Secretariat’s Triple Crown Saddle Sells for Record Price at Auction

Nearly five decades after one of the most iconic performances in sports history, a piece of Secretariat’s legacy has made headlines once again.

The saddle used by Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte during Secretariat’s 1973 Triple Crown run sold for a staggering $1.524 million at Christie’s on March 12. The price, which includes the buyer’s premium, set a new record for horse racing memorabilia and reinforced Secretariat’s lasting impact across generations.

Bidding reached a hammer price of $1.2 million before climbing to its final total. While Christie’s did not reveal the identity of the buyer, the result confirmed what many collectors already believed: artifacts tied to Secretariat remain among the most coveted in all of sports history.

The Saddle Behind a Historic Triple Crown

The saddle is not just a collectible; it’s a direct link to one of the greatest athletic achievements ever recorded.

Custom-crafted by saddle maker Lee Wincher ahead of the 1972 Bluegrass Stakes, the piece was designed specifically for high-stakes racing. Turcotte famously called it his “Big-Race” saddle, built to carry the heavier weights assigned in elite competitions.

It was this saddle that Turcotte used aboard Secretariat during his dominant Triple Crown sweep, including the unforgettable Belmont Stakes victory in which the colt won by 31 lengths – a record that still stands. The saddle also played a role in another championship campaign, as Turcotte used it with Riva Ridge during his 1972 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes wins.

Inside Jim Irsay’s Legendary Collection Auction

The saddle’s record-breaking sale was part of a much larger and culturally significant auction: the dispersal of the collection of Jim Irsay, longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts.

Handled by Christie’s in New York, the sale featured more than 100 items spanning sports, music, literature, and American history. Many pieces had ties to Kentucky, further enhancing the regional significance of the event.

Among the standout items were boxing gloves and a robe worn by Muhammad Ali, a Louisville Slugger bat used by Jackie Robinson, and Hunter S. Thompson’s famous red Chevrolet Caprice convertible known as the “Red Shark.” Literary artifacts, including annotated works by Jack Kerouac, also drew attention.

The auction extended well beyond sports. It included a remarkable array of pop culture and music history: a 1963 guitar owned by John Lennon, instruments tied to Jerry Garcia and Kurt Cobain, a drum kit from Ringo Starr, and even a handwritten notebook from Jim Morrison.

Other unique items ranged from a golden ticket prop from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to a letter written by Steve Jobs. Proceeds from the sale will partially support charitable causes, including mental health awareness – an initiative closely tied to Irsay’s legacy.

From Private Treasure to Public Legacy

Irsay, who passed away on May 21, 2025, built one of the most eclectic and valuable private collections in the world. His vision extended beyond ownership; he frequently showcased items through traveling exhibitions, allowing fans to experience pieces of history up close.

The Secretariat saddle itself had a unique journey before reaching the auction block. Turcotte sold it privately to Irsay in 2023, nearly 50 years after the Triple Crown. At the time, Turcotte reflected on its significance, calling it a symbol of “a most magical time” in his career.

Turcotte himself passed away just three months after Irsay, at the age of 84, marking the quiet closing of a chapter tied directly to Secretariat’s historic run.

Following Irsay’s death, his family made the decision to release parts of the collection to the public market, ensuring that these historic artifacts would continue to be appreciated and preserved by new custodians.

Even decades later, Secretariat’s dominance remains unmatched, and artifacts tied to that era continue to command global attention. The saddle, once a functional piece of racing equipment, has now become a symbol of excellence, nostalgia, and the timeless appeal of greatness.

In a collection filled with cultural heavyweights, it stood tallest – just as Secretariat did on the track.

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