Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, who guided the legendary Secretariat into Triple Crown history in 1973, will be at the Churchill Downs Store on Monday, October 5th and Tuesday, October 6th from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The Churchill Downs Store and this autograph session are open to the public through Gate 17. Access to the filming of the movie is restricted to the public. However, extras are still needed and encouraged to come to the track in 70’s garb. Extras for the movie should enter the parking lot through Gate 12 and walk to Gate 10 for registration which begins 8:00 a.m. at the track.
Turcotte will sign Secretariat items purchased in the gift shop (which is operated by the Kentucky Derby Museum) or fan memorabilia at a cost of $15 per autograph. (One purchase will be required for a signature.)
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Secretariat Foundation, established by Secretariat’s owner, Helen “Penny” Chenery. The Foundation supports veterinary research into lameness of the horse, Thoroughbred retirement and rehabilitation facilities, therapeutic equestrian programs, and related charitable programs.
Turcotte won more than 3,000 races while competing at the highest levels of the sport. He rode Riva Ridge to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 1972. His triumph aboard Secretariat the following year made him the first jockey in 70 years to win back-to-back Kentucky Derbys and the only rider to win five of six consecutive Triple Crown races.
Turcotte was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1979 and also is a member of the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame, the Canadian All Sports Hall of Fame, and the New York Sports Hall of Fame, among other such inductions.
His riding career came to an abrupt end on July 13, 1978, when a racing accident at Belmont Park left him paralyzed from the waist down.
***The Churchill Downs Store is located through Gate 17 at Churchill Downs. It is operated by the non-profit Kentucky Derby Museum which is currently closed due to flood damage.***
Secretariat jockey to sign autographs during movie production at Churchill Downs
