Racing legend Ron Turcotte, the jockey who clinched the Triple Crown on Secretariat, passes away at 84 years old.
Ron Turcotte, the Canadian jockey who rode Secretariat to Triple Crown glory in 1973, has passed away at the age of 84. The news was announced by his longtime friend Leonard Lusky.
Turcotte's career in horse racing was nothing short of extraordinary. He began his journey in 1962, with his first winner, and finished that year as Canada's leading rider. Over the years, he rode some of the most iconic horses in racing history, including Dahlia, Northern Dancer, and Damascus.
One of his most significant achievements came in 1965 when he won his first Classic aboard Tom Rolfe in the Preakness Stakes. However, it was his partnership with Secretariat that would cement his place in racing history.
In 1973, under Turcotte's ride, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes, achieving the coveted Triple Crown. The Belmont Stakes win established a record time of 2 minutes 24 seconds that still stands today.
The Belmont win by Secretariat, 50 years prior to the date of this news article, is considered one of the greatest races in history. Turcotte's role in this historic event cannot be overstated.
However, Turcotte's career as a jockey ended prematurely in 1978 following a fall from Flag of Leyte Gulf at Belmont. The injuries left him paraplegic. Despite this setback, Turcotte did not let his spirit be dampened.
After his career ended, Turcotte became a prominent spokesperson and fundraiser for charities supporting injured jockeys. He also founded the Ron Turcotte Foundation in the 1970s to support injured jockeys. His work in this area was a testament to his courage and kindness.
Lusky, who described Turcotte as a great jockey and an inspiration to many, both within and outside the racing world, praised Turcotte's abundance of faith, courage, and kindness as the true measure of his greatness.
Turcotte was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1979. His legacy will live on in the hearts of racing fans and in the annals of racing history.
Rest in peace, Ron Turcotte. Your spirit will continue to inspire us all.
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