A National Film Board of Canada's documentary, Secretariat's Jockey, Ron Turcotte, will premiere during Kentucky Derby Week in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Secretariat's historic Triple Crown campaign.
The touching film, directed by award-winning filmmaker Phil Comeau and produced by the NFB's Maryse Chapdelaine, follows Turcotte as he returns to the people and places that have marked his storied life. It provides an insider's view of horse racing as well as an intimate glimpse of this resilient and legendary jockey, whose marveled 16-year career ended in 1978 when a fall left him paraplegic.
The world premiere, presented by the Kentucky Derby Museum and Secretariat.com, will be May 2, at the Baxter Theatre in Louisville. The evening will begin with an optional VIP cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., where guests are invited to join Turcotte, Secretariat's owner Penny Chenery, and other racing celebrities. Tickets can be purchased through Secretariat.com or by calling (502) 893-7997.
General admission seating to the film is $50 per ticket. Premium admission, which includes reserved seating inside the theater and access to the private VIP reception prior to the film, is available for $100 per ticket. Tickets will be available for will-call pick-up at the theatre only on the day of the event, beginning at 4 p.m.
Ticket sales from the world premier will benefit the Secretariat Foundation, Kentucky Derby Museum, and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Special screenings for the film will continue during the Triple Crown season. On May 14, Secretariat's Jockey, Ron Turcotte will be at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Springs, Md., in conjunction with the Preakness Stakes. The film will be shown for the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York, at a time and location to be determined.
In addition to these screenings, Secretariat's 40th anniversary will be recognized during the "Secretariat Birthday Celebration" at The Meadow in Doswell, Va., on March 30. Other scheduled festivities and appearances will continue along the Triple Crown trail in conjunction with the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico May 17-18 and at the Belmont Stakes in New York June 8. Visit the Upcoming Events page at Secretariat.com to view the complete schedule.
The Secretariat Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization created by Penny Chenery to assist the Thoroughbred industry in the areas of research, rehabilitation, retirement, and recognition. Chenery named the foundation after her great champion to use his enduring appeal to bring greater awareness to the many causes found within the equine community.
Ron Turcotte aboard Secretariat
Blood-Horse Library