'It was love at first sight' - Ron Turcotte's experience of being Secretariat's jockey

[@foxsports]

Tom Rinaldi does such a great job with these features!

[@Mell-7]

Ron Turcotte, you are admired and respected by many and many generations to come. Secretariat couldn't have had a better rider.Thank you for letting him run freely!

[@SF-rl7hl]

Agree 100% the perfect match at the perfect time!

[@rosewetzel8284]

Agreed

[@Caroni100]

​@@rosewetzel8284 Ron Turcotte never deserved get paralyzed from waist down...but sadly, jockey is a very dangerous profession. I was fifteen In June, 1978 and I was shocked when I knew about his accident 😲 😞 😔 😕 😟 Greetings from Venezuela 🇻🇪

[@JellyBeanInTheNight]

I really can’t get enough of Secretariat & Ron Turcotte 🐎🩵

[@interstategar]

Secretariat had the right everything. Parents, owner, jockey, trainer, every person involved. I think its one of the greatest sports stories in history, and I always get emotional when I watch anything about Secretariat and his team.

[@Caroni100]

"He's running like a tremendous machine...!" "Secretaríat by twelve... Secretaríat by fourteen... Secretaríat by sixteen lenghts...!!!" 🐴 That Belmont Park's internal caller is historically epic...! 😎 Best regards from Venezuela 🇻🇪

[@raffinee_3763]

Only one person will ever know what it feels like to fly on the back of Secretariat, Ron Turcotte. What a privilege, what greatness.

[@brianwhitney9181]

Only one will ever know what it feels like to fly on the back of Pegasus,

[@kellyfrith]

One race wasn't Ron Turcotte

[@brianwhitney9181]

@@raffinee_3763 Yes. The Last race of Secretariat's life at Woodbine Race Track in Toronto, Canada. Ron was under suspension so Eddy Maple got the greatest thrill of his life to ride on Pegasus.

[@Steven-r2w9b]

Charlie Davis and Jimmy Gaffney were Secretariat's main exercise riders. They both described riding Secretariat the same way Ron Turcotte did.

[@cmeflywva]

Don’t worry Ronnie we’re getting emotional too. Every time I see a picture of him or watch his races constantly I get tears in my eyes. When the announcer says, “He is moving like a tremendous machine!” and the rest of the call. “He is going to be the Triple Crown winner!!”

[@SF-rl7hl]

Me to and I was 14 when I watched it.

[@cmeflywva]

@@SF-rl7hl I was 7 and never forgot that moment.

[@delby66]

I was 17 when this magnificent horse won the triple crown. I watched all 3 races with my dad and the first 2 we were happy and hugging each other because we were in awe of " BIG RED". When the Belmont came along and Secretariat started to pull away and win by such a large margin, tears were streaming down our faces. We were just so emotional and we hung onto each other what seemed like an eternity. I'm 68 now, my dad passed away 14 years ago and listening to Ron talk about this amazing horse, this amazing athlete, brings back that day vividly and I'm crying along with Ron and you my friend as I write this comment.

[@robertdillon3171]

Secretariat is the greatest and fastest racing horse that ever lived! I was 15 years old when I watched him win all three legs of Triple Crown! It is so unbelievable that the records he set are still unbroken to this day (51 years later and counting)!!

[@milkastanojevich8357]

Secretariat was extraordinary! I fell in love with him in 1973 and over the years my admiration for him has only grown. He was magnificent, and there will never be another horse like him. He is and always will remain, my favorite athlete.

[@jgonzalez101]

Absolutely agree! I believe God Almighty made him for his glory...There will never be another horse like, " Big Red! "♥️ 🐎

[@brentmagnussen3173]

Citation was amazing. Man O' War was incredible, Spectacular Bid was other worldly. SECRETARIAT is just simply the greatest. All 3 Triple crown records stand over 50 years later!! No reason to debate. Thanks for posting this great video!

[@susancox1221]

I saw Secretariat at Arlington and it was love at first for me too.

[@marilynsmall5045]

I have a beautiful framed picture of Secretariat in my living room & i cry just looking at it!!!

