Ron Turcotte, the celebrated Hall of Fame jockey renowned for winning the Triple Crown aboard Secretariat in 1973, has passed away at the age of 84. His family, through his longtime friend and business partner Leonard Lasky, shared that Turcotte died peacefully at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick, from natural causes.
Turcotte’s remarkable career included victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes twice each. Most famously, his ride on Secretariat ended a 25-year Triple Crown drought, with the legendary horse setting a still-standing record time of 2:24 at the Belmont Stakes, winning by an astonishing 31 lengths.
Leonard Lasky praised Turcotte not only for his exceptional skill as a jockey but also for his faith, courage, and kindness. Turcotte reflected in 2023 on his Belmont win with Secretariat, recalling how the horse still had plenty of energy after crossing the finish line.
Throughout a nearly 20-year career, Turcotte secured 3,032 wins before a devastating fall in 1978 left him paralyzed. Despite this life-changing injury, Turcotte became an advocate for injured jockeys, earning respect and admiration for his courage and compassion. Prominent figures in the horse racing community, including William J. Punke Jr. and David O’Rourke, highlighted Turcotte’s legacy as both a champion rider and a dedicated humanitarian supporting fellow jockeys.
Inducted into the National Museum of Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1979, Turcotte was cherished not just as a jockey but also as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and horseman. Born in Drummond, New Brunswick in 1941 as one of 12 siblings, he initially worked as a lumberjack before pursuing a career in horse racing, climbing the ranks at Woodbine racetrack.
Jim Lawson, Chairman of Woodbine, called Turcotte a true Canadian icon whose influence on racing is immeasurable. Turcotte’s successes spanned notable wins including the Preakness in 1965 on Tom Rolfe and the 1972 Derby and Belmont on Riva Ridge, yet it was his time with Secretariat that truly defined his career. Reflecting on Secretariat, Turcotte described the horse as a once-in-a-lifetime athlete performing feats never witnessed before.
As the last surviving member of Secretariat’s team, Turcotte’s passing marks the end of an era. Churchill Downs President Mike Anderson remembered him as an iconic partner to one of the most beloved thoroughbreds in history, whose passion and achievements attracted countless fans to the sport.
Fan Take: Ron Turcotte’s passing is a profound moment for horse racing fans worldwide, reminding us of the extraordinary bond between jockey and horse that can create legends. His legacy of excellence, courage, and kindness will continue to inspire the racing community and promote the care and respect for jockeys both on and off the track.
