Arcaro, George Edward

▪ 1998

      American jockey (b. Feb. 19, 1916, Cincinnati, Ohio—d. Nov. 14, 1997, Miami, Fla.), was one of the greatest riders in the history of thoroughbred horse racing and the only jockey ever to win the Triple Crown twice, riding Whirlaway to victory in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes in 1941 and repeating the feat in 1948 on Citation. Known as "the Master," Arcaro chalked up 4,779 wins and more than $30 million in earnings during a 31-year career. He began exercising horses at the Latonia Race Course in northern Kentucky after dropping out of school at the age of 13, and he rode in his first race in 1931. Although his first win did not come until a year later, Arcaro soon rose to become one of the most illustrious jockeys of all time, and his mounts were some of the most famous race horses of the mid-20th century. His record-breaking achievements include winning both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes six times—more than any other jockey—and the Kentucky Derby five times, a record he shared with Bill Hartack. He also captured the Jockey Club Gold Cup 10 times. Arcaro's fierce and competitive nature got him into trouble in 1942 when interference with another jockey during a race caused him to be suspended for a year. He returned to the sport a more mature and well-tempered athlete, however, and resumed his spectacular career in the saddle. Arcaro was a founding member and president (1949-61) of the Jockeys' Guild, an organization devoted to the welfare of jockeys. He was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1958. After his retirement in 1961, he worked as a racing analyst for network television and spent his free time perfecting his golf game.

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