Eddie Sweat facts for kids

Edward Sweat (born August 29, 1939 – died April 17, 1998) was a very important person in American horse racing. He was a special kind of horse caretaker called a groom. Eddie, as he was known, worked with amazing racehorses, including the famous Secretariat. His life and work were even written about in a book called The Horse God Built: Secretariat, His Groom, Their Legacy.

Eddie's Amazing Career with Horses

Starting Out in Horse Racing

Eddie Sweat was born in Holly Hill, South Carolina. He was one of nine children. His family worked as sharecroppers, which means they farmed land owned by someone else. In Holly Hill, a famous horse trainer named Lucien Laurin had a farm for racehorses.

Young Eddie loved watching the horses. He would often peek through the fence at the farm. When he was 18, in 1957, Mr. Laurin offered him a job. Eddie became a full-time groom for the racehorses. He earned a small salary and also got 1% of the money the horses won.

Working with Champion Horses

One of the first successful horses Eddie cared for was a filly named Quill. She was named the best two-year-old female horse in America in 1958.

In 1966, Eddie was part of a big win. A horse named Amberoid, from Laurin's stable, won the Belmont Stakes. This is one of the biggest races in America.

The Secretariat Years

Eddie Sweat became very well-known in 1972 and 1973. This was because of his amazing skill with two racehorses: Riva Ridge and Secretariat. Both horses won the Kentucky Derby. Riva Ridge won in 1972, and Secretariat won in 1973. Eddie was the first groom to care for two Kentucky Derby winners in a row!

A sportswriter named William Nack spent a lot of time with Eddie and the horses. He wrote about Eddie's special way with them. Secretariat was voted the best horse in America in 1972, which was amazing for a two-year-old.

When Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973, everyone involved became famous. The Triple Crown means winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same year. Eddie was interviewed and photographed many times. He even appeared on TV and on the covers of Ebony and Jet magazines.

Later Years in Racing

After Lucien Laurin retired, Eddie worked for his son, Roger Laurin. In 1984, Eddie was again in the spotlight with a horse named Chief's Crown. This horse won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile race. He was also named the best two-year-old male horse in America. Chief's Crown was a favorite to win the Triple Crown races in 1985.

Eddie's Legacy and Recognition

Eddie Sweat was known for his talent and hard work. He made very important contributions to the racing careers of many horses, especially Secretariat.

His story was told in a 2006 book by Lawrence Scanlan. It was called The Horse God Built: Secretariat, His Groom, Their Legacy.

There is also a life-size statue at the Kentucky Horse Park. It shows Eddie Sweat leading Secretariat and jockey Ron Turcotte. They are heading to the winner's circle after winning the 1973 Kentucky Derby. This statue shows how important Eddie was to Secretariat's success.

Eddie in Popular Culture

In the 2010 movie Secretariat, actor Nelsan Ellis played the role of Eddie Sweat.