The saddle used by late jockey Ron Turcotte in Secretariat’s 1973 Triple Crown sweep and Riva Ridge’s 1972 Kentucky Derby-Belmont Stakes double was sold for $1.524 million at Christie's auction house on March 12. The buyer was not disclosed.
According to the auction house, the saddle included four removable lead weights, each inscribed “Ron Turcotte,” stirrup irons and leathers, several signed photos of Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes victory, and a signed copy of a Newsweek Magazine.
The saddle was handcrafted for Turcotte in 1972 ahead of the Blue Grass Stakes and was used for “big races” by Turcotte, according to the lot description.
According to the Courier-Journal, Turcotte sold the saddle to the National Football League's Indiana Colts owner Jim Irsay in 2023 for a reported price of $2 million.
Turcotte told the Courier-Journal at the time: “This special saddle represents a most magical time in my racing career, and its personal significance to me and my family goes beyond words. I’ve had the privilege of keeping it safe and secure for nearly 50 years, and now it’s time to let others enjoy the treasures in my collection as well."
Irsay passed away in May 2025, after which his family decided to offer multiple items from his sports memorabilia collection for auction.
Turcotte passed away in August 2025.
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on Mar 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