[@maggiemay5510]

Same ~

[@lizpadilla3292]

The best performance in sports history, I was only 10 but I was at awe.

[@suzanneflowers2230]

Same here. The Lord's horse at his best.

[@JohnAmidon-c6r]

That Belmont Stakes is still the damndest thing I've ever seen on a racetrack.

[@bobjohnson1587]

Secretariat had his mind made up that day that no other horse was going to get to that oat bag before him! lol 😉

[@henryhathaway5495]

I grew up near Mr Turcotte's home I am glad to see him and his home town get the recognition that he deserves A lot of younger people in the area have no idea what he accomplished He did Drummond New Brunswick and Canada proud

[@1JamesMayToGoPlease]

Big Red at the '73 Belmont Stakes was nothing short of a miracle.

[@suzystone244]

Ronnie. You are strength personified. BIG Red listened to you. And visa versa❤

[@mikemattiole]

Those words are immortal....HE IS MOVING LIKE A TREMENDOUS MACHINE

[@mikebamburg2020]

The horse that God built rest in peace Big Red

[@kathleenthompson3676]

That horse. Secretariat was anointed by God Almighty.

[@nickjohnson811]

I hope Ron and Secretariat get to meet again on the other side. They were made for each other.

[@Psyfi85]

Well, I’m sure Sec is waiting to give him a lift in heaven. Same with Sham, they’ve probably settled their score in the afterlife.

[@nickjohnson811]

@@Psyfi85 Poor Sham. He probably would have won the Triple Crown himself if he hadn't had the misfortune to run in the same year as Secretariat.

[@theearl1477]

If I could speak to Ron Turcotte I'd say this. You had a bad break with your injury, but looking back you have to be thankful for because God gave you one of his greatest gifts he ever bestowed on anybody. The privilege to ride the greatest athlete he ever created. I saw that race live while watching it on television and still cry tears of joy to this day. Chic Anderson sad so many great quotes that day and I'll use one of them. "an amazing, unbelievable performance one we might never see again in our lifetime." Man was he right.

[@fishinwidow35]

My aunt came from the same home town as Ron Turcotte, just a fun family fact for us. I watched all 3 races back in '73. My father was up out of his chair yelling "Look at him go, look at him go". Well done, Ron.

[@justinemckenna8623]

Yes, Secretariat was one of God’s finest earthly gifts to us, for sure. And He especially blessed Penny, , Ron, Lucian, Eddie and Charlie for allowing them to be a part of his life. What beautiful times those were.

[@agnesflorsalm4452]

All three records- KENTUCKY, PREAKNESS and BELMONT- still stand today!

[@markbroadhurst8366]

I love this greatest race horse

[@terrybader8595]

It's mind blowing...50+ years. His Belmont record might last forever!

[@janetgallo5720]

He is perfect. What else can you say?

[@christinemason2938]

You were perfect for each other. “I trusted him and he trusted me.” I believe that’s riding in a nutshell.

[@bandfan217]

The greatest horse God ever built! AMEN!

[@ever_digital8632]

I got his autograph on a photo of secretariat, screamed like I got it from a music star

[@stephenkozak7344]

secretariat and family is one of the most amazing stories in culture, ever

[@SF-rl7hl]

You are so right Ron. Big Red was a leader of all the champions! No one is or ever will be in his league! Sham was the closet on short races but even the great Sham couldn't stay with Secretariat on the longer races. Belmont! God bless!

[@Psyfi85]

Thank you for Sham shout out, I adore him too. He’ll always be my black stallion.

[@mike.j3913]

Sham is the 2nd greatest horse in history

[@vaar2742]

We loved him too Ron, God bless you.

[@2CalaLilly]

Ron, it's the same for me. Aside from my family, Secretariat is my first and greatest love. Always. Thank you for everything, Ron. I love you too. Always. ❤

[@steveker5084]

That's great journalism. Let the subjects--- Turcotte and Secretariat, do the talking. Well done by this reporter! Bravo.

