Drummond, N.B. – Ron Turcotte, the Canadian jockey famed for guiding Secretariat to the 1973 American Triple Crown, passed away of natural causes at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick, on Friday at the age of 84.
Turcotte’s historic ride aboard Secretariat included record-breaking wins at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. The dramatic 31-length victory in the Belmont remains one of the most dominant performances in sports history, cementing both Turcotte and Secretariat as icons of horse racing.
“He was the kind of horse that made you want to get out of bed early and get to the barn,” Turcotte said of Secretariat. “So many memories, I’ll never forget him. He was such a lovable, kind horse. One of a kind.”
Born into a large family in poverty, Turcotte began his career as a jockey after a chance observation by a landlord during the Kentucky Derby. He went on to ride over 3,000 career winners, including Riva Ridge and Northern Dancer, and became a leading figure in Canadian horse racing.
Turcotte’s riding career ended in 1978 after a fall at Belmont Park left him paraplegic. Following that, he dedicated himself to advocacy for injured jockeys through the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund.
He has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, and the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. A statue commemorating his historic ride on Secretariat stands in Grand Falls, N.B., honoring his enduring legacy.
“Ron Turcotte was a true Canadian icon whose impact on horse racing is immeasurable,” said Jim Lawson, Executive Chair of Woodbine Entertainment.
Photo credits : https://www.cbc.ca/sports/ron-turcotte-obit-aug-22-1.7616165
