Jim Gaffney Collection
Select Artifacts from his Personal Collection
Secretariat's late exercise rider Jim Gaffney was a key member of the Meadow Stable racing team, and intricately involved with the day-to-day activities of Secretariat during the colt’s crucial formative period in 1972 and early 1973. Gaffney also was a memorabilia visionary who began collecting and saving numerous artifacts associated with the future Triple Crown champion from nearly the first moment he met him.
Secretariat.com is delighted to showcase a sampling of the most treasured items from Gaffney's own private collection.
“The first time I got on Secretariat in mid-April of 1972, I felt a power in him I had never felt in another horse and had a feeling he was headed for greatness….”
~ Jim Gaffney, Meadow Stable exercise rider
Historic, prized saddle, custom hand-tooled by Jim Gaffney
Original Secretariat Exercise Saddle from the Personal Collection of Jim Gaffney
Please note, this saddle will be part of The Racing Memorabilia Auction scheduled for Dec. 3 in Lexington, Kentucky. More details to be released in September.
This original exercise saddle worn by the 1973 Triple Crown champion emanates from the private collection of Meadow Stable exercise rider Jim Gaffney. Perhaps the single most prized and historic artifact in the Gaffney Collection, the custom-made leather saddle features the rider's name hand-tooled on the flaps and straps. The saddle has been documented as being worn by Secretariat during morning gallops at Belmont Park (circa 1972-73). Inquiries welcome.
Public Exhibition - National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Saratoga Springs, New York. (2023-2024)
Reunion book personally inscribed by Ray Woolfe
"Secretariat" by Ray Woolfe 25th Anniversary - Multi-signed
Scarce 25th Anniversary softcover edition personally inscribed by the author, "To my buddy Jimmy — the keeper of the shoes ~ Raymie Woolfe." Additionally hand-signed by Gaffney, owner Penny Tweedy, Meadow Stable assistant trainer Henny Hoeffner, and hotwalker Steve Jordan.
3X Signed - includes signature of jockey Ron Turcotte
Rare Triple Hand-Signed Photo with Eddie Sweat Signature
This extraordinary and extremely rare color photograph is one of a handful of known pieces to exist that contains the original signature of Meadow Stable groom Eddie Sweat. This particular image also features the signatures of jockey Ron Turcotte and exercise rider Jim Gaffney shown aboard Secretariat.
Limited Edition from the original first case received
Churchill Downs Secretariat Kentucky Derby Bust
This meticulously detailed bust of Secretariat celebrating his record-breaking victory in the 1973 Kentucky Derby as part of a Churchill Downs Triple Crown promotion in 2005. A coveted collectible, made even more so by its low edition number and Jim Gaffney original signature.
Please inquire about more information on the items above, each available for private purchase.