them all into Secretariat’s life is coming to an end.
Soon after, the champion was readied for retirement and the journey to Claiborne Farm. First, there was a final appearance at Aqueduct, where both the champion and his owner were caught by surprise — she, at the emotion that erupted within her and Secretariat by the unfamiliarity of it all. First, there were no blinkers, then there was a gallop in front of the stands and a goodbye walk. Except for Eddie, who had shined him up like a new copper penny and was there at his side, talking to him in hushed tones, the rest was unsettling for a horse who loved his morning runs best of all.
Both Riva and Secretariat left for Kentucky with Eddie, accompanied by Penny Chenery and a few select others, among them Lucien Laurin, Elizabeth Ham and Raymond Woolfe Jr. During the flight, Secretariat clutched at Eddie’s jacket, needing to feel safe and secure. Animals are hard-wired to pick up even the slightest changes in their environment. And at this point, Secretariat had absorbed the seismic shift in an otherwise unfailingly predictable routine: throughout the flight, he sucked on Eddie’s jacket and watched Eddie’s face. His friend looked back at him, memorizing every feature on his baby’s face, while he spoke to his two champions in that familiar sing-song voice.
Upon their arrival, Secretariat and Riva were taken onto a van by Claiborne staff. Arrangements had been made for Eddie to spend a few days at Claiborne, settling in his two famous charges. In fact, Seth Hancock had asked Eddie to join the Claiborne staff, but he had declined. It seemed an odd decision for Eddie to make, since working at the prestigious Claiborne would have offered him financial security and an opportunity to stay close and connected to Riva and Secretariat. Speculation as to why he demurred cites family considerations and loyalty to Lucien Laurin. Eddie’s world brought him great personal satisfaction, but it was a narrow landscape with a strict social code. Even so, it is likely that shed row framed the only possibilities Eddie could imagine for himself. He would have been shocked to learn that an expert horseman like Seth Hancock would have considered acquiring the services of Edward Sweat a definite coup, even for a distinguished operation like Claiborne.
The transfer of Secretariat and Riva Ridge to the care of Claiborne was a heartbreaker for the whole team. Penny Chenery refused to talk to the press as she left — a rare thing for a woman who had always been so generous to the public. Lucien Laurin was in tears. Charlie Davis had refused to accompany the rest of the team to Kentucky, saying that he just couldn’t face it.
It was Eddie who was left to find a way through the heartache and to assist Claiborne in welcoming the Meadow’s superstars. Professional that he was, Eddie persevered. It must have been terribly difficult to watch Secretariat kick and resist his new groom, begging Eddie to lead him out, as he always had. And one can only imagine what it meant to Eddie to finally tell his horses good-bye, knowing, as he must have known, that this was one experience neither Riva nor his baby would ever really understand.
Raymond Woolfe Jr. had stayed on at Claiborne with Eddie and took this photo of him, just minutes after he, Secretariat and Riva had parted.
” ‘This is a hurting thing to me,’ he will later tell a friend, understated as always. ‘ I’m so sad, I didn’t even want to bring him over here. It’s been a wonderful two years. Now it seems my whole career has ended.’ Eddie is thirty-five years old. (from Lawrence Scanlon’s, “The Horse That God Built.”)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Raymond Woolfe Jr. was the first chronicler of Secretariat’s life and times, and his outstanding photographs are probably familiar to many readers at THE VAULT. He literally tracked Secretariat’s life from foal to retirement. Mr. Woolfe knew a great deal about Eddie Sweat and his big, red horse and he shared this knowledge with Canadian writer, Lawrence Scanlon, who wrote what is one of my favourite books about a thoroughbred and the person who was most important in his life. Entitled “The Horse That God Built,” Scanlon’s book is also historic, being one of the very few that records the world of horses and those who care for them.
Other sources of information in the compilation of this article:
— “Secretariat” by Raymond Woolfe Jr.
— “Big Red of Meadow Stable” by William Nack
— “Secretariat” by Timothy Capps (Thoroughbred Legends series, Eclipse Press)
— documentary, “The Life & Times of Secretariat”
— “The Big Red Horse: The Story of Secretariat and the Loyal Groom Who Loved Him” written for young readers by Lawrence Scanlon
NOTE: Many of the photographs appearing in this article were taken by Raymond Woolfe Jr., who holds the copyright. Copies may be found on eBay for a reasonable price, where they are made available by Thoroughbred Racing Collectibles (bigred51), who hold the exclusive rights to market the Woolfe collection.
I am writing this with tears streaming down my face. I have enjoyed your writing from the beginning when you wrote a guest piece for Steve Haskin and each article has gotten better than the last. I am a huge Rachel Alexandra fan (had the amazing opportunity to meet her in July!) and thoroughly enjoyed your articles on her. But, this article has touched me deep down in my soul. I love Secretariat; to me, he is still the greatest racehorse ever and I thought I had learned everything I possible could about him. I stand corrected. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story and I look forward to your next article.
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Kim: How wonderful that you took the time to write to me. Thank you. Hearing from VAULT readers is so important to me. Otherwise, it can be a very lonely pursuit. I need to connect with other horse lovers to keep my motivation running. Secretariat is my great love, too. Like you, I read everything I could get my hands on about him. I am glad to hear you learned a few new things. I must recommend Scanlon’s book to you — it is really beautifully written and has so much insider information about “Ol’ Hopalong” and the man who loved him. Cheers for now, Abigail
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Wow, Abigail! You outdid yourself with this one. Moved to tears! For Eddie’s sake, I wish that Laurin had encouraged him to stay with his two “babies”. I’m sure Red adjusted, as Riva did, but also Eddie’s life would have been more secure and he might have enjoyed a better family life as well. I’m curious as to whether Eddie was ever able to visit Claiborne and Red later on. My heart hopes that he was able to go back frequently and that the three of them were able to stay connected.
