It was a moment filled with both triumph and sadness—a final goodbye between a jockey and the horse who had changed his life forever. In the autumn of 1973, as Secretariat prepared to leave racing behind and begin his new chapter at Claiborne Farm, his longtime jockey Ron Turcotte leaned in for one last affectionate moment with the great champion.
Captured in a now-iconic photograph, Turcotte gently pressed a kiss on Secretariat’s velvety muzzle, a silent farewell to the horse who had carried him to Triple Crown glory. Behind them, standing quietly in the background, was Eddie Sweat, Secretariat’s devoted groom, who had cared for him since his early days in the barn. Though the moment was bittersweet, there was an unspoken understanding among those closest to him—Secretariat was destined for greatness beyond the track as well.
This was not just any horse; this was the Big Red Machine, the record-shattering colt who had electrified the racing world. His Belmont Stakes performance—a 31-length victory—would remain the most dominant display of power and speed ever witnessed. His name was already etched in history, but to Turcotte, Eddie, and all who loved him, Secretariat was more than just a racehorse. He was a friend, a companion, and a once-in-a-lifetime presence.
As Secretariat made his way to his new home at Claiborne Farm, there was a sense of finality, but also one of celebration. He had nothing left to prove. He had rewritten the record books, captivated millions, and left the sport on his own terms—as a champion.
With that final kiss, Ron Turcotte bid farewell—not just to the horse, but to an unforgettable journey. 