[@jgonzalez101]

Praise God for creating such a fine specimen of a horse like no other; Secretariat!!!❤ 🐎

[@suzanneflowers2230]

He indeed glorifies the Lord, which I'm sure continues in heaven today.

[@jeffkrakowiak2826]

Secretariat was an amazing horse and Ron was the perfect match for him. Such an incredible story with those two.

[@richardharrold4357]

Sir I watch your TC races once a month. Tremendous inspiration. A great rider and a great horse meant to be. I also have the signed photo of your look back at belmont. Signed by you and Ms Chenery. A prized possession. Ms Chenery died a couple years after I purchased it. Thank you for everything you have done.

[@Mrbigp59]

ronnie is a great jockey and him and secretariat where a team never to be beaten

[@andrewleonard9257]

It seems there exists better quality footage of Secretariat's triple crown races than is currently available on KZbin. Fox Sports, is there any chance you could make this higher quality footage publicly available?

[@carolynstewart8465]

Remember that day like it was yesterday. Just Amazing! He had a great heart❤❤❤❤

[@jamescurran9002]

God Bless you Ron Turcotte.

[@nina5841]

God bless him! Gave us the ride of a lifetime riding the GOAT !

[@richardcomer8805]

Its hard to say who the best baseball player is or the best boxer or best basketball player is but there is only one best race horse and everybody knows big red is all alone

[@brucegelman5582]

Millions loved BIG RED

[@Psyfi85]

Billions

[@jnormanton]

Ron Turcotte had the ultimate high in life because of Secretariat and had the ultimate low because of his terrible accident I believe Ron Turcotte wouldn't change a thing if had to choose the life he had or just be another person like myself suffered very little and accomplished even less.

[@richardcoreno]

Athletic perfection is the ultimate teamwork.

[@diamonddetails9445]

One of the greatest movies EVER😮

[@guardiaguardia3017]

He should be a Hall of Famer.

[@2CalaLilly]

Ron Turcotte is in the Hall of Fame. So is Secretariat and his entire human team. The National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame has put up a permanent Secretariat exhibit for those who care to visit in Saratoga Springs, NY.

[@guardiaguardia3017]

@@2CalaLilly thank you for that information.

[@JohnMcIlroyTax]

Lot Canadian angles to the Secretariat story. Jockey Ronnie Turcotte was a Canadian. So was trainer Lucien Laurin. And the previous track record for Kentucky Derby was held by Northern Dancer, a Canadian thoroughbred.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Best horse that Ron Turcotte ever rode.

[@nickjohnson811]

Best horse that anyone ever rode.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@nickjohnson811 Very few riders ever rode Secretariat.

[@nickjohnson811]

@@sergeantmasson3669 I don't limit that comment to riders who rode Secretariat.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@nickjohnson811 The topic was about Secretariat, PUTZ.

[@nickjohnson811]

@@sergeantmasson3669 Wow - intolerant or just narrow minded?

[@frankcastle5294]

Eddie Sweat....Penny....Lucien....all dead and gone now. Ronnie is our only living connection to the greatest horse who ever lived.

[@KimWilliams-g8s]

❤Oh my goodness 😍 Love ❤ Love ❤ Love, Ron the Jockey I!!! Wat A Once in A Lifetime, Such A Very Lucky Experience!!! On Retrospect the Experience Would Be , " Humbling ", to Say the Least.❤ Thank You Ron, for SHARING, "SECRETARIAT ".❤

[@RapidTransit1941]

2:58 to 3:08 Goosebumps.........

[@peterlbaldwin511]

The Perfect Three-Way Partnership for and Behind THE PERFECT RACE HORSE, ... Ron Turcotte, Lucien Laurin and Penny Chenery-Tweedie allowed and encouraged the Legendary "SECRETARIAT", to Achieve his Full and True Potential.,.!!

[@DeniseStewart-g5k]

His reach. Stride is amazing

[@bobjohnson1587]

Over 24 feet!

[@agnesflorsalm4452]

Thank you Ron for being Secretariat's jockey.