Thanks for a powerful piece.
Ann Maree
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Ann Maree: Thank you so much for this enthusiastic response! It is always wonderful to hear from you and this was a truly special comment for me. To answer your question: As far as I know, Eddie saw his babies one more time, about a year later. Eddie being Eddie, he was SHOCKED that they remembered him! Secretariat came running and grabbed him by the shirt and Riva pushed his face into Eddie’s chest so hard that he almost knocked him over. If he visited more than that one time, it is lost to my prying eyes. I do know that when Secretariat died, Eddie was devastated and insisted that, if he’d been there, he could have saved him. Riva died so suddenly that Eddie must have known that even his love for him wouldn’t have changed it…….HUGS!
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I am trying to express how I feel after reading your article and then the above reply with tears rolling fast I can barely read. I have seen the photos, read and learned things about Secretariat and now Eddie and the bond, the love that would go on and on. The photo of Secretariat with Eddie’s jacket in his mouth to calm his fears, well that pretty much broke me. Eddie having to leave them both and walk away tore my heart out. I hate goodbyes myself and I am not good with them, but the love between them is on a different level. A soul level. And when Eddie went back a year later and both of these beauties remembered him proves out what I have always sensed. Thank you so so much for this story and photos. I am so glad I came across this link. I am filled with emotion right now I have a difficult time finding the words. Hugz! Candi
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Thank you so much Candi. I’m sorry I made you cry but at least it was for the right reasons. I would encourage you to read Scanlon’s “The Horse That God Built” — it’s a great read and was invaluable in writing this piece. Also, if you search Secretariat on The Vault home page, you’ll see other articles related to him that I wrote. Abigail
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Abigail,
I am in tears…such a story to tell and you did it so beautifully. Red was “my guy” as a younger woman and I love him more today than I did in 1973 or 1989. I finally saw his statue at the hall of fame in Saratoga this summer and my emotions were overwhelming. He was glorious and truly a “horse built by God”. Thank you for your talent; your amazing ability to express deep emotion with simple clear thoughts and words…you are a literary treasure. You express such respect and honor Eddy’s life by your
article…GOD bless you!
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Mary: “Red” was my guy too. I never saw him in real life, sadly, but thank goodness for modern technology. Did you know that YouTube has all the original triple crown coverage of Secretariat’s campaign? It’s just so special to see it again as a mature woman. Your comments are very, very kind and so deeply appreciated. I am always so thrilled to hear from VAULT readers who share the passion. I feel that I am a part of a very special community that I absolutely treasure. Thank you so much, Mary.
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No one could write this story as fiction, Abigail, but you have given it the quality the best fiction carries: it teaches truth. Thank you, once again. Every word soaks where good tears begin, in joy. Khc.
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Kathryn: Thank you so much for writing. It’s always a treat to hear from you. And I love your last phrase. I’m glad that I did Eddie and his “baby” justice. They were so important to each other. HUGS! Abigail
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Dear Abigail, I don’t need to tell you how much I loved Big Red and respected Mr. Sweat. I was so fortunate to see them at Woodbine on that dreadful, wet, cold day and to visit Claiborne several times to see “himself” in his Daddy’s stall and give him peppermints. You have honored them both, not forgetting Monsieur Laurin, with this beautiful story and once again you have produced a masterpiece.
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Brenda: Thank you so much for the lovely comments and for getting in touch. I wish so much that I had seen “his nibs” while he was alive. But now I know, thanks to you, that I’ve finally been able to give him a peppermint kiss. I am delighted to hear that I did them proud. Let Eddie never become a ghost, as so many of these important men are to us today.
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Abigail,
I knew that last photo was coming… it never fails to bring me to tears, along with the one of Red holding on to Eddie’s jacket in the plane. I own Raymond and Bill’s books and have read the Scanlon, and own the documentary video, and humbly consider myself pretty well-versed in the world of “Secretariat and his connections” in general, but you have managed to tell their story in a unique and lovely way. It’s wonderful that Eddie has finally gotten the credit he truly deserves for taking care of his champion (and Riva, too) so behttp://articles.baltimoresun.com/1998-06-02/sports/1998153115_1_sweat-secretariat-crown-winnerautifully. Isn’t it great that the newer statue in the KY Horse Park has Eddie in it, too? Here’s a link to a neat article about Eddie I just found that you might enjoy: (above) (This Comment box is messed up, I can’t put it in the right place!) When I met Charlie Davis at the Sec. Festival two years ago I realized he’s another one who deserves to shine in Red’s spotlight as well – what a great guy, who also truly knew and loved him!
