Remembering Turcotte: The Legendary Jockey of Secretariat’s Triple Crown Passes at 84

Ron Turcotte, the famous jockey who rode Secretariat to win the Triple Crown in 1973, has passed away at 84. His family shared that he died of natural causes at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick.

Turcotte was born on July 22, 1941, in a family of 12. He left school early to work as a lumberjack but soon pivoted to horse racing. Starting as a hotwalker in Toronto, he quickly became a leading jockey, known for his remarkable skills.

He achieved great success in the sport, winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes twice each. His standout moment came with Secretariat, a remarkable horse that ended a 25-year wait for a Triple Crown winner. The duo set an unbeatable record time in the Belmont, finishing 31 lengths ahead.

After a fall during a race in 1978 left him paraplegic, Turcotte dedicated himself to helping fellow injured jockeys. His compassion and advocacy for the Permanent Disabled Jockeys Fund highlighted his character, earning the respect of many in the racing community. William J. Punk Jr., chair of the fund, called him a champion not just for his racing achievements, but for his support of others.

In 1979, Turcotte was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. His influence stretched beyond the racetrack, making him a true icon in Canadian and horse racing history. Jim Lawson, chairman of Woodbine, praised him for his humility and legacy in the sport.

On social media, many fans shared their memories of Turcotte and his incredible partnership with Secretariat. His humility and grace resonated deeply. As David O’Rourke, president of the New York Racing Association, pointed out, Turcotte’s journey showed tremendous courage both during his racing days and after his injury.

To many, Turcotte will always be remembered as the trusted partner of Secretariat, a horse many believe stands out in history. His contributions to horse racing have solidified his legacy, inspiring countless fans and fellow jockeys alike.

For more about Turcotte’s life and legacy, you can read the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame website.

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