Ron Turcotte, Jockey Who Rode Secretariat to Triple Crown, Dies at 84: ‘His Impact Will Live on Forever’

Renowned Jockey Ron Turcotte Passes Away at 84: Known for Riding Secretariat to Triple Crown

On August 22, the racing world mourned the loss of a legend as jockey Ron Turcotte, best known for his remarkable rides aboard Secretariat to win the Triple Crown in 1973, passed away at the age of 84. His family announced the news, highlighting his not just as a celebrated jockey but also as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Turcotte’s impact on the racing world and beyond was profound, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

A former lumberjack turned jockey, Ron Turcotte began his racing career in 1961 and went on to win an impressive total of 3,023 races over nearly two decades. However, it was his partnership with the legendary horse Secretariat that truly solidified his place in racing history. Their incredible journey culminated in a historic Triple Crown victory, with Turcotte guiding Secretariat to wins at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes, ending a 25-year drought and capturing the hearts of racing fans worldwide.

Described as “a great jockey and an inspiration to so many,” Turcotte’s impressive career was marked not only by his victories on the track but also by his unyielding faith, courage, and kindness. His family’s poignant words reflect the man behind the racing legend, underscoring his qualities as a husband, father, and grandfather. Despite the world remembering him for his achievements with Secretariat, his loved ones cherish his memory for the person he was beyond the racetrack.

In a touching statement shared by Secretariat.com and the Associated Press, Leonard Lusky, Turcotte’s longtime representative, paid tribute to the late jockey, emphasising his unwavering spirit and the positive impact he had on those around him. Turcotte’s most iconic moment in racing history came at the Belmont Stakes in 1972, when he rode Secretariat to a record time of 2:24, clinching victory by an astounding 31 lengths, a feat that still stands as the largest margin of victory in the race’s history.

Tragically, Turcotte’s illustrious career came to a sudden halt in 1978 when a fall during a race at Belmont Park left him paraplegic. Despite this devastating turn of events, he continued to inspire others through his tireless advocacy work, becoming a champion for fallen riders and earning accolades in various sporting halls of fame. His enduring legacy is further evident in the countless lives he touched and the lasting impact he had on the racing community.

As the last surviving member of Secretariat’s team, Ron Turcotte leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will be cherished by racing enthusiasts for years to come. Survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Gaetane, and their four daughters, Turcotte’s memory will live on not just in the annals of racing history but also in the hearts of those who knew and admired him. The outpouring of tributes from fellow jockeys and racing organisations serves as a testament to the profound impact he had on the sport and all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.

In conclusion, Ron Turcotte’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of horse racing, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the sport itself. His remarkable achievements, unwavering spirit, and enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of jockeys and racing enthusiasts for years to come. As we reflect on Turcotte’s remarkable career and the indelible mark he left on the racing world, we celebrate his life and the profound impact he had on all who had the privilege of knowing him.