[@Steven-r2w9b]

Many people fail to understand the nationwide IMPACT that Secretariat had on our country in 1973. He was a true HERO during a time in our country when we really NEEDED a hero. 1973 was the time of the Watergate scandal, the Vietnam War, and a stumbling U.S. economy, among other things. The fact that our hero was a HORSE, and not a person, made it that much more special. Secretariat captured the imagination, the respect, and the love of millions of horseracing fans, casual fans, and people who never had an interest in horseracing. He was, and will remain, the Greatest Of All Time in thoroughbred horseracing, and a TRUE legend, who STILL holds the stakes record times in all three Triple Crown races, 51 years later.

[@Brick-so1ig]

12F Test of Champions Distance in "2:24" Flat!! Winning by "31" Lengths...Just Incredible!!....Closest to 2:24 is Easy Goer Who Won in 2:26 Flat

[@chommie5350]

Tremendous machine

[@jonmartin6451]

I wish I could have seen Big Red alive, I was only 8yo when we watched him on TV. God Created the most perfect companion a horse lover could ever want, he was beautiful, muscular and of good temperament. I love seeing these old videos of Secretariat and his people but I must admit the do bring a tear to my eye. RIP Big Red you were PERFECT

[@vickimingus9281]

what a great pair

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Oddly, Secretarial did not like roses at all.

[@Psyfi85]

Used to think the same but if you watch the CBS broadcast it was the rope getting caught on his hind quarters and pressure from the media that spooked him.

[@justinnoble6506]

I have an autographed photo of the Belmont finish in my bedroom. That’s what Secretariat and Ronnie mean to me.

[@stephensmith7903]

I would love to meet Ron I was a baby when i had the pleasure to have a pic with big red right before he passed and was an honor to have some thing so great as a memory before it said goodbye.

[@isassssd]

he actually lives in the same town as me

[@suzanneflowers2230]

Knowing Christ insures Ron will ride Secretariat once again in the presence of our Lord in our new, perfect heavenly home.

[@hamburg1306]

You completely failed to mention Riva Ridge stablemate of secretariat who Turcotte rode in 1972 to Derby and Belmont victories. Only sloppy track at Preakness denied riva ridge triple crown. But report covers up prior history with Lucien Lauren and meadow stable with Riva Ridge.

[@christinematton4125]

This wasn't about Riva !

[@rivaridge7211]

I so agree - Riva Ridge literally "saved the farm" (Meadow Stable) which was teetering on the verge of bankruptcy in 1972. Riva's Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes wins in 1972, bank-rolled his stable-mate, Secretariat, for his incredible Triple Crown triumph the following year. Cheers to the great Ron Turcotte - he has a heart as strong as the beloved horse he rode. The lovely Penny Chenery (owner of Meadow Stable) once said that while she had great affection for Secretariat, she absolutely loved Riva Ridge, as Riva gave every bit of affection back to her as she gave to him. I always fondly remembered her story and was happy to choose "Riva Ridge'72" as my own KZbin "handle" many years back. Cheers to all!

[@christinematton4125]

Sorry to disagree with you but Riva did not save the farm... Riva's winnings paid the bills and Secretariats syndication paid the 6 million dollar tax bill that saved the farm from the GOVERNMENT!!! Taking everything! Why do you think she was forced to syndicate the horse before he ever ran any of the three races?? Read the book The Horse God Built it explains it all. That being said Riva is ignored 🙁. This also is Secretariats 50 year anniversary!

[@montanamountaingarden476]

This isn't about Riva, it's about Big Red

[@hamburg1306]

@@montanamountaingarden476 only referring to prior history between turcotte and Lauren. He didn’t get assigned to ride secretariat by coincidence.

[@kathieludwig4578]

The perfect horse, a brilliant jockey.

[@JoannaNunescurto]

I love to watch horse on tv! Horses are loveable; caring; warmth! I detest Animal CRuelty! Animals Have Rights Also? I am watching it October 2024,?😢😢😢

[@goricaj1]

Big Red stands above the rest!!! GOAT!!!!

