Biography

James Forman “Tod” Sloan rode his first winner on March 6, 1889, at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, and went on to be a sensation both on and off the racetrack throughout the 1890s. Sloan popularized the crouched riding style and used short stirrups to his advantage, revolutionizing race riding.

In 1896, he won 128 races from 430 mounts (29.8 percent). Sloan then won 137 of 369 (37.1 percent) in 1897, and was even better in 1898, winning 166 of 362 (45.9 percent). He won the Manhattan on Belmar, the Futurity on Ballyhoo Bey, the Brooklyn on Ornament, the Brighton Cup and Lawrence Realization on Hall of Famer Hamburg, and several stakes on Jean Bereaud.

Sloan made the first of many trips to England in 1897, and his style of riding and opulent manner of living brought him great notoriety there. He called himself “Todhunter,” while English racegoers called him “Toddy,” and playwright George M. Cohan called him “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in a popular Broadway musical based on his life.

Sloan was a tremendous success in England, winning the Ascot Gold Cup, One Thousand Guineas, and Miller Park Stakes, among others. In 1899, he won five races on three six-race cards — in California, New York, and England.

Suspicion he was betting on his own mounts led to his banishment in England, and American authorities honored the judgment as well, which ended his career in 1900. Sloan subsequently spent time as a bookmaker, vaudevillian, and motion picture actor.   

Achievements

Won the Flatbush Stakes — 1897, 1900
Won the Autumn Stakes — 1898, 1900
Won the Manhattan Handicap — 1896
Won the Brighton Cup — 1898
Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1898
Won the Great Eastern Handicap — 1898
Won the One Thousand Guineas — 1899
Won the Ascot Gold Cup — 1900
Won the Futurity Stakes — 1900

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Biography

Nash Turner was one of the elite riders in America when he won a thrilling edition of the Belmont Stakes in 1900 aboard Ildrim. Six years later, he was one of the top jockeys in France when he won the French Derby with Finasseur.

Born in Texas in 1881 and developed into a jockey by trainer Eugene Leigh, Turner made a name for himself in 1899 when he won the Suburban Handicap with Hall of Famer Imp, the first filly to win the race. Turner also won the first two runnings of the Saratoga Special with Goldsmith (1901) and Irish Lad (1902).

Turner’s other major wins included the Latonia Oaks, Tennessee Derby, and Tennessee Oaks with May Hempstead in 1899; the Clark Handicap in 1899 (Corsini); the Withers Stakes in 1900 (Kilmarnok); the Flatbush Stakes in 1901 (Nasturtium) and 1902 (Irish Lad); the Great American Stakes in 1899 (Vulcain) and 1900 (Prince Charles); the Alabama Stakes in 1901 (Morningside); and the Matron Stakes in 1902 (Grey Friar).

Along with the French Derby, Turner won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in 1905 (Finasseur) and the French Oaks in 1906 (Flying Star). Turner later became a trainer and owner in France. He died there in 1937.

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Wom the 1900 Belmont Stakes — Ildrim

Other Highlights

Won the Great American Stakes — 1899, 1900
Won the Flatbush Stakes — 1901, 1902
Won the Saratoga Special — 1901, 1902
Won the Jerome Handicap — 1898
Won the Clark Handicap — 1899
Won the Suburban Handicap — 1899
Won the Withers Stakes — 1900
Won the Alabama Stakes — 1900
Won the Saratoga Handicap — 1901
Won the Matron Stakes — 1902
Won the French Derby — 1906

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Biography

The leading money-winning rider in 1925 and 1926, Laverne Fator in those years won consecutive editions of the Belmont Futurity with Pompey and Scapa Flow, respectively, as well as the Carter Handicap with Silver Fox and Nedana, and the Gazelle Handicap with Nedana and Corvette.

In 1925, Fator also won his second Brooklyn Handicap, on Mad Play, after winning the race previously in 1921 with Hall of Famer Grey Lag, defeating Hall of Famer Exterminator and Mad Hatter.