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RiderWriter: WOW! What a great response. I appreciate it deeply and am always happy to hear from you! I own all that same stuff, thank goodness. But I really just adored Scanlon’s book. I’ve been interested in thoroughbreds and their “best friends” for ages, but as I know you know, we have so few of those stories on record & I always think that this is a tragedy because it’s part of the great narrative of horse racing, don’t you think? Interesting, your comment about Charlie. I felt very torn giving him so little prominence in the article, but then thought it best — at least for now — to let Eddie take centre stage. I was thrilled that Ed Bogucki had Eddie in the statue as well. Too bad we can’t do the same for Man O’ War and his Will. I will check the link: thanks for sharing it. Be well. Lovely to chat! Abigail
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Dear Abigail,
What a wonderful account of Secretariat’s and Riva Ridge’s lovely groom.
The grooms do have a gift of acting and being a human/horse for these famous animals on the track. The attachment Secretariat had to him was so impressive for a stallion. I bet with all of his “healing” knowledge he might have been able to save him. It truley may have been a better life for him at Claibourne Farms, but the track is a very special place and it is hard to take the track out of a person, who so loves it. I wish his life had had a better turn. He was a very lovely special man.
I really do hope that you are able to interview Mario for the blog on Zenny and his relationship. All of the dates have been posted on zenny’s site as to when everything starts at Santa Anita and when they will be back. Mario is another very special person and handleing a female equine takes another talent,which Mario defineately has the talent and skill. Does he work with any colts?
Thanks again for such a wonderful account of Secretariat and the vulnerabilites of a champion.
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Dearest “sign”- I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!!! I don’t know why , but everything you write to me really “connects” & I hope we will be friends FOREVER!!!! I am thrilled that you enjoyed the piece on Eddie — he really was the man who Riva & secretariat loved. I just know that, in their world, he was the person they belonged to forever.I think it’s exactly the same between Mario & Zenny. That famous shot of Barbara Livingston’s says it all. (Although, had John been in there, I know she would have had a very similar response.) So Zenny’s piece is tricky to write, because she knows everyone on her team & this makes it “delicate” to focus only on Mario. Does that make sense? My idea is to call John for info. about Mario & Mario for info about John & Steve. What do you think? Abigail
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Dear Abigail,
Oh yes, really good point. So Zenny really had a “team” who loved and cherished her, where as Secretariat, Riva and Man O War the grooms were really the primary relationship. So maybe focus on for the first time or one of the first times or what ever fits the Special Team Zenyatta; maybe the Mosses, too. Really loved in the article on their UK presentation how Zenny put her head on Anne’s shoulder when they were scooping our prospects for the 2005 Keenland Yearling Sale. She really chose them and they accepted. She is one very special horse and knows what she wants. Good thing she liked Bernie or their might have been fireworks. Love when John says “No one wanted to ride her”, I bed she was a real handful especially because of her size and strength. Yes, great Idea. John for Mario and Mario for info about Steve and John. Delicate political relationships. I think this showed up when on the website folks wanted to pay for Mario to come to visit Zenny; and it was pointed out the TEAM would visit and folks from the team come when their schedule allows it. And of course the Mosses pay for it or they fly in The Mosses private jet. She really seems to have had a very special and unusual interest in her by all of the team and I think it is because she is so interactive with humans/horses/animals in general. Whereas, Secretariat was more of a “tough guy” and maybe so Man O War as well, but of course they are stallions and probably less amenable to a lot of folks interacting with them. Love your idea and have really loved the groom stories; Secretariat was such a tear jerker; wish he would have chosen to stay at Claiborne with this champions, but commitment and life on the track, I think is addictive.
Thanks so much for writing such interesting blogs. Have learned so much and hope we can meet in person some time.
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I could not stop reading…I loved both horses, followed both horses. I definitely was under the Secretariat spell–saw him race many times in person and was astounded by him. But knowing all these little habits and likes and dislikes about him really moves me deeply. Oh how I wish Eddie had stayed with Big Red and Riva at Claiborne. He was such a good man, so in tune with horses–one in a million. You didn’t say how he passed away, or when, but I am so glad to have found out about him. Abigail, I salute you as a fine, fine writer and I thank you so sincerely for bringing this article to the public. Great job.
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Barbara: I am just so moved by your response. Eddie died of a number of serious illnesses at the age of 59 — too young. But he died knowing that he & Secretariat stand together in the Bogucki statue @ Kentucky Horse Park. He actually visited Bogucki before he died, saw the statue and LOVED that the sculptor had portrayed him in his favourite boots & hat. Yes — Eddie should have stayed with his champions. But I honestly think that he just could not imagine leaving the world he knew so well of the backstretch. Being a teacher, I believe that had he had an education – enough to learn other people’s stories – he might have made a different decision. What I do know is that Secretariat’s death was insurmountable for Eddie. He never really recovered from the loss.
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A note of appreciation for your site –
I don’t get to look at it very often due to time constraints, etc., but it is always rewarding to visit. This particular post is especially good. Thank you very much!
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Bly: Thank you so much for your kind words. It means so very much to me. I just treasure comments like this. Any time you have the time, THE VAULT is here for you. Abigail
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Another from the heart, I mean yours. Once again I reached for a kleenex. You seem to be able to create that response be it a happy, sad or middlin’ story. That’s your magic and TG you bring it to stories not just about the special world of racing but those who do the racing.
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Liz: Thank you so much for the great comment! Looking forward to coffee again SOON! Abigail
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Abigail,
What a truly heart-touching narrative. You bring such a gentle and loving understanding to the relationship of Eddie Sweat with Secretariat and Riva Ridge. The great Secretariat holding on to Eddie’s jacket says and shows it all. You have such a knack for capturing the essence of horses’ relationships with the humans that mean the very most to them. And you’ve done it here so well. Thank you so much for this treasured glimpse into the heart of Secretariat and his most loved human companion, Eddie Sweat.
