Ron Turcotte Tributes

July 22, 1941 - August 22, 2025 R.I.P.

View a selection of news, announcements, remembrances and condolences regarding Ron Turcotte’s passing, as well a personal message from the Turcotte family.

A MESSAGE FROM THE TURCOTTES:

"To all friends and fans, the family of Ron would like to thank you all for your heartfelt words, memories and condolences. It is truly overwhelming to see how loved and cherished he was, and it warmed our hearts to see the outpourings from you all.

As a small token of our immense appreciation for the many messages sent, we would like to share the eulogy from the funeral services below as well as memorial cards for those wishing to have one.

We now fully understand why he would give so much of himself even when exhausted and sore. This fandom is amazing, the memories will live on through you — thank you."

~ The Turcotte Family

Funeral Service Eulogy by Lynn Turcotte-Smith

"Good Afternoon" everyone, this is my father’s greeting any time after 8 am. I would like to thank all of the family and friends who have taken time today to honor my father.

“Remarkable,” “Inspiring,” “Renowned Canadian Icon.” These are terms used to describe my father, and these are all accurate and yet do not fully begin to describe all he was. I cannot list all his accomplishments, I only have 5 or so minutes, I encourage you to Google or YouTube him, if you have a few hours.

He was a loving son, brother, husband, pepere, and friend. These are the roles that defined him, and he was also a Hall of Fame jockey—the man who rode the greatest Thoroughbred racehorse of all time.

Like many athletes, Dad’s job kept him away from home, so the moments we had together were busy but meaningful. Camping, fishing, snowmobiling and going with him to the racetrack in the mornings whenever we could—my sisters and I will cherish those times forever . . .

Click Here to Read Entire Eulogy

(The entire Turcotte family is grateful for the outpouring of sympathies and kind sentiments following Ron's August 22 passing, and as a token of appreciation they would like to share the memorial card from the funeral service, at right, with friends and fans.)

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MEDIA COVERAGE - An international assortment of news announcements and releases:

SECRETARIAT’S JOCKEY RON TURCOTTE DIES AT 84
1973 Triple Crown Winning Rider an Inspiration to Many

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 22, 2025) — Ron Turcotte, best known as the jockey for 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat, and a beloved figure in the Thoroughbred racing community, died of natural causes today in his Drummond home outside Grand Falls, New Brunswick. He was 84. Mr. Turcotte’s family announced his death through Leonard Lusky, his longtime friend and business representative.

Turcotte rode Meadow Stable’s Secretariat to record-breaking wins in the 1973 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, followed by an astounding 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes, putting a glorious end to horse racing’s 25-year Triple Crown drought at the time...

Click Here to Read Entire Official Press Release

REMEMBRANCES AND COMMENTARY

"Ron continued to be a great friend and mentor through my life. He loved his family and always told me what was going on in his world, and he always loved remembering and talking about his wonderful time with Secretariat and the team around them. I feel blessed to have known him — he was truly one of the nicest men the good Lord placed on this earth. Rest in peace, my Friend."

~ Steve Cauthen, 1978 Triple Crown-winning jockey

"I met Ron in February 1976 when I first went to New York. He befriended me, put his arm around my shoulders and became a mentor to me to the degree that I would listen to him — I was a bit hard-headed at the time! He invited me to his home, introduced me to his beautiful wife and daughters, took me hunting and even gave me a pair of his custom-made jockey boots that I wore a few times and then put away. Today they are proudly displayed in my trophy cabinet. In late 1977, I relocated to the Midwest and we lost touch for a while but reconnected a few years later while participating in events to raise funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. He was a tireless advocate for his fallen comrades and for the great sport of horse racing. A dear friend who is sorely missed. This is not 'Goodbye' but rather 'Until we meet again!' Love you, Ron. God bless!"

~ Pat Day, Hall of Fame jockey

"Ronnie was soft-spoken, polite, generous, and an incredibly talented jockey. He was also a devoted family man who loved his wife and daughters beyond measure. I was starstruck when I first met him in 1971, but that meeting quickly grew into a close and lasting friendship. He played a very important role in my career in New York, and I will always be grateful for that. He was the strongest man in the jockey's room but would rather use his head to beat you. Up until the accident in 1978 that ended his riding career, he was as sought after as any jockey in the country. I will truly miss him."

~ Eddie Maple, Hall of Fame jockey

RON TURCOTTE: A GREAT MAN
by Secretariat.com President, Leonard Lusky

The world has lost a great man. Ron Turcotte, the Hall of Fame jockey of Secretariat, passed away yesterday at the age of 84.

For many, Ron’s passing represents the end of an era. He was the last of Secretariat’s mighty Meadow Stable’s primary team, alongside owner Penny Chenery, trainer Lucien Laurin, groom Eddie Sweat, and exercise riders Charle Davis and Jim Gaffney. They are all gone now, the court of racing royalty in this equine Camelot.

And while I and countless others mourn this latest loss to the sport of Thoroughbred racing, I also grieve the loss of my friend...

Click Here to Read Full Column

"I have many great memories of Ron and Secretariat, including the Triple Crown races. In my opinion, Secretariat was the best horse that has ever lived. Even though he beat me and Sham, I appreciate that they made history. Racing has lost a great rider, a great person, a wonderful family man, and a treasured friend. He will forever be missed."

~ Laffit Pincay Jr., Hall of Fame jockey

"I was able to see Secretariat in person in 1989 just before his passing. We were the same age. Little did I know then that I would have the opportunity to portray his jockey Ron Turcotte in Disney's 'Secretariat.' Getting to star in that film and becoming friends with Ron – the actual jockey that rode this amazing champion — was one of the greatest honors and experiences of my life. Ron was truly a class act."