Original Meadow Stable Exercise Helmet

What first appears to be a humble horse racing exercise helmet with its fitted nylon cover belies its amazing provenance and historical significance. This remarkable piece originates from the personal collection of the Meadow Stable noted exercise rider Charlie Davis. It was Davis, along with groom (and fellow Holly Hill, South Carolina compadre) Eddie Sweat, who spent the most time with Secretariat and knew the strapping chestnut colt best. Having exercised Meadow stakes-winning barnmates Riva Ridge and Upper Case in 1972, Davis was Secretariat’s primary exercise rider during the colt’s 3-year-old championship season, including Big Red’s record-breaking Triple Crown victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. 

The well-worn original circa 1970s hard-shell helmet features a leather buckled chin strap, and most important, the hand-stitched royal blue and white paneled fitted covering representing the familiar racing colors of the Meadow Stable. The helmet was the one piece of original exercise equipment that Davis saved from his Meadow Stable glory days galloping Secretariat, and unquestionably the singular item most treasured by the late horseman and his family. A literal museum piece, the helmet was featured in the 2023 Secretariat 50th Anniversary exhibition at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York.