Ron Turcotte, Jockey Behind Secretariat, Dies at 84
Ron Turcotte, the Hall of Fame jockey who guided Secretariat to racing’s most celebrated season, has died at age 84. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame confirmed the death on Friday, praising Turcotte as a legendary rider and an inspiration for all he achieved and overcame in his remarkable life. He is best remembered for steering Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown, highlighted by a Belmont Stakes victory that finished 31 lengths ahead and left the world in awe of the colt’s speed.
Turcotte became Secretariat’s primary rider after initially partnering with the colt in 1972. Over the next 18 races, the two formed one of the sport’s most enduring partnerships, winning high-profile races as Secretariat developed from a standout two-year-old into the era’s dominant champion. In 1972, Secretariat was named Horse of the Year after triumphs including the Sanford, Hopeful, Futurity, Laurel Futurity, and Garden State Stakes. The following year, the pairing delivered the Triple Crown, capped by a historic Belmont romp that remains one of racing’s most enduring memories. Turcotte spoke of the moment as Secretariat extended his stride, betting that rival Sham and the rest were left far behind as the clock ticked on.
The pair also faced scrutiny over a timing controversy at the Preakness, where the official time was 1:55 but observers hand-timed a far faster pace. Turcotte later described how he kept Secretariat focused as the race unfolded, knowing the colt had more to give.
Turcotte’s career with Secretariat was interrupted when, due to a careless riding suspension, he did not ride the horse in Secretariat’s final start, the GII Canadian International at Woodbine, with Eddie Maple taking the mount.
Beyond Secretariat, Turcotte enjoyed a storied career that included winning the Kentucky Derby and Belmont with Riva Ridge in 1972, as well as triumphs across major races such as the Kentucky Oaks, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Florida Derby, Travers, Alabama, Wood Memorial, and Santa Anita Handicap. He led all riders in stakes wins in 1972 and 1973 and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1979.
Tragedy struck in 1978 when Turcotte was seriously injured in a spill at Belmont Park aboard a filly named Flag of Leyte Gulf, leaving him paraplegic. He continued to contribute to the sport off the track, becoming a tireless advocate for fellow riders through the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and making appearances at racetracks to raise awareness and support for injured jockeys. He later returned to New Brunswick, settling in Grand Falls, where the town honored him with a life-size statue in 2015.
Turcotte’s legacy extends beyond his on-track prowess. He has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame and the New York Sports Hall of Fame, and has received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to racing. Fellow industry leaders and organizations issued heartfelt tributes upon his passing, praising his courage, humility, and lifelong dedication to Thoroughbred racing and to supporting others in the sport.
Additional context and value for readers
– Turcotte’s story underscores Secretariat’s enduring place in sports lore and the extraordinary effort required to tame one of racing’s most famous champions.
– His post-racing advocacy highlights the community’s commitment to supporting jockeys who face life-altering injuries, a cause that remains active through the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
– The life-size statue in Grand Falls serves as a reminder of Turcotte’s roots and the global reach of his impact on racing fans around the world.
Logical takeaway
Turcotte’s life reflects the arc of a legendary champion and a resilient advocate. His on-track feats with Secretariat helped define an era in horse racing, while his off-track work demonstrated a lasting commitment to the sport and to the people who risk their well-being to entertain and inspire fans. His passing marks the loss of a true icon, but his legacy lives on in the memories of fans, the stories told at racetracks, and the ongoing work to support injured jockeys.
Hopeful note
The racing community’s ongoing efforts to support injured riders through organizations like the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund continue Turcotte’s legacy of care and generosity, ensuring that future generations of jockeys can pursue their dreams with support and resilience.