Being Secretariat's Jockey: Ron Turcotte

Ever wondered what it was like to pilot the greatest horse to ever race? Ron Turcotte, Big Red's regular jockey, gives you a peek behind the curtain...
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[@royboy9361]

Ron’s last words ring true, “God decided to make the perfect horse.” I don’t think we’ll ever see his equal.

[@galechaleff8717]

Have so much love and respect for that man. At the Belmont, no whip. Just let him run. And run he did.

[@jofi4580]

Absolutely NUTS! Never used the crop in that race and the horse wins by 31 lengths.

[@nancyjohnson2070]

I love the movie when Diane Lane yells “ Let him run Ronnie, let him run!” ❤️❤️❤️

[@cindythompson6952]

Love watching that race but it would be really great to watch it in color.

[@jm1657]

No whip at the Preakness either! 👍🏻

[@jm1657]

@@cindythompson6952 NBC Sports, the broadcaster of this year’s Triple Crown, ran a gorgeously remastered very clear color version of Secretariat’s Kentucky Derby. (Viewable on that channel’s YT page.) Very disappointingly, they didn’t do a remastering of Sec’s Preakness. But given how monumental Big Red’s Belmont Stakes remains, I’m very hopeful they’ll post a remastering of that race. 🤞

[@EquineMetalhead]

Secretariat: The Horse That God Built. His story is incredible, I get teary eyed watching him, looking at him or at photos of him. I have him as a Breyer horse in my collection. I’m a big Secretariat fan, love the movie, love his story. Just love that horse. Now I’m not a supporter of the racing industry but when it comes to Secretariat, he’s amazing and it’s crazy to know that he won the triple crown almost fifty years ago. Being the first horse to win a triple crown in a twenty year timespan. He broke track records, lost five out of twenty one races and sire over 200 foals. His great grandson Archie lives on my farm. He’s boarded here. He’s got the same copper red coat, same marking on his face and are about the same height. The only difference is that he has a sock and a stocking. Archie is blind in the left eye so we don’t approach him from that side but he’s a jumping horse now. He’s not mine like I said he’s boarded at my farm but to know his legacy lives on through many generations of horses is incredible! And Archie is one of them.

[@jm1657]

Beautiful story! Thank you for posting ❤

[@dianemanson7756]

I agree about the racing industry. It has a dark side.

[@connielull1850]

There was a whole other element to Secretariat that doesn't get mentioned much at all. He had an amazing personality. He was a showman, yes, but in an endearing way. He was a bit of a clown. He loved interacting with people at Claiborne after his retirement. There was a "show" that visitors were treated to while he was in his padock. He would stand at the top, wait for a small crowd to gather. Then he would run down at you, skid to a halt so that sometimes dirt clods would shower the crowd. Then he would roll. Then he would get up, walk over and greet his human friends. Never another like him.

[@dotmurphy7279]

I envy you having Big Red's great grandson to look after. Amazing that he resembles his great grandpa so much.

[@mariabykofsky4502]

Thank you for having Archie at your farm...

[@johnwalsh3215]

The world will never see another horse like Secretariat, one of a kind!

[@Boriqua1966]

You're absolutely right, my friend !!

[@fionajane56]

And the world of racing will never have another Ron Turcotte

[@theresag.4981]

Thank you Ron. I was 13 years old watching in 1973, lucky to have a colour TV. I remember being so proud of you being a Canadian and riding the great Secretariat. Every May, with a tear in my I watch you and Secretariat make history.

[@angiegranberry3366]

Perfect horse, perfect jockey

[@lynnroney1234]

I attended Secretariat’s final race at Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario. It was a most amazing day. It had been very rainy and so the track was muddy and so they didn’t know if they were going to race him. We had planned to go, but with the uncertainty and the distance to the track for maybe not running, my parents changed their minds. I just sat and looked out at the rain and sobbed. That changed their minds. OMG! What a big, beautiful horse. The others were dwarfed standing beside him. I will never forget the race. Started leaving them far behind at the first turn. On the back stretch, he was head into the final turn and the others were about a third of the way in. Secretariat was coming out of the final turn as the others were just heading into. He crossed the finish line as the others were just coming out of the final turn. There. I just called the race. I couldn’t help it. What a privilege of a lifetime. The only sad part was that Ron was under suspension at the time, so he could not ride Secretariat at his final race. I can’t believe it’s been 50 years.

[@julia190]

THank you for reminding us that Secretariat did run and win another race. It is often forgotten. How wonderful that you were able to see him live.

[@mariabykofsky4502]

@lynnroney1234, I saw that race on you tube, my God "Big Red" was magnificent...

[@patriciaguth6882]

So sad that Ron became paralyzed just a short while after his most famous victories. He gave us chills and thrills for sure!!!

[@user-mv9ve8md9e]

Thank you Ronnie for telling us your feelings on riding secretaiat.