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Kate: So nice to hear from you again and I very much appreciate your generous comments about my work. It’s so rewarding to write for a reader like you, who reads with her heart and her mind. Fond regards, Abigail
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Abigail, we have not been acquainted as yet, but I am mightily impressed with this article about our favorite horse; absolutely wonderful and incredibly touching. I’ve been putting up videos on YouTube for about five years now, and it’s been a real thrill for me. I’ve met (via private messages on YouTube) some personal connections to horses from the past, and what an honor it’s been to learn things from them. You have a real talent for writing. The work that you’ve done here in this article and the others previous is extremely important for posterity’s sake, and for providing the opportunity to racing fans and the general public to learn invaluable history of the “Sport Of Kings”. Well done, and many congratulations on this magnificent blog. God bless.
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CF1970: Amazing to hear from you again! I am Terlingua49 on YouTube & wrote you about the Terlingua clip you posted awhile ago. Isn’t it funny that we’re now meeting up on my new project? There must be something fated between us…..soul sisters or soul brother-sister perhaps? I am humbled by your gracious comments because I am your secret YouTube admirer…one of many, I’m certain! I’m ever so pleased that you enjoy THE VAULT & your “take” is exactly why I am doing it now that I have the time. I do hope we have other opportunities to chat soon! (PS – I’ve actually posted some of your footage in various articles and have burned myself DVD’s of everything on Secretariat that you post!!!!!) Fond regards, Abigail
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Wonderful article. In the first part it states that Eddie was from Holly Hill in Southern California, but it was South Carolina. I am sending this to my horse-loving nieces, who at twelve, have visited Mr. Laurin’s former training facility in Holly Hill many times. I remember seeing Mr. Laurin around town when I was young, but never really knew the inside stories about Riva Ridge and Secretariat. Thank you so much.
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Christel: LOL — I made the correction! Thank you for pointing that out and for the great comment. I just love your personal connection to the story. Lucien was — as you might expect — a real rock star here in Canada during his time with Riva & Secretariat!
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Great post, Abigail, and great site. Linda
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Linda: Thank you so much!
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Absolutely a wonderful piece!If this can not grab the strings of your heart nothing will!Very very moving article,I was allowed to grow up loving throughbreds and Riva and Secretariet were my true loves as a teenager.Never missed a race on TV or magazine.Eddie was truely amazining and deseves his own story which you have started here.Thank you for the flashback to a simpler life and my hat is off to you!
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Rhonda: Thank you so much for taking the time to send along such a lovely comment. We must be about the same age? Secretariat was such a HUGE part of my late adolescence/early adulthood. His Belmont still gives me a chill. But his bond to Eddie is just so special — perhaps the most special story of Red of all! I am proud to voice some of Eddie’s story. And delighted that you enjoyed it!
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Moved to tears, and thank you. One of the greatest blessings in my life is to work at the KHP, and to walk by the statue nearly daily. Eddie was more than just inspiring; he reminds all of us who love horses and will, by choice, not enjoy great earthly rewards, that just to feel the trust on their warm, sweet breath is more than enough for this life.
Thanks for the beautiful article.
M
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M: Thank you for the beauty of your insight. I have yet to visit the KHP but am dying to do so. Other than all of the traditional attractions there, I most want to visit Terlingua’s sculpture — she is a great love of mine. I actually wrote about her here on THE VAULT awhile back & it sounds to me like you would enjoy it. We are sister souls, I suspect.
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Abigail,
I sit here, too, with tears streaming down my face. You told their story so beautifully. Thank you so much for that. I have always loved Secretariat, and read everything I could get my hands on about him, but your story was so intimate. So loving. So special. It was so wonderful to hear and see how connected their souls were with each other. The photographs were so heartfelt and touching. So real. The love they had could be felt. What two lucky horses to have been cared for and loved by Eddie. He certainly was an angel sent from above. I cant imagine how his heart must have broke when he left those two.I am so sad that they never contacted Eddie to see if he could have helped Big Red with all the herbal knowledge he had, and just by just being there. So sad they never contacted Penny either, at least to say goodbye.
I wished I could have been there to have seen all 3 of them together again when Eddie passed over to the other side. What a magnificent sight! I truly believe that he left this life early, so he could be with them again.
My heaven, will be to finally meet Eddie and his “baby.”
Many Blessings,
Carol
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Carol: This is so beautiful. I, too, will think of Eddie as leaving us to be with Riva and his “baby.” That somehow gives their story a fitting — and just — conclusion here on Earth. I was saddened to hear that Eddie refused Claiborne’s offer….part of me definitely believes that they both would have lived longer & happier lives with Eddie taking care of them. It just emphasizes the cruel “turns” in a thoroughbred’s life and how gracious they are to put up with them. Blessings to you, Carol. You are most certainly THE VAULT’S official poet! Hugs, Abigail
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Abigail,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so honored. I only spoke from my heart, as you. Your writings are the best to keep the greatness of the past alive.We, so need that.
I agree, that they would have all lived so happily if they were always together. It is always so hard and sad to imagine what horses must feel, when everything in their life changes. Their choices are made for them, without being able to understand. They are such spiritual teachers.
Horses touch our lives in many ways. They live forever in the lessons we learn from them.
