Hall of Fame Jockey Ron Turcotte Passes Away at 84

Ron Turcotte, a celebrated Hall of Fame jockey known for riding Secretariat to a Triple Crown victory, has died at the age of 84. His family shared the news through Leonard Rusky, a long-time business partner and friend, indicating that Turcotte passed away from natural causes at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick.

Throughout his career, Turcotte achieved remarkable success, winning two Kentucky Derbies, two Preakness Stakes, and two Belmont Stakes. Notably, in 1948, he played a key role in ending a lengthy Triple Crown drought in horse racing.

Rusky reflected on Turcotte’s legacy, saying, “Ron was a great jockey and inspired so many people both inside and outside the racing world. He reached the pinnacle of success in his profession, but it was his richness of faith, courage, and kindness that were the true measures of his greatness.”

With over 3,000 wins under his belt, Turcotte’s career was cut short in 1978 after a fall during a race, which resulted in an injury that left him paralyzed. The William J. Punk Fund, dedicated to supporting permanently disabled jockeys, praised him as one of the sport’s most significant champions and advocates, highlighting his initiatives to support fellow riders in need.

Turcotte was inducted into the National Racing Hall of Fame Museum back in 1979.

In a family statement relayed by Rusky, they shared a personal side of Turcotte: “The world may remember Ron as a well-known jockey, but for us, he was a wonderful husband, a loving father, grandfather, and of course, a great jockey.”

Born in Drummond on July 22, 1941, as one of twelve siblings, Turcotte started working early as a lumberjack before moving to Toronto. That’s where he got his start in horse racing as a hot walker, eventually becoming a prominent jockey at the Woodbine racetrack and, well, achieving Triple Crown levels.

Woodbine Chairman Jim Lawson remarked on Turcotte’s legacy, calling him “a true Canadian icon with immeasurable impact on horse racing.” Lawson noted, “Ron carried himself with humility, strength, and dignity. His legacy in races both here in Woodbine and around the world will live forever.”

Turcotte won the Preakness in 1965 and again in 1972, along with a Derby victory at Revalidge. But it was his bond with Secretariat that truly defined his career. He once described it as “love on the first ride,” sharing an extraordinary connection with the horse. “He was the type of horse you’ll never see again,” Turcotte remarked nearly 50 years after he rode Secretariat in the Belmont. “He’s probably never seen you again because he’s doing something you’ve never seen before.”