TORONTO – Ron Turcotte, the Canadian jockey who steered Secretariat into racing immortality with a U.S. Triple Crown triumph in 1973, has died at the age of 84. Widely regarded as one of the greatest riders in the sport’s history, Turcotte’s story stretched from humble beginnings in New Brunswick to the pinnacle of international racing glory.
“Ron Turcotte was a true Canadian icon whose impact on horse racing is immeasurable,” said Jim Lawson, Executive Chair of Woodbine Entertainment. “From his incredible journey aboard Secretariat to his lifelong commitment to the sport, Ron carried himself with humility, strength, and dignity. His legacy in racing, both here at Woodbine and around the world, will live forever. We mourn his loss and celebrate a life that inspired many.”
From Roofer to Riding Legend
Born in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Turcotte was the second eldest of 12 children in a working-class family. At 18, he travelled to Toronto seeking employment and found work as a roofer. His entry into horse racing came almost by chance. After watching the Kentucky Derby on television, Turcotte visited Woodbine Racetrack the very next day looking for work. He began in the barns, mucking stalls and grooming horses before galloping for trainer Pete McCann in 1960.
By 1961, he was breaking horses at Windfields Farm and working with trainer Gordon Huntley. The following year at Fort Erie, he notched his first career win. Success followed quickly. By the end of 1962, Turcotte was Canada’s leading jockey with 180 victories. In 1963, he repeated as the nation’s top rider, amassing 216 wins before relocating to the United States to test himself against the best jockeys in New York, Maryland, and Delaware. His competitive fire and natural talent made him a dominant force wherever he rode.
Ascending the International Stage
Turcotte’s big break came in 1965 when he guided Tom Rolfe to victory in the Preakness Stakes. His reputation soared further after forming a close association with Canadian trainer Lucien Laurin. In 1972, the partnership produced major success with Riva Ridge, winner of both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
But it was the following year that defined Turcotte’s place in racing history. In 1973, he piloted Secretariat, nicknamed “Big Red,” to one of the most dominant campaigns in the sport. Secretariat captured the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in breathtaking style, smashing records and securing a permanent place in horse racing lore. Turcotte’s calm hands and tactical brilliance were integral to the colt’s unprecedented performances.
“I’ve ridden many good horses, but Secretariat was the best by far,” Turcotte later recalled. “He did the same thing that any horse does but did it better and faster.”
Although suspended at the time of Secretariat’s final start—the 1973 Canadian International at Woodbine—Turcotte remained forever linked to the horse’s legend.
A Career of Triumphs
Beyond Secretariat, Turcotte’s résumé included mounts on Northern Dancer as a two-year-old and a roster of champions such as Shuvee, Damascus, Fort Marcy and Vent du Nord. His career highlights featured victories in premier races including the Kentucky Oaks, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Florida Derby, Travers, Alabama Stakes, Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Handicap.
Across 18 years in the irons, Turcotte recorded 3,032 wins and cemented himself as one of Canada’s most accomplished athletes.
Tragedy and Resilience
Turcotte’s riding career came to an abrupt end on July 13, 1978, when a fall at Belmont Park left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite the life-altering injury, his passion for horse racing and his commitment to community causes endured. He served as Chairman of the March of Dimes campaign on Long Island and participated actively with the Toronto chapter of the organization. He also made frequent appearances at racetracks in Canada and the U.S., helping raise awareness and funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
In 2015, his hometown of Grand Falls honoured him with a life-sized statue depicting him aboard Secretariat, a testament to his enduring stature in Canadian sporting history.
Honours and Legacy
Turcotte’s accolades extended well beyond the winner’s circle. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame and the New York Sports Hall of Fame. His recognition included the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, the George Woolf Memorial Award, and a Sovereign Award. In 1973, he was named French Canadian Athlete of the Year and became the first person from Thoroughbred racing to be appointed a member of the Order of Canada.
For Canadian racing fans and the broader sporting community, Ron Turcotte’s life stands as a story of determination, resilience, and excellence. From his modest start in Grand Falls to the grandeur of Belmont Park, his journey reflects the enduring spirit of Canadian athletes on the world stage.
