Ron Turcotte, the Hall of Fame Canadian Jockey who rode the Secretariat to the Triple Crown of 1973, died on 84

Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, known for riding the legendary Secretariat to Triple Crown victory in 1973, has passed away at the age of 84. Turcotte, a Canadian native, died of natural causes at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick.

Throughout his career, Turcotte achieved great success, winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes multiple times. His partnership with Secretariat brought an end to the Triple Crown drought in horse racing that had lasted since 1948. Turcotte’s record-breaking ride with Secretariat in the Belmont Stakes, where they won by an astonishing 31 lengths with a time of 2:24, still stands 52 years later.

After retiring from racing in 1978 due to a life-changing injury that left him paralyzed, Turcotte dedicated himself to supporting fellow jockeys who had also suffered similar injuries. His advocacy and efforts to help fallen riders earned him praise and admiration from the racing community.

Turcotte’s legacy as one of the greatest jockeys in Canada was solidified when he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1979. Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Turcotte was remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Born in Drummond in 1941, Turcotte’s journey to becoming a renowned jockey began when he moved to Toronto to pursue a career in horse racing. His impact on the sport was immeasurable, with Woodbine chairman Jim Lawson describing him as a true Canadian icon.

Turcotte’s connection with Secretariat was a special one, as he described the horse as a once-in-a-lifetime talent. He remained the last surviving member of the Secretariat team, with the horse, groom, trainer, owner, and exercise driver all having passed away in previous years.

As news of Turcotte’s passing spread, tributes poured in from the racing community, with Churchill Downs Racetrack president Mike Anderson praising him as an icon who brought countless fans to the sport. Turcotte’s legacy in horse racing will be remembered and cherished for years to come.