[@mikewhite6288]

Secretariat didn't even hardly break a sweat after the derby. He wasn't even breathing heavily. He could have went around again

[@touchstoneaf]

That's the part that kills me, Poor Sham; that horse would have been the greatest horse of his generation if he wasn't running against Secretariat, but running against Secretariat obviously ruined that horse. It's pretty sad actually, because Secretariat didn't even have to work hard half the time. As you said, you can tell by the way he cooks Sham out in the Belmont that he's not trying even a little bit in the first 2 races. I just can't help but feel bad for Sham. Poor thing just had bad timing, cuz how can you win against a legend?

[@mikewhite6288]

@@touchstoneaf any other year sham would have easily been the triple crown winner

[@janetgallo5720]

Secretariat was the greatest racehorse. Any living thing that is so perfect in every way it had to be a gift from God. He is the only perfect horse This world has ever had.

[@praaa152]

On dirt yes but on grass frankel is the greatest.

[@NavvyMom]

I have always LOVED Secretariat, but after someone in another comments section said the GOAT is Kelso, I looked him up, and had to grudgingly concede. BUT I console myself with the "what ifs" for Secretariat. What if he'd been allowed to run for even one more season? Oh the things he might have done!

[@NavvyMom]

@@user-mv9ve8md9e Plenty of room for what ifs. If she hadn't needed the money from the stud syndicate he could have run for at least one more season. The decision to retire him was all about money. Not a criticism, just an observation of fact.

[@wendytomlinson7672]

You show your ignorance by ignoring European racing. Greatest horse in America yes, but you don't fall off the edge of the world when you walk into the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. Or do you think European racing is rubbish?

[@Mell-7]

Thank you Secretariat and Ronnie! God bless!

[@jm1657]

Big Red + Ronnie = Marriage Made in Heaven

[@carariela]

Amen🙏✝️🙏

[@DruinStLouis]

Still get chills and a few tears after all these 50 years. What a special time it was to be alive. Loved this horse!

[@michaelduszynski4128]

His motto .... "Don't ever think you're smarter than your horse "

[@paoloborasi536]

👏👏👏👏😊

[@jofi4580]

BIG REDs Kentucky Derby record still stands. 50 years of attempts. 50 years of failures.

[@billhickman7903]

All 3 races..he owns them

[@jm1657]

@@billhickman7903 Yes. And his Belmont win time is still the World Record for 1.5 miles on Dirt surface. What a horse!

[@anitapraass5136]

I'm such a fan of Secretariat. Thank you Mr. Turcotte for your service. It must of have been amazing riding a beautiful animal like Secretariat. God bless you

[@spooge33]

My two favorite quotes. "Ronnie, let him run!!" "Ronnie, don't fall off!!" The perfect rider on the perfect horse. Legendary.

[@gold4scott]

Mine, too! In the movie Penny's dad told her when she was a little girl, "Penny, run your own race." When her dad met Secretariat, he said, "Let him him run his own race." It all tied in together when she yelled, "Let him run, Ronnie, let him run!"

[@spooge33]

@@gold4scott When I walked into the building at Belmont and saw the panoramic photo of the home stretch? I teared up. Much like my visit to Claiborne farm, standing next to Big Reds grave and seeing his stall. Damn.

[@milkastanojevich8357]

I love Secretariat, I have since 1973, the best athlete and the most perfect horse, truly made by God. Ron knew he could get the best from Big Red, and he did. Greatest and most beautiful horse! ❤

[@virginiatozier9957]

Some say we loved him because of the turbulent times. They were wrong, we loved him because even today he makes you tear up. He was the world's heart horse.

[@carariela]

So great to see Ron Turcotte, he didn't need the limelight so nothing got in Secretariat's way..God Bless him 🙏✝️🙏

[@jackwoods9604]

Some Say Secretariat Was Even Better on Turf...That is How GREAT He Was...As Brilliant as He Was on Dirt He Was "Effortlessly" Dominating Top Turf Fields and Turf Champions...Secretariat Would Have Dominated While Running on Marbles...What a PRIVILEGE it Was For Ron to Ride The GOAT

[@MarcelaR-dh1ok]

I was standing by the wire ...Belmont 73...one thing about that horse...He was a huge animal.

[@Mark-sc9iu]

I was blessed and privileged to have been able to watch Secretariat run the 3 races on TV. I'll never forget that, or him.

[@christophermiltonsr.8164]

Yes you were both good for each other. All those Triple Crown Races were great, But That Belmont was other worldly. I saw them all. Greatest tandem horse and jockey I have ever seen. Thanks for the memories. 😁😁😁😁

[@romcapprotti1976]

He was getting emotional at the end. I remember the first time when I was a young adult and actually watch the Belmont and what secretary did that day he brought tears to my eyes. The greatest racehorse to ever live.

