My friend, Ron Turcotte

August 23, 2025

I met Ron in Canada in 2018, when I began sculpting my first larger-than-life Secretariat Monument. I still remember riding with him out to his home in his big red van with the license plate that read, fittingly, Big Red. That day was the beginning of a wonderful friendship and partnership centered around all things Secretariat.

Ron was an incredible inspiration to many—especially to me, an eager artist who needed to understand everything about him: how he held the reins, how he communicated with his mount, and most of all, his exact position in the irons as he crossed the finish line. He was very particular about that detail, and it mattered deeply to him.

Beyond his knowledge and legacy, Ron was kind, humble, and generous—a man truly larger than life. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

©Jocelyn Russell