Secretariat film a fitting tribute: jockey

Secretariat jockey and New Brunswicker Ron Turcotte says he's happy with the new Disney movie that chronicles the famous horse's 1973 Triple Crown victory.

Turcotte, who was born in Drummond, N.B., and lives in Grand Falls, said he didn't expect to like the film.

"I came out loving it," said Turcotte, who rode Secretariat to the sport's first Triple Crown in 25 years. "I thought they portrayed my end of it very well."

The movie centres on the horse's owner, Penny Chenery, so Turcotte's role,  played by jockey Otto Thorwarth, is secondary.

The filmmakers changed a few minor details, he said, but he thought movie a well-deserved tribute.

"Secretariat is the greatest horse that ever lived," said Turcotte.

Secretariat won the 1973 Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, the last by 31 lengths.

The horse was so popular at the time that he made the cover of Time and Newsweek.

Turcotte said several people have tried over the years to buy the movie rights to his life story, which includes other victories and a tragic accident at the track that ended his career. But his wife is a very private person, he said, so he's said no.

Secretariat was released Friday and finished third in the North American weekend box office.