A Celebration of a Legend: Ron Turcotte
Few jockeys are synonymous with winning the Triple Crown, and the growth of the sport as Ron Turcotte. A universally skilled jockey under most any condition, Turcotte is the epitome of determination, grit, and a champion. Forever united as the jockey that rode Secretariat, his many other contributions to the sport cement a legacy that will stand the test of time. When an unthinkable tragedy forever changed his life, Ron became an even bigger voice in the sport. Let us celebrate the legacy of a true legend in the thoroughbred racing community.
The Early Years and Rise to Prominence
At the ripe old age of 16, Ron Turcotte embarked on his journey as a professional jockey in the 60s. He studying and trained as hard as anyone, honing the craft that would eventually become legendary. Ron had a series of impressive victories as he built his reputation from the ground up. It all came to a head in the early 70s.
A Meeting of Legends
Penny Chenery was the owner of Secretariat and Meadow Stables. She employed Lucien Laurin as head trainer there. Lucien and Ron had a working relationship. Ron was known for his ability to work with some difficult/quirky horses. One such horse, Riva Ridge, was very timid, almost afraid of other horses. Turcotte was able to get Riva Ridge over that fear and won the Kentucky Derby in 1972.
Turcotte noticed Secretariat in the stable and asked Lucien about him. After his first mount, Ron declared love at first ride’. Secretariat’s first race was with another jockey as Turcotte had a prior commitment. After that race, Turcotte became the official mount for Secretariat and would kick off the run to the 1973 Triple Crown title.
The Triple Crown: A Race for the Ages
Secretariat’s dominance through the three legs of the Triple Crown is legendary. In the Belmont Stakes, Secretariat won by 31 lengths. That is over 250 feet or 84 yards on a football field. A record that will never be broken. It may be the only time Secretariat’s full potential would be on display. Turcotte took such a commanding lead heading into the fourth turn that everyone thought the horse would burn out down the stretch. What happened was, the lead widened. Turcotte is on record saying Secretariat was not only the greatest racehorse of all time but his personal friend and partner. A bond that was no doubt shared.
A Career Beyond Secretariat
Most everyone knows of Turcotte and Secretariat’s glory, but he had many other great accomplishments. Turcotte won 25 G(1) races, the Woodward, Marlboro, CIS, etc… He amassed over 23 million dollars in winnings which adjusted for inflation would be over $100,000,000.
Versatility and Adaptability
Ron was very versatile and could win on turf and dirt, sprints and marathons, and he was always a jockey to reckon with in the gate. He eventually would be one of the most sought-after jockeys of his time.
Tragedy Strikes
July 13, 1978, at the scene of his greatest victory, Ron Turcotte mounted Flag of Leyte Gulf. Shortly out of the gate, the horse had impact with, Small Raja, another horse and fell. Turcotte was sent headfirst into the ground. He suffered severe injuries to his spinal cord rendering him paraplegic. Ron knew immediately it was bad stating he could not feel anything.
Despite the career-ending injury, Turcotte remained active in the horse racing world. He would go on to be a prominent advocate and fundraiser for disabled jockeys and others with spinal injuries, working with the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). He was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and received honors recognizing his contributions to the sport.
The Impact on Horse Racing
The ’73 Triple Crown season embedded both Secretariat and Turcotte into horse racing history. Many new fans would tune in to see the incredible duo in the rest of their races. Although never equaling the Belmont Stakes history making run, thousands of new fans followed along, and the sport grew.
Mentorship and Legacy
Turcotte was also a mentor to many young jockeys. Always willing to share knowledge and experience, he helped shape the careers of numerous riders who went on to make their own history. Turcotte’s legacy lives on…. in the jockeys he inspired, stories he told, passing down wisdom, and passion that fans new and old still talk about decades later.
A Life Well-Lived
A memory that will live on forever in the annals of thoroughbred racing, Turcotte, along with one of his closest friends Secretariat, will continue to give birth to endless discussions and comparisons to greatness in the sport. The racing community, fans and those employed by, owe a great deal of thanks and appreciation to a man that gave his all to the sport.
In Closing
Ron Turcotte was not just a jockey; he was a symbol of excellence and inspiration, a true gentleman of the sport. Just as Ron Turcotte once famously did, we can look back and appreciate all he gave to the sport. R.I.P Ron 1941-2025
