The Guy Who Rode Big Red Just Left Us

By Lewis Barnett 23 August, 2025 5 mins read 241 Views

Ron Turcotte died Friday at 84, and honestly? It feels like losing a piece of racing history that we'll never get back.

The Hall of Fame jockey passed away at his home in Canada from natural causes. Natural causes - that's what they always say when someone's lived a full life and their body just... stops. Which feels right for Ron, somehow. The man who guided Secretariat through the most legendary Triple Crown run in history deserved to go peacefully.

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That Iconic Look Back

You know the photo. Hell, everyone knows the photo. Ron aboard "Big Red," turning around mid-gallop to see where the competition went during that absolutely bonkers 31-length Belmont Stakes victory in 1973. It's like he's checking to make sure the other horses didn't fall into a sinkhole or something.

That moment ended a 25-year Triple Crown drought. Twenty-five years! Citation had done it in 1948, and then... nothing. Until this kid from Canada and a chestnut colt made magic happen.

Numbers Don't Lie (But They Don't Tell the Whole Story Either)

Turcotte rode over 3,000 winners across nearly two decades. That's impressive as hell, but let's be real - most people only remember him for one horse. And you know what? That's perfectly fine. Some jockeys spend their entire careers chasing one moment like that 1973 Belmont.

Ron got his moment. Boy, did he ever.

David O'Rourke from the New York Racing Association put it perfectly: "Ron Turcotte will be forever remembered for guiding Secretariat to Triple Crown glory in 1973. While his courage as a jockey was on full display to a nation of adoring fans during that electrifying time, it was after he faced a life altering injury that we learned about the true character of Ron Turcotte."

When Everything Changed

1978. That's when Ron's riding career ended in the worst way possible - a fall that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Imagine going from flying around racetracks at 40 mph to being confined to a wheelchair. The mental adjustment alone would crush most people.

Not Ron, though.

Instead of disappearing into bitterness (and who would've blamed him?), he became a fixture at major races. Signing autographs, taking photos with fans, supporting other jockeys who'd suffered similar injuries through the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The guy turned his tragedy into purpose.

What He Actually Felt During That Historic Run

In 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown, Ron told the LA Times something that gave me chills: "I couldn't hear the announcer all the time, saying how far I was in front. I knew I was quite a ways in front because I couldn't hear any other horses hitting the ground behind me."

Think about that. He knew he was winning not by what he could see or hear from the crowd, but by the absence of sound. No thundering hooves behind him. Just silence and the rhythm of Secretariat's breathing.

"When I got the quarter pole I looked and I could barely see them and I looked at the clock and saw 1:59 on the board, which was faster than we ran the Derby."

Faster than the Derby. At that point, they weren't just winning - they were rewriting history in real time.

Six Halls of Fame Can't Be Wrong

Ron made it into six different Halls of Fame, including the National Racing Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. That's the kind of recognition that speaks to a life well-lived, both on and off the track.

But here's what gets me - after everything he accomplished, after all the accolades and that Hollywood movie about his most famous ride, Ron Turcotte will probably be remembered most for that single moment when he looked back during the Belmont Stakes. One glance over his shoulder that captured the pure joy of knowing you're part of something extraordinary.

Rest easy, Ron. You gave us a moment that'll outlive us all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of surfaces are horse races run on?

Horse races can be run on a variety of surfaces including synthetic, grass, and dirt. Horses may perform better on certain surfaces than others. Rain-soaked tracks can have a major impact on the outcome.

How do horse racing betting odds work?

Betting odds in horse racing reflect the probability of a particular outcome. The odds are usually expressed in fractions or decimals, and they can show how much a better might win if he wins. Odds can fluctuate based on the amount of money wagered on each horse and can vary up until the race begins. These changes will be monitored by a seasoned gambler to make informed decisions.

What is the jockey's role in a race of horses?

The jockey is integral to a horse race, as their decisions and skills can influence the outcome. A skilled jockey will know how to pace their horse, when they should hold back and push forward, how to navigate the field as well as use the whip to encourage maximum effort in the final stretch. A successful partnership is dependent on the relationship between horse and jockey.

What are the main factors that determine the outcome of horse races?

Horse race results are affected by a number of factors, including the horse’s breeding, training, and physical condition. A jockey's ability and experience are also crucial, as is the track conditions and distance. Weather also plays a role in horse performance, with some horses performing better than others on certain surfaces.

What's the significance of a horse's race bloodline?

Bloodlines are important because they indicate the traits that have been passed on from their ancestors. These include speed, stamina and temperament, all of which are critical to racing success. Breeders often refer to a horse's pedigree when predicting its potential and suitably match stallions with mares to produce offspring with desirable characteristics for racing.

Statistics

The average racing career of a Thoroughbred horse spans approximately three to four years, after which many pursue breeding or other equestrian activities.
There are over 9.2 million horses in the United States, with a significant portion of these bred for the purpose of racing.
Horse racing events in the United Kingdom draw in a yearly attendance of over 6 million people.
Horse racing is known to support roughly 1.4 million full-time jobs in the United States alone.
The Kentucky Derby, one of the most watched horse racing events, has attracted over 150,000 spectators in a single event.

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How To

How to evaluate track conditions for horses

Analyzing tracks involves understanding different surfaces and how they affect the performance of a equine. A dirt track can be fast and firm or sloppy and muddy depending on the weather. Turf courses have similar variability, with the term 'yielding' used when there's significant give in the ground. Synthetic surfaces are more consistent than natural ones, but they can be affected by the temperature. Past performances can often reveal a horse’s preference for certain conditions. You should always consider the track condition when placing your wagers.

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