[@madelineryan548]

I have a poster of Secretarial winning the Derby with a personalized message from Ronnie. I have a feeling the pair will run together once again on the other side

[@nealbennett4950]

At his last race Mr. Turcotte was suspended , can anyone tell me why ?

[@jennifersimmons1552]

There was a bump with another horse at the start of a race. He corrected, and there was nothing else he could have done, but the powers Tarth ruled wouldn’t even look at the footage or reconsider. Ron was at Secretariats last race in Canada, and supported the choice of Maple to ride.

[@jennifersimmons1552]

That be not Tarth!

[@orriechristopher862]

Secretariat is my favorite racehorse and i know all about him

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

Wow You guys at Fox completely botched the coverage of the Belmont Stakes. Sad. 😢

[@cubnation]

I agree. They could have spent more time on this piece. It's not like we're ever going to witness a horse like Secretariat again. 😕

[@Vinsanity09]

​@CUBNATION108 they didn't have any other pieces about secretariat?

[@kulamahameya7041]

Lol crazy that’s my wife’s uncle

[@abdinaserabdilahi9588]

All his records still stand to this day wow Usain Bolt of horses.

[@boomerang4864]

There may be only one horse to compare, Pharlap of Australia

[@elenacaddell3639]

No Two jocks ride Secretariat. Ronnie and a Canadian jock rode the last race in Canada.

[@mariapetras2654]

🙏💘👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@crystalfelch4628]

😊

[@mikebamburg2020]

That's not true I've seen on other programs when you said you first signed you thought he was too pretty to be a good race horse and then even after you wrote him the first time you still wasn't sure about him so let's be honest be honest Ron turquoise

[@KatieHellOnHeels8277]

I heard in another documentary that beautiful Secretariat's owner, Penny stated that he was too pretty.

[@Fultonfalcons86]

The GOAT man what a magnificent horse he was Thank You Ron for the glorious memories

[@Caroni100]

Ron Turcotte (22 de julio 1941 - ) * 20.281 Montas (%) * 3.032 Primeros (%) * 2.897 Segundos (%) * 2.559 Terceros (%) * $ 28.606.490 producidos (%) * (%) = Desde 1960 hasta 1978 * Líder Jinete en el Hipódromo Woodbine en 1962 & 1963 * Hombre del Año de las Carreras Canadienses 1978 * Gran Premio del Deporte Hípico 1978 * Premio Memorial Jinete George Woolf 1979 * Premio Memorial Jinete Avelino Gómez 1984 * Exaltado al Salón de la Fama del Museo de los Deportes de Nueva Brunswick, Canadá en 1973 * Orden de Canadá 1974 * Exaltado al Museo Nacional de las Carreras y Salón de la Fama en 1979 * Exaltado al Salón de la Fama del Deporte de Nueva York * Exaltado al Salón de la Fama de los Deportes de Canadá en 1980 * Exaltado al Salón de la Fama de las Carreras de Caballos Canadiense en 1980 * Exaltado al Salón de la fama del Hipódromo Hawthorne en 1986 * Exaltado al Salón de la Fama de los Deportes de Long Island en 1980 * Paul Harris Fellowship * ¡Bravo, campeón! Saludos desde Venezuela Ron Turcotte (July 22, 1941 - ) * 20.281 Mounts (%) * 3.032 Firsts (%) * 2.897 Seconds (%) * 2.559 Thirds (%) * $ 28.606.490 earned (%) * (%) = Since 1960 until 1978 * 1962 & 1963 Leading Jockey at Woodbine Racetrack * 1978Canadian Racing´s Man-of-the-Year * 1978 Big Sport of Turfdom Award * 1979 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award * 1984 Avelino Gomez Memorial Jockey Award * Inducted to New Brunswick Sports Hall fo Fame, Canadá in 1973 * 1974 Order of Canada * Inducted to The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1979 * Inducted to New York Sports Hall of Fame * Inducted to Canada´s Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 * Inducted to Canadian Horse Racing Hall fo Fame in 1980 * Inducted to Hatwhorne Racing Hall of Fame in 1986 * Inducted to Long Island Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 * Paul Harris Fellowship * Well done, champion! Best regards from Venezuela