Born in 1902 in Hailey, Idaho, Fator was one of three brothers who became professional riders. In 1919, Hall of Fame trainer Sam Hildreth paid Fator the large sum of $15,000 to sign a contract with the elite Rancocas Stable.

Aboard champion Black Maria, Fator won the 1927 Aqueduct Handicap and the inaugural running of the Whitney Handicap in 1928. He won the Travers with Little Chief (1922) and Brown Bud (1927); the Champagne with Surf Rider (1921) and Mate (1930); and the Alabama with Prudery (1921).

Overall, Fator won 1,075 races.

Achievements

North America's leading rider in earnings — 1925, 1926

Other Highlights

Won the Manhattan Handicap — 1919, 1922, 1928
Won the Gazelle Handicap — 1920, 1925, 1926
Won the Carter Handicap — 1922, 1925, 1926
Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1921, 1925
Won the Travers Stakes — 1922, 1927
Won the Futurity Stakes — 1925, 1926

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Biography

James McLaughlin poured his heart and soul into riding racehorses. One of the most aggressive jockeys in the history of American racing, McLaughlin carved out a remarkable legacy in the saddle that has stood the test of time.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, on Feb. 12, 1861, McLaughlin became a professional jockey at the age of 15 and quickly ascended to the top of his profession. During his 17-year career (1876 through 1892), McLaughlin won just about every significant event in America. He was beloved for his fearlessness and respected for his integrity.

When it came to the marquee races, McLaughlin had few peers. By 1888, McLaughlin had won the Belmont Stakes six times and the Travers Stakes four times. Those records stood unmatched for more than 60 years until the great Eddie Arcaro equaled them both. 

Through a 10-year association with prominent owners Mike and Phil Dwyer, McLaughlin was the regular rider for many of the greatest thoroughbreds of the 19th century, including Hall of Fame members Firenze, Hanover, Hindoo, Kingston, Luke Blackburn, and Miss Woodford. McLaughlin considered Luke Blackburn to be his finest mount. In 1880, McLaughlin was aboard every time when Luke Blackburn turned in one of the most remarkable campaigns in racing history with 22 wins in 24 starts.

“Luke Blackburn was the best horse I ever saw,” McLaughlin said. “He could run fast and far. He was a free runner and would jump away from the start and run his company dizzy. He had a fine temper and was a prime favorite, both in the East and in Kentucky.”

Contemporary accounts suggested McLaughlin was not the most picturesque rider of his day, but he more than made up for any technical deficiencies with incredible strength and keen sense of pace.

“McLaughlin’s seat is not artistic,” noted one newspaper account. “It is constrained — ‘doubled up,’ so to speak. He takes a big wrap and rides with a very short rein, sits forward in many cases upon a horse’s back. But as inartistic as it may be, he has a wonderful faculty of winning with it. He is as quick as a flash in starting, it being his principal that a foot of ground gained at the start is equal to a dozen at the finish when the horse is tiring. He is a very hard rider.”

An absence of textbook form certainly didn’t hurt McLaughlin, especially in the sport’s most prestigious races.

McLaughlin won his first Belmont in 1882 aboard Forester. He repeated the feat the next year with George Kinney, and made it three in a row with Panique in 1884. After finishing third in the 1885 Belmont with Tecumseh, McLaughlin returned to the winner’s circle in the Belmont in 1886 (Inspector B.), 1887 (Hanover), and 1888 (Sir Dixon) to conclude a magnificent run of six Belmont wins in seven years. He also won the Kentucky Derby in 1881 with Hindoo and the 1885 Preakness Stakes with Tecumseh.

“He was the only jockey I hated to meet in an important race,” Hall of Fame rider Edward “Snapper” Garrison said of McLaughlin. “He was a master judge of pace.”

At Saratoga, McLaughlin was always on top of his game. He won the Travers in 1881 (Hindoo), 1883 (Barnes), 1886 (Inspector B.), and 1888 (Sir Dixon). At the Spa, McLaughlin also won four editions of the United States Hotel Stakes, and three runnings of the Alabama Stakes and Flash Stakes. Other major wins for McLaughlin at Saratoga included the Saratoga Cup, Spinaway, Miller, and Kenner.