Have a Blessed Christmas,
Carol Boismenu
Archangel Farm
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Carol: I so agree with you about the choices made for retiring thoroughbreds. I understand that Eddie was devastated when Secretariat & Riva died and insisted that, had he been there, they would both have lived on. Of course, credit to Claiborne for asking him to stay. That offer was probably very ahead of its time! Have a lovely Christmas & all the best to you in the coming year. Abigail
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fantastic!
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Thank you so much for taking the time to post a reply! Come back soon, Abigail
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hey frank, what awesome info you have posted here….im so proid to have got orignal pics od rive eidge and secretariat in 1974……..i wou,d love to meet Penny one of these days……??????????? i honor and cherish the pics i have of these fine horses….
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Lucretia: I don’t know who Frank is, but I am the woman who runs THE VAULT and who writes the articles that appear here. I am delighted to meet you and to hear that you have what sounds like wonderful photos of both Riva and Secretariat. Wow! I certainly hope that you do have a chance to meet Penny one day. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. It was much appreciated! Abigail Anderson
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Thank you for this – i was always proudest of my father, Ray Woolfe’s depiction of Eddie in his book and I thought the movie should have been from Eddie’s point of view really, it would have been truer and more poignant. Eddie represents so many grooms who are the real backbone of the backstretch.
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Shannon: Please forgive the delay in responding to your lovely & interesting comments. My beloved dog, Jericho, died in my arms last week after ten days of illness and I am still in mourning. But I wanted to tell you how honoured I am to hear from Raymond Woolfe’s daughter. I had a correspondence with him a few years back about Eddie & Secretariat and it was you dad who made me determined to write something, at some point, in Eddie’s honour. Your father’s exquisite photos are a lasting chronicle of Secretariat and the man who truly was his best friend. Please give my regards to your father & many thanks for taking the time to write, Abigail
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I was fortunate enough to see Secretariat’s race at Arlington Park in Arlington, IL right after he won the Triple Crown. When the race was over my friend and I ran to the paddock at stood behind the fence when they were bringing him back to his stall. The moment I will never forget was as he was being led down the path of screaming fans, I was right at the fence and I reached out. He was led over to me and I had the opportunity to touch his wonderful face. To touch greatness is a blessing, to have somehow been special enough to be singled out for just a few seconds to do it is a testimony to Eddie Sweat. A once-in-a-lifetime moment.
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Missy: Thank you so much for taking the time to write and to share this wonderful story. I never got to meet Secretariat, or even to see him. This is something I will always regret. But stories like this I place in my “treasure chest” of Secretariat and they so enrich my love for a great, great thoroughbred. Abigail
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This is masterful story telling by a gifted writer. I have a book which shows Kentucky Derby champions in the winners circle. In the cases of both Secretariat and Riva Ridge, you can see Eddie and his outrageous pants but you can’t see his face. This as much as anything tells a story.
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Terry: This is SO true….hence the missing narratives of our “great ones” and those they loved best of all. Thank you for this incisive observation! Abigail
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I read the comemts on how some was brought 2 tears and I must say, so was I. I really enjoyed reading this story. I have watch the movie “SECRETARIAT” at least 5 times. You brought out so many great and wonderful moments that they all shared together. It let me know how Eddie loved those horese and how they loved him back. The way I love my 2 pet dogs. God bless you for sharing this beautiful and wonderful story with others who loved them.
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Nonia: Thanks so much for writing! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the article. They were a VERY special pair, Eddie & his BIG RED, were they not?
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You can see in Secretariat’s eyes that he loved and trusted Eddie. God keep you both. Hope you’re all together now!
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Elle: I know. This is SO true! I just love looking at photos of Eddie & Secretariat together. Thanks for taking the time to comment! Abigail
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Abigail,
That was probably the most beautiful piece I have ever read. You really captured the beauty and closeness between horses and their grooms; I’ve been a groom for Saddlebred showhorses off and on since 1980 and I have to say, you absolutely nailed it. Sure wish I could have met Eddie; and I wish I could meet you…there aren’t many out there that really understand us grooms. Thank you.
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Lisa: I am honoured that you think I “nailed” the groom-horse relationship, given your background. I am extremely interested in grooms & thoroughbreds — from the famous stories to the less well-known. No question, it is the groom who is the thoroughbred’s very best friend — and rightly so! Like you, I would have so loved to meet Eddie Sweat. He was clearly a very, very special man. Thank you so much for taking the time to write, Lisa. And please come back soon! Abigail
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I’ve watched the movie ‘Secretariat’ six times or more, and I’ve read the various articles written about. My heart goes out to all the thoroughbred grooms who have devoted so much of his/her life and love into the care of a thoroughbred. I wish I had the funds to donate to Mr. Eddie Sweat’s family and to have a large headstone installed in his rememberance. I believe that if it was not for Mr. Sweat then Secretariat would have succeeded and did well, but not performed to his fullest potential. The bond that Eddie and Big Red had with one another is something remarkable.
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Paula: I COMPLETELY agree with you! Eddie deserves to be buried with the respect he so richly deserved. He loved Riva & Secretariat so much and their lives would have been very thin on a “personal” level without him. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Abigail
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THAT MAN SEEMED TO HAVE DIED OF A BROKEN HEART. I AM FAMILIAR WITH SOME OLD FAMILY MEMBERS FROM HOLLY HILL SC THAT KNEW EDDIE SWEAT AS A YOUNG MAN. WOULD NEVER ASK FOR A HAND OUT, BUT THE ORONY IS FOR THOSE THAT DONT KNOW, JUST BEFORE HIS PASSING EDDIE WAS A HOMELESS MAN PICKING UP CANS TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT. HERE IS A MAN THAT GROOMED THE GREATEST HORSE OF ALLTIME, AND NOBODY WAS THERE WHEN HE NEEDED HELP. WHAT A LACK OF APPRECIATION FOR A MASTER OF HIS CRAFT.
