1. Introduction
Ronald Joseph Morel Turcotte (July 22, 1941 – August 22, 2025) was a Canadian thoroughbred jockey celebrated for riding Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown, ending a 25-year drought. A Hall of Famer, Turcotte’s story is one of triumph, tragedy, and resilience. This article examines his life, injuries, obituary, current status at death, age, and family.
2. Wiki Snapshot — The Life of Ron Turcotte
Early Life & Career Beginnings
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Born in Drummond, New Brunswick, Canada, on July 22, 1941. One of 12 children, he left school at 14 to work as a lumberjack before pursuing horse racing.
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Began working in Toronto at Windfields Farm as a hot walker in 1960, quickly transitioning to jockey and earning his first win riding Northern Dancer.
Racing Achievements
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First major win came aboard Tom Rolfe in the 1965 Preakness Stakes.
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In 1972, he rode Riva Ridge to victories in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
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His crowning moment came in 1973, riding Secretariat to a record-breaking Triple Crown sweep: fastest times in all three races and a 31-length victory in the Belmont which still stands as legend.
Record and Honors
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Totals over 3,000 career wins.
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First jockey to win back-to-back Kentucky Derbies; first to win five of six consecutive Triple Crown races.
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Awards: George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, Man-of-the-Year, Order of Canada (1974), multiple Hall of Fame inductions (US, Canadian, New York), Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, etc.
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A statue of Secretariat and Turcotte was unveiled in 2015 in Grand Falls, New Brunswick.
Career-Ending Injury & Advocacy
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On July 13, 1978, he suffered a catastrophic fall during a race at Belmont Park and became paraplegic.
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Afterwards, he championed disabled jockeys, worked with the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, and contributed to jockey safety awareness.
Personal Life
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Married to Gaëtane, with whom he had four daughters.
3. Obituary & Final Years
Passing
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Ron Turcotte passed away on August 22, 2025, at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick, of natural causes, at age 84.
Tributes & Legacy
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Remembered as Secretariat’s trusted jockey and beloved icon of horse racing. His humility, courage, and compassion were celebrated by friends, family, and the racing community.
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The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and the New York Racing Association praised his advocacy work and character after his injury.
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Woodbine Racetrack chair and other figures noted his immeasurable impact on the sport. Ron Turcotte obituary.
4. Is He Still Alive?
No. Ron Turcotte died on August 22, 2025, aged 84.
5. Age at Death
He was 84 years old, having been born July 22, 1941, and dying August 22, 2025.
6. Children & Family
Turcotte is survived by his wife, Gaëtane, and their four daughters. The obituary statement also emphasized his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. Ron Turcotte obituary.
7. FAQs
Q1: When did Ron Turcotte die?
A: He passed away on August 22, 2025, at age 84.
Q2: What injury ended his racing career?
A: On July 13, 1978, he suffered a fall at Belmont Park resulting in paraplegia.
Q3: How many children did he have?
A: He had four daughters with his wife Gaëtane.
Q4: Is he still alive?
A: No, he passed away in August 2025.
Q5: What is his most famous achievement?
A: Riding Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown, achieving record times and a historic Belmont victory 31 lengths ahead.
Q6: Did he receive any notable honors?
A: Yes, including Hall of Fame inductions, the Order of Canada, George Woolf Award, and more.
Q7: What was his advocacy work after his injury?
A: He supported and raised awareness/funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and promoted jockey safety.
8. Conclusion
Ron Turcotte’s life rose from humble beginnings in New Brunswick to becoming an iconic jockey, riding Secretariat to an unforgettable Triple Crown victory. After a tragic accident ended his career, his courage and advocacy for disabled riders cemented his status as a beloved sportsman and humanitarian. His passing on August 22, 2025, closed a remarkable chapter but left a legacy that continues to inspire.