McLaughlin led the national jockey standings in wins each year from 1884 through 1888, but it can be argued that his best year was 1883 when he won 44 percent of his races (95-for-218) and was in the money 79 percent of the time.  

“His success has never exalted him,” reported the Spirit of the Times. “He is quiet, modest and polite, and has the confidence of his employers and the public. He is the best of American jockeys.”

Weight began to become a problem for McLaughlin the early 1890s and eventually forced him into retirement. He embarked on a successful career as a trainer, winning races such as the Metropolitan Handicap and Long Island Handicap. He also spent time as a racetrack official.

Achievements

North America’s leading rider in wins — 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1881 Kentucky Derby — Hindoo
Won the 1885 Preakness Stakes — Tecumseh 
Won the 1882 Belmont Stakes — Forester
Won the 1883 Belmont Stakes — George Kinney
Won the 1884 Belmont Stakes — Panique
Won the 1886 Belmont Stakes — Inspector B. 
Won the 1887 Belmont Stakes — Hanover
Won the 1888 Belmont Stakes — Sir Dixon

Other Highlights

Won the Tidal Stakes — 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1889
Won the Coney Island Derby — 1881, 1882, 1885, 1887
Won the Travers Stakes — 1881, 1883, 1886, 1888
Won the Clark Handicap — 1880, 1881, 1882
Won the Alabama Stakes — 1883, 1886, 1888

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Biography

Isaac Murphy’s remarkable journey through life was defined by both triumphs and tragedies.

Murphy possessed a rare gift for riding thoroughbreds. He made the most of his natural talent, gaining fame, wealth and elite social status that was uncommon for an African-American in the 19th century.

Born on New Year’s Day of 1861 in Frankfort, Kentucky, the son of a former slave who was a Union solider during the Civil War, Murphy grew up around the horse barns at nearby Lexington Stables and became an exercise rider in his youth. At 14, and weighing less than 95 pounds, Murphy was given his first mount as a replacement rider at Churchill Downs. He lost. In fact, he finished dead last. And so began, in unspectacular fashion, the riding career of arguably the greatest jockey the American racing has ever known.

Murphy went on to become the first back-to-back and three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby and was credited by some sources as being victorious in an amazing 44 percent (628 wins from 1,412 mounts) of his career races. Other records credit Murphy with 530 wins from 1,538 mounts, although it is likely many of his races did not appear in chart books.

Murphy rode his first Derby winner in 1884 aboard Buchanan and took back-to-back editions of the race in 1890 aboard Riley and 1891 with Kingman.

In 1891, when jockeys were seldom mentioned in news reports, the Louisville Courier-Journal devoted an entire column to Murphy after his third Derby victory. Kingman was owned and trained by Dudley Allen and has the distinction of being the only horse owned by an African-American to win the Kentucky Derby.

Murphy’s three Derby victories were not equaled until Earl Sande achieved the feat 39 years later in 1930 and not bested until Eddie Arcaro, regarded by many as the top jockey of the 20th century, rode into the picture almost 60 years after Murphy.

The Kentucky Derby, one of the oldest sporting events in America, didn’t have the prestige during Murphy’s time in the saddle that it carries now. Murphy won four editions of the American Derby, which at the time was the biggest race in the country. He also took five runnings of the Latonia Derby and won the Clark Stakes four times.

Saratoga Race Course was another hallowed venue where Murphy displayed his supreme skills. He won the 1879 Travers Stakes aboard Falsetto. That victory catapulted him into the national spotlight for the first time because he defeated Belmont Stakes winner Spendthrift and the famed white jockey Edward Feakes.

After his Travers victory, the Spirit of the Times praised the 18-year-old Murphy’s excellence, stating that Murphy "is one of the best jockeys in America. He is very observant during the progress of a race, keeps a sharp lookout for danger, is quick to perceive the weak points of an adversary, and prompt to take advantage of them. He has a steady hand, a quick eye, a cool head, and a bold heart.”