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Dr. Fager: I so agree with your feeling about Eddie and, as I understand it, so would others who knew the Secretariat connections. Just a terrible, terrible thing. I must say though that I really don’t understand completely why Eddie would have refused the offer to stay with Big Red & Riva @ Claiborne, although I did take a stab at trying to reason it through. A sad ending to such a beautiful friendship between 2 great horses and the man they considered their family. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it!
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My thought on it is that when Riva and Red moved on to Claiborne, it was a start of a new phase….and Eddie belonged at the track with the string of runners. When I was a groom I worked both sides…working at a breeding farm and grooming and traveling with a string of show horses are two completely different worlds, with the exception of shoveling the ever present poop. Eddie wouldn’t have had much to do at the breeding operation; the stallion manager has dominion there.
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Now that I know how Eddie died, it breaks my heart. He deserved so much more….My prayer is that someday soon, The Racing Hall of Fame will recognize “The Grooms” who care for the horses & devote their lives to protecting & loving them. God Bless Eddie & his family.
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I totally agree! My passion is to learn the stories of thoroughbreds and the people they loved most and, 98.9% of the time, that person is their groom.
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I have only recently read the Lawrence Scanlon book “The horse that God built” and whilst I enjoyed it immensely I thought it would have been enhanced if the photographs spoken of in the book had been included. And then I found The Vault.
Wow!!!!!!!! A wonderful story made so much more with the addition of these fantastic photographs.
I’m so glad you included the ones taken when Secretariat retired. These two were so much a part of each others lives. You can feel Eddies sadness seeping out of the b&w pics.
Maybe next time a racing movie is made they might remember to include the groom, or at least give him/her some of the much deserved credit for the horse’s well being and performance.
I’m delving into your archives right now. So many golden nuggets in there. I may be here for some time.
Lorrie
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Lorrie: Thanks for the really thoughtful & interesting response. I am supremely interested in the groom-thoroughbred relationships because, with very few exceptions, these really are the people a horse belongs to, aren’t they? I agree about Scanlon’s book & wonder why Raymie Woolf didn’t offer him more photos since they collaborated extensively during the writing of “The Horse That God Built.” Hope you enjoy delving through THE VAULT! Abigail
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I too just finished reading Lawrence Scanlan’s book, “The Horse God Built”, [for the 2nd or 3rd time] and wanted to find pictures or clips of Eddie with Secretariat, so glad to find this site. Thank you.
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Bob: Something we share in common! I too adored this book. Glad that you enjoyed Raymond Woolf’s amazing photos of a champion and his very best friend. Thank you so much for taking the time to write, Abigail
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This is all kinds of great, thanks for sharing this fabulous story.
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Kara: Thank you so much for taking the time to write. Hearing from my readers is the best gift of all for me! Do pardon the delay in responding but I have been under the weather with a nasty sinus infection for the last 2 weeks. Take care, Abigail
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HI THANKS FOR SUCH A GREAT HORSE I NEVER THOUGHT MUCH ABOUT HORSE UNTIL I WATCH THE TRUELY A GREAT HORSE, I,M 56 YRS OLD AND I,VE WATCH THAT MOVIE TWENTY TIME JUST GOT FINISHED JUST NOW, THAT TO BIG RED I NOW LOVE HORSE!! THANKS JOE, FROM CHAS S.C.
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Joe: It really was a terrific movie but what is even more exciting, in my humble opinion, is “Secretariat: Life & Times” that shows all of the actual footage of Secretariat’s brilliant, though too short, career. Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I truly appreciate hearing from my readers. Abigail
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THANKS ABIGAIL ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT KEEP SECRETARIAT MEMORY ALIVE PLEASE KEEP ME IN THE LOOP I ENJOY HEARING FROM YOU !! JOE
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Joe: Lovely to hear from you! And I must say that it’s an honour to know that I keep Secretariat alive for you — as I do for myself — by writing. You might want to sign up to be notified when new articles come up. That way it’s easy to keep the conversation going! Fond regards, Abigail
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I just found this on youtube Abigail. It actually has the voice of Eddie Sweat on it. The first time I have ever heard it. Eddie is an unsung hero and someone I would love to have a conversation with. You have probably already seen this but I thought, just in case you hadn’t.then you should.
Lorrie
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So excited by this I forgot the link
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Lorrie: Yes! This is one of my very favourite online documentaries about Secretariat. Probably because it’s got that kind of “sober” Canadian touch…LOL! Thank you so much for sharing it — I am going to watch it again!!! Abigail
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We live just a few miles from Meadow Farm in Doswell, Virginia. We did not live here in the early 70s, so if I had one wish in life, it would be to have been able to meet and get to know Eddie Sweat. I have read all of the books you have mentioned (and others) about Eddie and Secretariat, and I have walked the Meadow’s grounds long before it became the new site for the Virginia State Fair. All I can say is that it would have been an honor to know and to be called a friend of Eddie Sweat.