[@nancyjohnson2070]

Absolutely the Perfect Horse. I’m glad I was able to witness Secretariat. Such a thrill to see him run.

[@kelwheat]

Bless you Ron Turcotte !

[@kwittio]

the perfect duo 🫶

[@ratso4443]

I love Ron Turcotte too. A humble, beautiful man.

[@BlackKettleRanch]

You are a super hero, Sir. I would imagine that there are no words to describe what it felt like to to ride a horse that fast with that incredible stride. Never before and never again will that ever happen. Thank you for being the BEST jockey ever.

[@pamfrank3962]

Beautiful story between a man and a very special horse❤

[@biff5856]

Red left nothing to be desired. Never mind his extraordinary ability. He was flashy, kind, classy, easy to gallop, loved people and was nice to work around. Really had it all.

[@GB-rv8im]

I witnessed some great things in my life but that was mind blowing....

[@rezotydnic]

Great Great horse, and great jockey. What a nice man Ron is. Had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. I only wish I could've met Secretariat. I remember being glued to the TV watching the races.

[@nealbennett4950]

Watching this video makes me remember the races . Thanks Mr. Turcotte . You should do more videos about all the horses you rode .

[@ursulatevis5146]

The stories that Mr. Turcotte could tell about his time with this amazing horse. A one of a kind secretariat!

[@barbaralovenvirth8726]

So glad to hear from Ron... I am so sorry that he that terrible accident. I hope his memories of Secretariat bring him great joy...they do to me!

[@sandraguerra9056]

Your so lucky to be secretariat Rider. Best horse race that lived. Love Big Red ♥️♥️♥️

[@brianpesci]

We always went Fort Erie raceway to watch the horses run ad Ron Turcotte was the top jockey there for years, great memories at a beautiful track.

[@larrysluss737]

I am 74, been a sports fan my entire life. The greatest achievement in sports I have ever seen is Secretariat’s Belmont run. I’ve watched it hundreds of times. No horse in the history of racing could have beaten him that day. It was perfection.

[@nicholasderrico2270]

How true Sir, you were great and God decided (as you stated), to make the PERFECT HORSE, and that HE did!!! We Thank you, LORD!!!!

[@ginastone9251]

Ronnie thank you for trusting him an recognizing how great he was.

[@c.san.8751]

The greatest horse amongst many greats.

[@dellagibson6701]

I love you Ron. You and Secretariat both.💙♥️💙♥️

[@toniedalton5448]

Oh my ! I can't imagine what it felt like to ride that amazing creaturs. I was a kid and was I. Love with that hkrse. He was the most beautiful and aware horse I'd ever sesn. Never really been a racing fan, but that horse has always enthralled me. All the horses in my life and still in my life, Secretariat will never be again.

[@stacybrittain9448]

So true. God decided to make the perfect horse. And made sure his owner loved God too. Hallelujah! Secretatiat represented his Maker so well.

[@anitapraass5136]

Secretariat was a fantastic animal. God bless Ronnie Turcotte.

[@fookinl3048]

The finest

[@DaveLynchJazzGuitar]

And God made sure that you, Ron Turcotte , were the best rider to be with him. !! You're an amazing man. I met you and Lucien once at the Meadow Stable barn at Belmont with my Dad a very long time ago.

[@richardharrold4357]

Thank you sir. Do more videos.

[@karensinclair4189]

So nice to see this. Thank you Ron Turcotte. I remember it all so well.

[@jimmyamico4713]

I love you, Secretariat❤

[@maryj2671]

Ronnie , a class act! Ronnie and Secretariat.. God put them together! Secretariat is and always will be The Greatest Horse Ever!

[@beverlyreiner-baillargeon6205]

The best race horse ever. There will never be another Secretariat ❤❤❤❤

[@paoloborasi536]

God bless you both,you and the Big Red. Thank you.

[@karolinesmail489]

9byrs old watching the Belmont is something nill never forget...he truly was gods 🐎 horse....let him run ronnie!!!👍🐎🐎🐎 Its on my list to see Claiborne farm n his resting place among all the other great horses❤

[@margaretjiantonio939]

None of us will ever see another horse like Secretariat. He was a horse where God was the designer.

[@frankieclayton9303]

His heart was so pure

[@curtisbragg]

God also put the perfect man on the perfect horse!!!

[@stevemitchell7981]

I love that horse.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Best horse that Ronnie ever rode.

[@danapatterson797]

They was the perfect match in their life time.

[@madduck2323]

YOUR horse is the GREATEST horse Ever!!

[@lorylou2281]

I agree, God made a perfect horse, for the perfect time.

[@gigimoore3738]

Very sweet! Chills & tears. ☺

[@kathrynrobison7998]

He was the " PERFECT " horse and no other before or after can change that.

