The Canadian thoroughbred racehorse jockey, best known as the rider of Secretariat, Ron Turcotte, died on August 22, 2025, at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that millions will cherish. At the time of his demise, Turcotte was worth around $20 million.
Ron Turcotte’s Net Worth and Career Earnings
Turcotte was born on July 22, 1941, in Drummond, New Brunswick, as one of the 12 children of his parents. He left school at 14 to work as a lumberjack alongside his father. He traveled to Toronto in search of a construction job at 18, but instead found his calling in horse racing.
In 1960, Turcotte began at E. P. Taylor’s Windfields Farm as a hot walker, but it didn’t take long before he was in the saddle. As an apprentice jockey, he guided Northern Dancer to his first career win, making a name for himself. His breakthrough came in 1965 when he captured the Preakness Stakes aboard Tom Rolfe.
Soon after, he teamed up with Canadian trainer Lucien Laurin at Laurel Park in Maryland. Their partnership blossomed, and in 1972, Turcotte rode Riva Ridge, winning both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Turcotte dominated right from the start of his career.
In his first year, he won more races than the next three jockeys combined, earning 10% of his mounts’ purses. That year alone, his horses brought in $400,000—a sum when the minimum wage was just $1.15. Known for his discipline, Ron saved nearly every penny.
By 1964, Turcotte was Canada’s highest-paid athlete. Over his 17-year career, he amassed 3,032 wins and $26.6 million in earnings. Along with his brothers, the Turcotte family recorded 8,251 victories and nearly $60 million in total purses.
Injury and Death
Turcotte was hospitalized after a single-vehicle accident in New Brunswick on March 9, 2015. The van he was driving struck a snowbank and overturned, leaving him with fractures in both legs. His passenger, a friend, sustained only minor injuries.
Turcotte later passed away at his home in Drummond, New Brunswick, on August 22, 2025, at the age of 84.
Rest in peace, legend.
