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Maximilian Hirsch |
| Training Career: | 70 years (1900-1969) |
| Stakes winners: | More than 100 |
| Champions: | 6 |
Hirsch first came to racing as a jockey riding at local fairs. At 12 he hopped a freight train headed for big time racing in Baltimore. This phase of his career lasted until weight gain ended his usefulness as a jockey. Hirsch's first major success as a trainer was the 1915 Dwyer won by Norse King, and his first champion was Sarazen, Horse of the Year 1924-25. In the 1930's Hirsch's record drew the attention of Robert Kleberg Jr.'s King Ranch Stable. He trained for King Ranch until his death in 1969.
Hirsch holding Triple Crown winner Assault
© Keeneland-Morgan
Hirsch's best known horse was Assault, the Triple Crown winner of 1946. He also won two races of the Triple Crown series with Bold Venture and with Middleground. | Champions Trained by Hirsch Sarazen, Horse of the Year, 1924-25
Assault, Horse of the Year, 1946
Bridal Flower, Champion 3-year-old female, 1946
But Why Not, Champion 3-year-old female, 1947
High Gun, Champion 3-year-old male, 1954
Gallant Bloom, Champion 2-year-old female, 1968 | Hirsch passed his love of Thoroughbreds on to his children. Two of his sons, including Hall of Fame member Buddy Hirsch, became trainers and his daughter Mary McLennan was one of the first women to obtain a trainer's license. Upon his father's death, Buddy Hirsch took over as trainer for King Ranch. Maximilian Hirsch was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1959.
Swaps and Shoemaker in the San Vincente © 1955 Santa
Anita Photo; ©Keeneland-Morgan
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