Remembering Ron Turcotte: A Legendary Jockey and Icon of Racing
Ron Turcotte, the celebrated jockey who rode the legendary Secretariat to a historic Triple Crown victory in 1973, has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed that he died of natural causes at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick.
Turcotte’s remarkable career included not only a momentous win with Secretariat but also two victories each in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. His ride aboard Secretariat was particularly special, marking the end of a 25-year drought for the sport, where no horse had achieved the Triple Crown since Citation in 1948.
Leonard Lusky, a longtime friend and business partner of Turcotte, reflected on his legacy. “Ron was not only a great jockey but also an inspiration to many,” he said. “His faith, courage, and kindness truly defined him.”
The legacy of Secretariat is cemented in history, particularly for his astounding record time of 2:24 in the Belmont Stakes—a record that still stands after more than five decades. Reflecting on that day, Turcotte recalled, “I still had a lot of horse when I passed the wire. He was not tired… it was amazing.”
Over a career that spanned nearly two decades, Turcotte won a total of 3,032 races. His journey took a tragic turn in 1978 when a fall during a race left him paraplegic. Despite his injury, Turcotte became a strong advocate for fellow riders facing similar challenges. His commitment to helping others did not go unnoticed. David O’Rourke, president of the New York Racing Association, spoke highly of Turcotte’s character, noting that his true greatness shone through after his injury as he dedicated himself to supporting fellow jockeys.
In 1979, he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Remembered fondly by his family, Turcotte was described as a loving husband and father. They said, “The world may know him as the famous jockey of Secretariat, but to us, he was a wonderful husband and a great horseman.”
Born on July 22, 1941, Turcotte was one of 12 children. He began his career in horse racing after working as a lumberjack and eventually found success at Woodbine Racetrack before reaching the heights of the Triple Crown.
Jim Lawson, chairman of Woodbine, shared his sentiments, calling Turcotte a “true Canadian icon” whose impact on horse racing will never be forgotten.
While Turcotte rode many remarkable horses, it was his partnership with Secretariat that left an indelible mark on the sport. He described that bond as “love at first ride,” a sentiment echoed by countless fans.
Turcotte passed away as the last surviving member of Secretariat’s team. His legacy is one of heroism, compassion, and a deep love for horse racing that will resonate for years to come. His contributions to the sport and his unwavering spirit will surely be missed.
