Secretariat Saddle Sells for More Than $1.5 Million

The saddle used by jockey Ron Turcotte during Secretariat's immortal 1973 Triple Crown run fetched $1,524,000 at auction. The hammer came down March 12 at Christie's for one of the most iconic pieces of racing history in North America. The sale was conducted live in New York and online. The buyer's identity was not disclosed. Turcotte, who preserved the saddle for almost 50 years after "Big Red" won the Kentucky Derby (G1), Preakness Stakes (G1), and Belmont Stakes (G1), sold it to Indianapolis Colts' owner Jim Irsay in 2023 for an undisclosed amount. Irsay died in May 2025, followed by Turcotte three months later. Bidding stopped at $1.2 million with a 27% buyer's premium tacked on. Christie's estimated a lot value up to $3 million presale. Turcotte's hand-made "big race saddle" includes pockets for lead handicap weights inscribed "Ron Turcotte," irons, leathers, and a letter of authenticity signed by Turcotte, according to Christie's. Secretariat was under the saddle as a 2-year-old for the Sanford Stakes, Hopeful Stakes, Futurity Stakes, Champagne Stakes, Laurel Futurity, and Garden State Stakes; and the following year for the Bay Shore Stakes (G3), Gotham Stakes (G2), and Wood Memorial Stakes (G1). Turcotte also used the saddle aboard Riva Ridge in the 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. The saddle was set to be transferred to an off-site warehouse postsale. Christie's requires paid lots to be collected within seven days.