Ron Turcotte, the Jockey Who Rode Secretariat Into Immortality, Dies
- Turf Diario
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
The Canadian, Forever Linked With the 1973 Triple Crown Hero, Was 84; His Name Will Remain Etched Among the Greatest Legends in Racing History
NEW BRUNSWICK, Canadá (Special for Turf Diario).- The racing world lost one of its greatest legends Thursday with the passing of Ron Turcotte, the unforgettable jockey who guided Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown. Turcotte died at his home in Drummond, near Grand Falls, New Brunswick, at the age of 84.
His name was forever etched into the sport’s history through that once-in-a-lifetime campaign with Meadow Stable’s chestnut phenom, but his life was much more than three cinematic victories. Turcotte embodied the dream of a humble boy who, through talent, courage, and an unshakable passion, reached the very top. Just as importantly, he became a symbol of resilience, dignity, and solidarity when an accident cut short his career far too soon.
Born July 22, 1941, the third of 12 siblings, Turcotte grew up in a rural household and worked as a lumberjack in his teens to help his family before fate introduced him to racing. He started out mucking stalls and walking hots at the farm of the legendary E.P. Taylor, where he discovered his true vocation. Small in frame but blessed with extraordinary skill, Turcotte debuted as a jockey in 1962 at Fort Erie and finished that year as Canada’s leading rider with 180 victories. In 1963, he repeated the feat with 216 wins before heading to the United States.
Destiny awaited. After making his mark in Maryland, Delaware, and New York, Turcotte arrived at Meadow Stable, where he would meet the two horses that defined his career: Riva Ridge (First Landing), who carried him to victories in the 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, and Secretariat—the horse who the following year would carry him to immortality.
What they achieved together in 1973 remains the stuff of legend. They won the Kentucky Derby in record time, dominated the Preakness Stakes with authority, and in the Belmont Stakes sealed their place in history: a jaw-dropping 31-length triumph in a record-setting 2:24 for 1 1/2 miles—a mark that still stands. That afternoon, Turcotte didn’t just ride Secretariat; he was part of an eternal moment that defined racing’s greatness.
But his career ended abruptly. On July 13, 1978, at Belmont Park, Turcotte suffered a spill aboard Flag of Leyte Gulf(Hoist the Flag) that left him paralyzed at just 36 years old. For most, it would have been the end. For Turcotte, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. He became a tireless advocate for injured riders, traveling the country to raise awareness and funds, particularly through his work with the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), a cause he championed for decades.
Turcotte’s achievements were recognized in his lifetime. With more than 3,000 victories, he received the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 1973, was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1979, and in Canada was named to the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Away from the track, he shared his life with his childhood sweetheart Gaétane, whom he married in 1964. Together they raised four daughters—Tina, Ann, Lynn, and Tammy. After his accident, Turcotte returned to his hometown and found peace in the countryside. In 2015, he survived a serious car crash that left him with both legs broken; true to his indomitable spirit, he requested his casts be painted blue and white—the colors of Secretariat.
With his passing, a unique chapter closes. Turcotte was the last surviving member of the intimate circle that accompanied Secretariat on his historic run. Owner Penny Chenery, trainer Lucien Laurin, groom Eddie Sweat, and exercise rider Charlie Davis had all gone before him. Time has taken them away, but the dream they built remains alive.
The family has requested privacy, announcing that services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the PDJF, the organization Turcotte supported so passionately.
Ron Turcotte is gone, but his legend endures. For racing, he will forever be the man who, on that June afternoon at Belmont Park in 1973, rode Secretariat into eternity.
As one of Ron's relatives (first cousin), I've been perusing the internet to read the tribute articles written about him. Yours was definitely one of the better ones, combining the facts with that touch of admiration and wonder at the accomplishments and spirit that he had. Thanks for adding that human touch.