Murphy’s abilities earned him the best mounts of his era and he was extremely selective of the horses he rode, which aided his superb victory percentage. Murphy also did not approve of jockeys betting and never did so himself. He was confident, handsome, intelligent, physically talented, and the highest-paid athlete in the country. Although he was a superstar, Murphy remained humble and was a quiet soul.

Murphy set much of the style of modern American horse racing. He was one of the first jockeys to use the “grandstand finish,” causing one track observer to quip that “no man with a touch of heart disease should ever back his mounts” because of Murphy’s propensity to steal races near the finish line.

Known as a finesse rider, Murphy rarely used the whip, had strong hands, and extraordinary instincts. Trainer Jack Joyner described Murphy as “the best judge of pace I ever saw.”

Things began to go sour for Murphy at New Jersey’s Monmouth Park in 1890. The New York Times summarized: “A popular idol was shattered at Monmouth Park yesterday. That Isaac Murphy, who has always been considered the most gentlemanly as well as the most honest of jockeys, would have made such an exhibition of himself as he did was past belief. He rode Firenzi in the Monmouth Handicap, and that he did so was alone the reason for the ridiculous way in which she was beaten, finishing last in a field of horses that she should have defeated with but little trouble.”

The article suggested Murphy was “loaded with liquor.” The great jockey appeared dazed and had trouble dismounting after the race, but he adamantly disputed that he rode drunk. There were claims that Murphy had been poisoned before the race it was becoming evident that years of crash dieting to make weight was taking a heavy toll on him.

Murphy bounced back to win his third Kentucky Derby the next year, but his career was starting to slide. He rode less and less during the next few years and his career was through by 1895.

Murphy became a trainer and owned several horses following his retirement from riding. He died of pneumonia on Feb. 12, 1896, at the age of 35. Lung diseases were common among jockeys, whose crash diets and rigid exercise programs led to weaker immune systems that struggled to ward off infections.

The National Turf Writers Association established the Isaac Murphy Award in 1995, which is annually presented to the jockey with the highest win percentage.

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1884 Kentucky Derby — Buchanan
Won the 1890 Kentucky Derby — Riley
Won the 1891 Kentucky Derby — Kingman

Other Highlights

Won the Latonia Derby — 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1891
Won the Clark Handicap — 1879, 1884, 1885, 1890
Won the American Derby — 1884, 1885, 1886, 1888
Won the Saratoga Cup — 1881, 1886
Won the Alabama Stakes — 1885, 1889
Won the Champion Stakes  — 1886, 1890
Won the Travers Stakes — 1879
Won the Kentucky Oaks — 1884
Won the Illinois Derby — 1884
Won the Brooklyn Derby — 1888
Won the Jerome Handicap — 1889
Won the Suburban Handicap — 1890
Won the Gazelle Handicap — 1892

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Biography

George Odom became the second man to win the Belmont Stakes as both a jockey (1904 aboard Delhi) and trainer (1938 with Pasteurized), joining fellow Hall of Famer James G. Rowe, Sr.

Riding in what at the time was an innovative short-stirrup style, Odom was one of the elite riders of the early 1900s. He rode Bannister to victory in the 1901 Metropolitan and Toboggan handicaps; Bannister won the latter under 130 pounds. Odom also won the Champagne with Kilmarnok (1899) and Oiseau (1904); the Matron with Heno (1901) and Eugene Burch (1902); a second Toboggan with Hurst Park (1904); and the Great American and Juvenile stakes with Hall of Famer Broomstick in 1903.

Other standouts ridden by Odom included Hall of Famer Imp, Gold Heels, Ethelbert, and Advance Guard.

As a trainer, he saddled 44 stakes winners, including Hall of Famer Busher. He also trained Thumbs Up, Nimba, Tippity Witchet, Purchase, Honeymoon, and Young Peter. His major wins as a trainer included two editions of the Futurity, Tremont, Test, and Manhattan Handicap, as well as the Santa Anita Handicap, Travers, Metropolitan Handicap, and Santa Anita Oaks, among others. 

