Ron Turcotte, a former jockey celebrated for his ride aboard Secretariat during the 1973 Triple Crown and whose Hall of Fame career was unfortunately cut short in 1978 due to a devastating racing incident, passed away from natural causes on Aug. 22 at his residence in Drummond, near Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada. He was 84 years old.
The Turcotte family officially communicated his passing through Leonard Lusky, his longtime friend and business representative.
“Ron was an exceptional jockey and a source of inspiration for numerous individuals, both within and beyond the racing community. While he attained the highest level of success in his profession, it was his profound faith, bravery, and compassion that truly defined his greatness,” stated Lusky.
Born in Canada in 1941 in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, as the third of 12 children, Turcotte initially provided for his family as a teenager working as a lumberjack. Later, he discovered his passion at the racetrack. As a young man, Turcotte formed a connection with E. P. Taylor, a renowned Canadian owner and breeder. Turcotte began working at Taylor’s farm, walking Thoroughbreds to cool them down.
His small frame made him well-suited to become a jockey, and he achieved his first victory at Fort Erie Racetrack in Ontario in 1962. By the end of that year, he had risen to become the leading rider in Canada, securing 180 wins. In 1963, he again earned riding accolades in Canada with 216 wins before relocating in September to compete in Maryland, followed by New York and Delaware.
He would later enjoy considerable success in the United States. In addition to riding Hall of Famer Secretariat for Meadow Stable, Turcotte also served as the primary jockey for Meadow Stable champion and Hall of Famer Riva Ridge, who won the 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Both colts were trained by Lucien Laurin.
When Turcotte triumphed in the 1973 Derby with Secretariat, he made history as the first jockey since Jimmy Winkfield in 1902 to win consecutive runnings of the race. Turcotte was recognized as North America’s leading stakes-winning jockey in both 1972 and 1973. He was honored with the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 1973. Only Laffit Pincay Jr. earned a higher income than Turcotte among North American jockeys in 1973.
Turcotte also rode Hall of Famers Arts and Letters, Dahlia, Damascus, Dark Mirage, Fort Marcy, Northern Dancer, and Shuvee in addition to the Meadow Stable stars. He secured his first Triple Crown race victory with Tom Rolfe in the 1965 Preakness.
Turcotte’s riding career came to an abrupt end on July 13, 1978, when he was unseated from his mount, Flag of Leyte Gulf, during his final race of the afternoon at Belmont Park. His horse stumbled after clipping heels, causing Turcotte to fall. The rider suffered a broken neck in the fall and was left paralyzed from the waist down.
In that same year, he received a Sovereign Award as Man of the Year. At the time, E. P. Taylor and Jack Diamond were the only other individuals to have been bestowed with Man of the Year honors.
Other distinctions awarded to Turcotte include Canadian Thoroughbred horse racing’s Avelino Gomez Memorial Award and the Turf Publicists of America’s Big Sport of Turfdom Award. In 1974, Turcotte was appointed to the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honor.
Following his retirement from racing, Turcotte made appearances at racetracks to collect donations and create understanding for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Turcotte married his childhood sweetheart, Gaetane, in 1964. Together, they had four daughters: Tina, Anne, Lynn, and Tammy. Following the conclusion of his riding career, he returned to Drummond to reside on his farm.
“While the world may remember Ron as the renowned jockey of Secretariat, to us, he was a devoted husband, a caring father, grandfather, and a skilled horseman,” expressed the Turcotte family in a statement shared by Lusky.
During his retirement, Turcotte encountered challenges, including breaking both legs in a car accident in 2015 when his van overturned after colliding with a snowbank in New Brunswick.
Turcotte was the last living person most closely connected with Secretariat’s racing career. Owner Penny Chenery passed away in 2017 at the age of 95. Laurin died in 2000.
Secretariat died in 1989, euthanized after developing laminitis.
Secretariat’s Triple Crown campaign and Turcotte’s involvement with the Meadow Stable champion were portrayed in the widely successful 2010 film “Secretariat.” Turcotte’s life was further documented in the award-winning film “Secretariat’s Jockey: Ron Turcotte,” in addition to several books, including his 1992 biography “The Will to Win” by Bill Heller.
The family has requested privacy as they finalize arrangements for a private funeral service. In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested contributions be directed to the PDJF.
Words of Tribute for Turcotte
“Ron Turcotte was a genuine Canadian figure whose influence on horse racing is beyond calculation. From his memorable journey atop Secretariat to his lifelong dedication to the sport, Ron conducted himself with modesty, strength, and respect. His contribution to racing, both here at Woodbine and throughout the globe, will be remembered forever. We grieve his passing and honor a life that served as an example for many.” – Jim Lawson, executive chair of Woodbine Entertainment
“The Board of Directors of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and its beneficiaries grieve the loss of one of our greatest advocates and supporters. Ron’s unyielding support and commitment for the sake of his fellow fallen riders is beyond description. While he is deservedly recognized as a member of the Racing Hall of Fame for his achievements in the saddle, his efforts to the PDJF established him as a figure of importance in the hearts of everyone associated with this group. His memory and his contribution will endure forever. Our heartfelt thoughts are with Gaëtane, their daughters, and his family and friends during this difficult period.” – William J. Punk Jr., PDJF chairman
“The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association joins the entire racing community in mourning the passing of Ron Turcotte, one of the sport’s most famous and beloved jockeys. Best remembered as the rider of Secretariat during the unforgettable 1973 Triple Crown, Ron’s position in racing history is assured. But beyond the record-setting victories, he was admired for his humility, bravery and lifelong devotion to Thoroughbred racing. His story will forever be connected to the greatness of our sport. On behalf of horsemen and horsewomen across the country, we send our deepest condolences to Ron’s family, friends and all who were touched by his remarkable life.” – The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association
“Ron Turcotte was an icon and will always be lovingly remembered as the trusted partner of legendary Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown winner Secretariat, arguably the most popular Thoroughbred in history. As a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, Ron’s many achievements on the racetrack and his strong passion for horse racing brought many supporters to the sport. He will be missed greatly. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and supporters throughout the world.” – Churchill Downs racetrack president Mike Anderson
“Ron was a legendary rider and also an inspiration for all he accomplished and overcame during his remarkable life. While best known for sweeping the Triple Crown with Secretariat – culminating with a 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes – Turcotte’s Hall of Fame career spanned 18 years and more than 3,000 wins. As an representative for both the sport and the legacy of the great Secretariat, Ron turned countless individuals into supporters of racing through his kindness and the time he gave to all, whether sharing stories about Big Red, signing autographs, or taking photographs. He was a determined competitor on the track and a gentleman off of it. He will always be remembered as one of the game’s greats.” – National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