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Deborah: Such a beautiful comment that I find myself wishing that Eddie was still among us and that I could send it to him. Ray Woolfe told me that Eddie was Riva’s and Secretariat’s best friend of all and told me just what a fine, professional caregiver he was to the horses in his charge. Like you, I wish so much that I could have known him……
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I came across your blog by accident and just read your post about Man O’War (which is how I found you… Google Search) and Will … and now this one. I’ve owned 2 thoroughbreds in my life and I know what it’s like to bond with these intelligent creatures … these articles brought tears to my eyes, to see what their relationships were like, how the horses loved these two people. You touch upon something that transcends the mere “handling of horses” … it’s spiritual and magical in many ways. You do these two men justice, to keep their stories alive, when they ordinarily slip into obscurity. Their song definitely needs to be sung.
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Lindamags: Please forgive the late response but my last computer went belly-up and I just got myself set-up on a new one a few days ago. So pleased you enjoyed these two articles. I am very committed to the stories of the “real” people who work behind the scenes with great horses, becoming their best friends, since so often these stories never get told. Thank you so much for the beautiful response to them. I deeply appreciate it. Abigail
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It’s Derby Day 2013 and every year I think back to the incredible day in 1973 when I jammed into the infield with my ex-husband, my brother & his wife to see my one and only Derby. I elbowed my way to the chain link fence and got a number of photos of Big Red walking up and then during the race. After that Secretariat was the standard all horses were judged against. How could he not be?
I happened to see Penny Chenery registering for Smith College Alumni Day last year. Amazing.
Like everyone else, your article left me in tears – and that photo of Big Red holding onto Eddie’s jacket is heart rending. I didn’t really know Secretariat, obviously, but I miss him so much when the talk turns to racing. We had him too short a time, but he is immortalized as long as we remember and have people like you writing so poignantly about him and the wonderful people who loved him. Hats off to you.
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Judith: Your comments touched me deeply. Like you, I will always miss my “big red horse.” So that made it easy to write this article about Eddie Sweat and Secretariat. I regret that Eddie got such short shrift when, in fact, he was the one who kept Secretariat together throughout his racing career. I own many photos of the two of them. Have you ever read Laurence Scanlon’s book, THe Horse That God Built? It’s about Eddie and Secretariat and is beautifully written & researched. Thank you so much for writing to me. I deeply appreciate it! Abigail
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Last year met Charlie Davis,Secretariat’s exercise rider.
He told me so many interesting moments with the “Great Horse!”
I therefore ventured to Clairborne Farm in Kentucky to visit his grave carrying flowers .
While there the farm manager showed other present day stallions,i.e.Arch, Blame, and so on. I had privilege of petting and having pictures taken.
Proceeded on to Denali Farm where the mares with foals romped.
These are the future Triple Crown Winners.
It was just awesome!!!!!!
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GERRI: WOW! I would love to meet Charlie, since I missed meeting Eddie and others on Secretariat’s team, even though I followed their stories over the years. Have you read the book, “THE HORSE THAT GOD BUILT”? I think you might really enjoy it. The story focuses on Eddie, Charlie & their “big red horse.” So sorry to take so long to respond to you, but wanted you to know that I love hearing from VAULT readers and will ALWAYS reply!!!! Abigail
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Forgive me, but I’m crying like a baby. Thank you so very much for the story of Eddie and his LOVE for Big Red & Riva Ridge. I watched my videos, documentaries and movie about Secretariat on October 4th paying tribute to the Greatest Race Horse that ever lived !! Then I stumbled upon this article. Wow, I really enjoyed reading about Eddie, The Man who took care of Big Red & kept him happy and safe. I feel Blessed to have met my heros, Penny, Ron, Charlie and Jim. I only wish I could have met Secretariat, Eddie & Lucien….. At least I was old enough to watch Secretariat win the Triple Crown in 1973 🙂
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Mybigred: Thank you SO MUCH for this sincere & moving comment. And how fabulous to meet still another HUGE Secretariat fan! I never met any of his team but, like most, followed every news story and anything else that came along about “my big red colt.” To this day, Secretariat’s Belmont is most moving for me and it touched me so deeply that I actually made a YouTube video about it that was played at my retirement after 36 years in education. I posted it on awhile back. Here’s the link (the voice speaking is mine): https://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/224-secretariat-at-the-belmont/ There are also 2 posts on THE VAULT about TERLINGUA whom I adored. Just put her name in the SEARCH on THE VAULT. You also might like to see & read about ISTABRAQ — who carried Secretariat’s heart in the very depths of his being. ISTABRAQ was a champion hurdler in Great Britain, a son of Sadler’s Wells and a grandson of Secretariat. Here’s what I wrote about him for THE VAULT:https://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2011/02/23/secretariats-heart-the-story-of-istabraq/ So, as you can see, there’s lots here to nourish your love for The Great One! Abigail
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Hi
My 13 yr old daughter has been obsessed with horses since she was 3. Where other kids talk about Disney my daughter’s favorite trip was to Kentucky and visiting Secretariat grave. She just read the book about Eddie and was wondering if he has family she could write. We presently shareboard a horse and care for two others and try to treat them like Eddie would. I tear up every time I think about how much he really loved that horse, the plane ride and their final goodbye.
Thank you for a wonderful article.