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1904 Belmont Stakes — Delhi
Won the 1938 Belmont Stakes (as trainer) — Pasteurized

Other Highlights

Won the Champagne Stakes — 1899, 1904
Won the Matron Stakes — 1901, 1902
Won the Toboggan Handicap — 1901, 1904
Won the Brighton Handicap — 1902, 1903
Won the Metropolitan Handicap — 1901
Won the Saratoga Handicap — 1903

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Biography

The regular rider of Hall of Famer Domino, Fred “The Flying Dutchman” Taral was described by owner Foxhall Keene as “a tremendously powerful man who many times actually seemed to lift Domino over the line a winner.” Undefeated in nine starts under Taral in 1893 as a 2-year-old, Domino that year won the Futurity Stakes under 130 pounds, the Matron under 129, and set an earnings record that stood for 27 years.

Born in Illinois in 1867, Taral began riding in 1883 and won his first stakes race three years later aboard Faster at Washington Park. He won the Preakness Stakes in 1894 with Assignee, the Preakness and Belmont in 1895 with Belmar, and the Kentucky Derby in 1899 with Manuel.

Taral swept New York’s three major handicap races in 1894, winning the Brooklyn on Dr. Rice and the Metropolitan and Suburban on Ramapo. Taral also won the Metropolitan on Pessara (1892); the Brooklyn on Diabolo (1893) and Sir Walter (1896); the Travers on Hall of Famer Henry of Navarre (1894) and Rensselaer (1897); the Withers on Dr. Rice (1893) and Domino (1894); and the Champagne on Sir Excess (1893) and Salvation (1894).

Overall, Taral rode 838 winners in North America and 599 more in Europe. He later became a successful trainer in Germany before returning to America. He was training in the United States when he died in 1925.

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1889 Kentucky Derby — Manuel
Won the 1894 Preakness Stakes — Assignee
Won the 1895 Preakness Stakes — Belmar
Won the 1895 Belmont Stakes — Belmar

Other Highlights

Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1893, 1894, 1896
Won the Metropolitan Handicap — 1892, 1894
Won the Champagne Stakes — 1893, 1894
Won the Matron Stakes — 1893, 1894
Won the Withers Stakes — 1893, 1894
Won the Travers Stakes — 1894, 1897
Won the Great Eastern Handicap — 1896, 1897

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Biography

Apprenticed to trainer W. C. “Father Bill” Daly, Connecticut native Edward “Snapper” Garrison earned his nickname by demonstrating enthusiasm for even the most menial of stable chores. Given an opportunity to be a jockey at age 14, Garrison became known for his furious come-from-behind rides in which he won in the final strides by the smallest of margins — a “Garrison Finish.”

In 1891, Garrison won the Belmont Stakes with Foxford. His other major victories included the Suburban Handicap with Raceland (1889) and Montana (1892); the Great American with St. Carlo (1889), Russell (1890), and Sir Walter (1892); the Tremont with Padishah (1889), Chatham (1890), and Gotham (1894); the Jerome with Hall of Famer Firenze (1887), Prince Royal (1888), and Tammany (1892); the Withers with King Eric (1890) and Tammany (1892); and the American Derby with Boundless (1893).

Garrison considered Tammany the best horse he rode. He also held Firenze in high regard, winning the 1887 Monmouth Oaks, 1888 Monmouth Handicap, and 1888 Monmouth Cup with her in addition to the Jerome. Garrison’s popularity as a rider led to a stint as an actor on the New York stage scene. After retiring from the saddle, he also served as a stable agent, trainer, owner, and racing official.

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1891 Belmont Stakes — Foxford

Other Highlights

Won the Jerome Handicap — 1887, 1888, 1892
Won the Great American Stakes — 1889, 1890, 1892
Won the Tremont Stakes — 1889, 1890, 1894
Won the Suburban Handicap — 1889, 1892
Won the Withers Stakes — 1890, 1892
Won the Monmouth Cup — 1888
Won the Monmouth Handicap — 1888
Won the American Derby — 1893
 

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Biography

Earl Sande earned his place in racing history by winning nine Triple Crown events, including a sweep of the series in 1930 with Hall of Famer Gallant Fox. He also won the Kentucky Derby in 1923 with Hall of Famer Zev and 1925 with Flying Ebony, and the Belmont four other times with Hall of Famers Grey Lag (1921) and Zev (1923), as well as Mad Play (1924) and Chance Shot (1927).

