Charlie Davis, the regular exercise rider for Secretariat, passed away Feb. 7 following a brief battle with lung cancer. He turned 78 just five days earlier.
Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Davis would cut elementary school in order to watch Thoroughbreds train on the farm where his father worked and eventually learned how to exercise horses. He was employed by trainer Lucien Laurin and became a member of the “Holly Hills” crew, a group that also included beloved groom Eddie Sweat.
Among others, Davis galloped champion filly Quill and Belmont S. winner Amberoid. When Laurin took over Christopher Chenery's Meadow Stable string in 1971, Davis was assigned as exercise rider to the stable's champion Riva Ridge and later Secretariat. He galloped horses into the early 1980s and went on to work as foaling manager for several farms in the Ocala area, gaining a reputation as a well-rounded horseman.
Davis was a regular at racing venues and attended events such as the Secretariat festival, where he was happy to share stories of Secretariat and about his association with Meadow Stable.
Secretariat's jockey Ron Turcotte reflected on the news of Davis's passing, saying: “Charlie was a great friend to me personally and a great friend to the sport. He and Eddie [Sweat] knew Secretariat better than any of us, and Charlie became a walking history book about those days. He was a wonderful exercise rider with a true horseman's touch, and the achievements of both Riva Ridge and Secretariat were a result of Charlie's work with them.”
Following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis last month, friends and fans alike raised funds to cover his medical expenses.
Davis is survived by his wife of 51 years, Caroline, seven children and many grandchildren.
“We are heartbroken that we lost him,” his daughter Katrina Davis said. “He was always so generous with whatever he had, especially his time. He loved talking about his days as an exercise rider, and he loved Secretariat. We are very grateful to all of his friends and fans who have offered messages of support and contributed to his GoFundMe campaign. That financial assistance has eased our worries as we cover Dad's final expenses.”
Written condolences may be sent fo The Davis Family, PO Box 831072, Ocala, FL, 34483. Funeral arrangements are pending.
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