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Hi Amy. Please excuse the delay in writing back to you but I my mum is extremely ill and I’ve not had much free time. I’m certain that Eddie has family your daughter might contact. I think the best place to enquire is probably secretariat.com The site was started by Penny Tweedy and they’re extremely nice. I’m certain they would be pleased to answer your question. Abigail
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It sad to see a gifted man like Eddie Sweat who was so influential in Secretariat”s life die in such avid poverty in the end. I believe that Eddie Sweat should be recognized allot more than he is as being probably the person who made Secretariat the horse that he became because of the trust and friendship that they shared. Thank you Eddie for giving so much to Secretariat
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Randy: Thanks so much for leaving this comment and please excuse the time it has taken me to respond. I had a death in my family and just couldn’t get back here as soon as I would have liked. I certainly agree with you about the tragedy of Eddie’s life. He is definitely the person who was Secretariat’s best and most trusted friend. Abigail
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You must read Scanlon’s book “Secretariat: The Horse That God Built” — a testimony to Eddie Sweat and the horse he loved.
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Deborah: Actually, Scanlon’s book was my inspiration for this article! I think it’s one of the best books on Secretariat that I’ve ever read. I have a keen interest in the story of the “real” people behind so many of these great horses, who were their friends and who, I’m sure, they considered their “person.” Thank you so much for writing, Abigail
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Abigail. I’m blown away by this story. My feelings for this incredible and one of a kind horse go’s without saying! The thing that really move’s me is the mention of the Gullah people which Eddie was a part of. My grandfather, John Coleman was from South Carolina and was also Gullah. Although a Mule man, he was well known for his ability to cure and raise livestock using erbs and roots. Gullah folk’s were known for this. So thank you for telling this real story on every level from all sides of a most marvelous coin. A very important but mostly forgotten part of American history. Take care, Johnny.
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Johnny: So pleased you enjoyed it! You won’t be surprised to learn that it took me over three years to research. The Gullah have a fascinating history and culture and it was so exciting to uncover a little of it through Eddie’s life. Thank you for taking the time to write, Abigail
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My father was Dr. Edward H. Devine. One of the greatest race horse Veterinarians of all time. He was at Claiborne with Colonel Segar and Mr. Hancock when Secretariat arrived. Over the years I have heard many wonderful & touching stories from my father about all the great race horses he had had the pleasure of meeting & treating and the people involved. This was one of his favorites.
Thank you for bringing that story back to me. It was as if I was a little girl making rounds with my father again. Listening to him tell me about his first love. He would always finish by saying…”God Bless the Horse”!
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Eileen: My, how fabulous to hear from you and learn something about your father. I’m therefore doubly pleased that you enjoyed this article. My keenest interest is always in people behind-the-scenes and especially in men like Eddie who were the best — and often the only — friends to these great thoroughbred champions. Thank you for stopping by and sharing a little of your own story. “God Bless The Horse”! Abigail
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So in the end loyalty was only shown one way. The so called major team players (owner, trainer and jockey) all walked away rich. Mr Sweat and both exercise riders should have been given a fair share too. Secretariat, if he could have changed anything himself, surely it would have been that part….. It’s actually quite tragic……
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Teresa: Yes, it is. As is the silence surrounding Eddie’s story and those of so many devoted “little people” over the years. Thank you for sharing your response to this article. I deeply appreciate hearing from VAULT readers like yourself. Abigail
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What i dont understand is that penny made all this money off of this horse your telling me they couldn’t give eddie a better burial with a proper head stone thats a sin
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Chris: Yes, that’s what I’m telling you. Although I do believe that Team Secretariat saw the error of its ways — the statue of Eddie with Secretariat that now stands in Kentucky Horse Park would seem to indicate that. Thank you so much for your comment, Chris! Abigail
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beautiful biography…typing through the tears. Eddie deserved more than he got, but the statue will always be a reminder even if not his grave. I wish I had met him before he passed.
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Nancy: Yes, he did deserve so much better but I believe that Penny has recognized this and hence the statue that you speak of here. Abigail
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OK, it’s nice to hear everyone say that they are “in tears.’ I have no shame: I am bawling my eyes out here. The Horse that God Built — indeed. I’ve always admired Eddie Sweat and the love he had of horses and of Riva and Red. I think I would give just about anything to have been part of the Secretariat story — or just to have known him. He is my all-time favorite horse and I can never get enough of him or the Belmont. I have a fond affection for everyone who took part in his wonderful story and it breaks my heart that his life ended the way that it did. It must have been one of the hardest days of Penny Chenery’s life. Thank you for more insight into Eddie — Friend of Secretariat, caretaker for God’s gift to us all!!! ❤ Godspeed, Secretariat! You continue to touch the hearts of so many of us mere mortals who still are amazed that you graced us with your short time here on earth! ❤
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Barbara: After six years, this article on Secretariat + his Eddie & the one on Man O’ War + his Will Harbut remain VAULT readers’ favourites. Both took quite awhile to research, especially Will Harbut. Like you, I would have given “just about anything” to be part of Secretariat’s life. His presence in my heart is still as young and vital as it was over 40 years ago! Abigail
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Thank you, just thank you.
Dorothy
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So pleased you enjoyed it, Dorothy.
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Secretariat was the greatest racehorse of all time. No other horse will ever reach his Fame and Glory and records that he set he will always be set apart from every other horse out there and Eddie took the best care of him of anybody the day they put Secretariat down was one of the saddest days of my life because he was truly a hero horse and horse keeper rest in peace both of you you are together at last. Rip❤️
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