A native of South Dakota, Sande began riding at the fairs in the West. He began to make a name for himself in 1918, winning 18 stakes that year, including four on Hall of Famer Billy Kelly. In 1923, he won 39 stakes, including 10 with Zev.

Sande led all North American jockeys in earnings in 1921, 1923, and 1927. He won the Jockey Club Gold Cup and Saratoga Handicap four times each, the Dwyer, Metropolitan, Lawrence Realization, Saratoga Special, Suburban, and Toboggan three times each, and the Coaching Club American Oaks, Brooklyn, Saratoga Cup, and Blue Grass twice each. He also rode Hall of Famers Crusader, Man o’ War, and Sir Barton.

Sande came out of retirement to ride Gallant Fox through his memorable 1930 season before retiring again and going on to train. He was North America’s leading trainer in 1938, developing champion Stagehand. He later returned to the irons to ride 10 races at the age of 55, winning once. Overall, Sande rode 968 winners.  

Achievements

North America's leading rider in earnings — 1923, 1925, 1930
North America's leading trainer in earnings — 1938

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1923 Kentucky Derby — Zev
Won the 1925 Kentucky Derby — Flying Ebony
Won the 1930 Kentucky Derby — Gallant Fox
Won the 1930 Preakness Stakes — Gallant Fox
Won the 1921 Belmont Stakes — Grey Lag
Won the 1923 Belmont Stakes — Zev
Won the 1924 Belmont Stakes — Mad Play
Won the 1927 Belmont Stakes — Chance Shot
Won the 1930 Belmont Stakes — Gallant Fox

Other Highlights

Won the Saratoga Handicap — 1920, 1924, 1927, 1928
Won the Jockey Club Gold Cup — 1921, 1922, 1927, 1930
Won the Dwyer Stakes — 1921, 1926, 1930
Won the Suburban Handicap — 1923, 1924, 1930
Won the Saratoga Special — 1923, 1925, 1926

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Biography

Danny Maher was one of America's elite jockeys in the 1890s as a teenager before becoming a legendary rider in England during the early 20th century. 

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1881, Maher became a jockey at the age of 14 after serving an apprenticeship under trainer W. C. “Father Bill” Daly. Before moving to England, Maher won races such as the Champagne Stakes (1898), Brighton Cup (1899), Gazelle Handicap (1899), Brooklyn Handicap (1899), Tremont Stakes (1899, 1900), Carter Handicap (1900), and Metropolitan Handicap (1900).

After winning 350 races in America, Maher won 1,421 more in England, where he won nine British Classics, including three editions of the Epsom Derby (1903, 1905, 1906). He won two-thirds of the English Triple Crown aboard Rock Sand in 1903, the Epsom Derby and St. Leger.

Along with Rock Sand, Maher won the Epsom Derby with Cicero (1905) and Spearmint (1906). He won a second St. Leger in 1909 with Bayardo, the Two Thousand Guineas with Neil Gow (1910) and Sweeper II (1912), and the 1906 Epsom Oaks with Keystone II. Maher won the Eclipse Stakes five times (1902, 1904, 1906, 1909, 1910), the Ascot Gold Cup twice (1906, 1910), and the 1912 Irish Derby with Civility.

Maher was the leading rider in England in wins in 1908 and 1912.

Achievements

England's leading rider in wins — 1908, 1912

Other Highlights

Won the Eclipse Stakes — 1902, 1904, 1906, 1909, 1910
Won the Epsom Derby — 1903, 1905, 1906
Won the Tremont Stakes — 1899, 1900
Won the St. Leger Stakes — 1903, 1909
Won the Ascot Gold Cup — 1906, 1910
Won the Two Thousand Guineas — 1910, 1912
Won the Champagne Stakes — 1898
Won the Brighton Cup — 1899
Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1899
Won the Metropolitan Handicap — 1900
Won the One Thousand Guineas — 1901
Won the Epsom Oaks — 1906
Won the Irish Derby — 1912

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