[@kongdong04]

There will never be a better race horse than Secretariat

[@3bsjnm]

God bless you Ronnie!!

[@geeseylynn]

What a nice story! Thanks for doing that .

[@da5172]

That he was, still is the perfect horse

[@frankieclayton9303]

This heart ❤️ and spirit of the horse 🐎 and joy love as well will

[@lyndawilson2295]

I still go nuts when I think about how heartbroken Penny (along with everybody else) must have been when Red had to be put down. The very idea, after all these fifty years, still makes me cry like a big baby when I think about it - every year at race time!

[@rumblevision2558]

As soon as he switched leads ge took off. Man did he ever. That kick red does in the derby at the top is insane he goes into a gear no other horse has

[@christinematton4125]

What a wonderful man ❤

[@kimcain5895]

Love you and your amazing skill! ❤ thank you!

[@paoloborasi536]

Thanks Ronnie!❤

[@jacky3580]

“ God decided to make the perfect horse.” Love that and he was. ❤

[@alexanderhernandez2977]

The Beuty of a horse like Big red a smart horse that knew when to turn it on

[@michaelrichardson6051]

Better on grass than dirt. Set world record 1st time he ran on grass. Beat the number one turf horse at the time- Ten Tam. Won on fast track, won in the slop. Beat older horses. The 1973 Marlboro Cup was filled with 7 Champion horses, including his stable mate Riva Ridge and he won easily. If he had been allowed to run as a 4 and 5 year old Lord only knows how many records he would have set. I was lucky to be at the 73 Preakness. He was like a freight train coming down the stretch.

[@n.y.c.freddy]

Hats off to JOCKEY, Mr. Ron Turcotte! I watched and even $ bet on Ron *T.* - in the 1970's at *Belmont race course! (*AQUEDUCT too!) But! Jockey - Angel Cordero Jr. was THEE GUY - back then, REALLY! HEY! ., From 1963 & onward do `I still follow the sport! But! `I believe the *GREAT = *** Kelso *** was the best! (Competitive wise! ALL THE WAY AROUND!) *Peace!

[@vaar2742]

And he did, an Big Red was the perfect horse.

[@larryb131]

Great video!

[@justice9094]

Was on my bucket list to shake the hand of the man that rode the wind..

[@tdvcleve]

I’ve been lucky to see, in person, Jim Brown, Wilt, Ali, Gretzky, Pepe, Mantle, Jordan, Unitas. The greatest I saw in person was Secretariat! His final race at Woodbine.

[@tdvcleve]

…not Pepe. I meant Pele!

[@ruthannbrower6910]

Just a beautiful story.

[@josephdovi1565]

Greatest Horse

[@ronaldbarnes6188]

I’ve been to about at least 7 Kentucky Derbies. My first was 1987 the year Alysheba won. There are two things in life I wished over and over that I could have witnessed personally. I truly wished I could have watched Secretariat run a race and watched Jimi Hendrix play a guitar. 🏇🏾🎸

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

It's ironic that Ronnie broke his back at the same track at which he won the Triple Crown on Secretariat. He also rode Northen Dancer to many victories. If it had to happened to me, I'd be alright with it -- I'd have ridden the greatest horses ever, and won. Turcotte -- a down-home East Coast boy -- came up from E.P. Taylor's Windfields Farms in Toronto, alter oved to Oshawa because of development. I grew up in Don Mills, and our house looked past Graydon Hall and over those original 'windfields.' It's all gone now... 😥

[@demetrioalbidrez684]

Greatness comes @ Birth !! Success Follows through through out Your Lifespan !!

[@user-tf7mu2lt3w]

Mister Turcotte lives. 45 min and I am lucky to have a photo on Secretariat with his autograph

[@xlr8tedzoom]

Ronnie always said he never gave him his head and let him run full out. I often wonder what Secretariat would do if he was let loose.

[@susankuhlman6514]

"God decided to make the perfect horse."

[@sanman5389]

Most definitely God's horse!!

[@svglorious]

Secretariat was about the only perfect thing to happen in 1973.

[@theredeemer3780]

God made the perfect horse and had a hand in giving him the perfect rider.

[@jennifersimmons1552]

❤

[@eimagine]

Big Red was the greatest. I was fifteen years of age back in 1973 and watched all three races in awe, especially the Belmont Stakes, which was an unbelievable feat, and will never again happen. Now, here I am fifty years later, and this most magnificent horse still holds the record time in all three of these Triple Crown races. Watching these three races through the years always brings incredible joy to my heart, along with tears to my eyes. Bless you, Secretariat. Mark R. Elsis

[@steveredmond7535]

Secretariat: "He just had a bigger motor."

[@9Ballr]

Still hard to believe that Secretariat ran each quarter-mile in the Derby faster than the previous one.

[@Andy-ok7ev]

We. Went. Looking. At. Him.