Hall of Fame legend Ron Turcotte passes away at 84 leaving behind a timeless legacy in horse racing

Ron Turcotte, the Hall of Fame jockey best known as the rider of Secretariat during the 1973 Triple Crown, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 84. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame confirmed his death, honoring him as “a legendary rider and an inspiration.” Turcotte will forever hold a place in sports history for navigating Secretariat through one of the most unbeatable Triple Crown runs ever. The pomp and circumstance swelled at the Belmont Stakes as Secretariat set the record at 31 lengths, a record yet to be beaten.

Ron Turcotte’s racing career and his iconic partnership with Secretariat

Ron Turcotte was born in 1941 in Drummond, New Brunswick, Canada, and came from a big family. He began his career in racing as a hot walker at Windfields Farm. His natural talent brought him to the jockey stand starting in the early sixties. Then in 1965, he rode his first major winner, Tom Rolfe, in the Preakness Stakes. His career took off when he teamed with trainer Lucien Laurin. In 1972, he rode Riva Ridge to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

After that, he rode Secretariat in 1973. He and Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes - making it 25 years since the last Triple Crown team.

The second of the Triple Crown races depicted in this book is their record-breaking run in the Belmont Stakes; arguably, the most ceremonial event in all of sport.

Also Read:

“I'm Actually Doing Her A Favor”: Andy Roddick Makes A Shocking Prediction Choosing Elena Rybakina Over Aryna Sabalenka Before US Open 2025

Ron Turcotte’s life after racing and lasting legacy in horse racing history

Ron Turcotte's riding career ended tragically in 1978 when he suffered life-changing injuries in a spill at Belmont Park and was paralyzed from the waist down. Although he could not ride again, he maintained his close connection with the sport. He became an advocate for disabled jockeys as part of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund. In many respects, his courage and enthusiasm extended well beyond racing itself. His moments of glory faded almost immediately as Secretariat’s speed. In 1979 he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, he was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, and he was inducted into the New York Sports Hall of Fame. Most notably in 2015, his home town of Grand Falls had a statue of him riding Secretariat erected. Ron Turcotte is survived by his wife Gaetane, and his daughters. His death has left a legendary void, but his story with Secretariat will maintain its inspirational spirit for many future champions.