Ron Turcotte, the Canadian jockey best remembered for guiding Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown, has died at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick. He was 84.
His family confirmed Turcotte passed away on Friday from natural causes.
Turcotte’s partnership with Secretariat produced one of racing’s most famous moments — the colt’s 31-length demolition in the Belmont Stakes, run in a record 2:24 that still stands. He also steered the champion to victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
His career yielded more than 3,000 winners before a fall at Belmont Park in 1978 left him a paraplegic. In retirement, Turcotte became a passionate advocate for injured riders, admired for his resilience and humility.
He was inducted into the US Racing Hall of Fame, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, and was named to the Order of Canada.
Turcotte is survived by his wife Gaetane and their four daughters.