George Edward Arcaro secured 4,779 victories over a career spanning three decades, establishing a record for American classic race wins that remains standing. Born in Cincinnati to Italian immigrants Pasquale and Josephine, the rider navigated a path from an impoverished upbringing to becoming the only jockey in history to secure the U.S. Triple Crown twice.
Early Career and Stature
Born weighing only three pounds, Arcaro grew to a height of five-foot, two inches. His slight build initially hindered his interest in baseball, yet it proved an asset in the saddle. He began his professional racing career at age 16 at the Agua Caliente racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1932. By 1934, he was establishing his presence among competitors at the newly opened Narragansett Park.
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Arcaro earned his first Kentucky Derby win in 1938 aboard Lawrin. His record includes five Kentucky Derby victories, alongside six wins each in the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. In 1941, he piloted Whirlaway to a Triple Crown, repeating the feat in 1948 with Citation. Across his tenure, he achieved 17 total victories in Triple Crown races, a margin significantly higher than his closest competitors.
Diverse Accomplishments and Industry Leadership
His expertise extended beyond the Triple Crown. He won the Suburban Handicap eight times, the Wood Memorial Stakes nine times, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup ten times. His international reach included the 1953 Queen's Plate at Woodbine Racetrack and the 1954 Washington, D.C. International. Beyond the track, he helped establish the Jockeys' Guild and served as a vocal advocate for rider interests.
Post-Racing Life
Severe bursitis forced his retirement in 1962 after 24,092 career races. Following his departure from the track, he transitioned into broadcasting for CBS and ABC, served as a spokesperson for the Buick Motor Division, and managed public relations for the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. He later moved to Miami, Florida, where he passed away in 1997 due to pancreatic cancer.
Fast facts
- Born: February 19, 1916, Cincinnati
- Died: November 14, 1997, Miami
- Total career wins: 4,779
- Total career earnings: $30,039,543
- Inducted into Hall of Fame: 1958
- Triple Crown winner: 1941 (Whirlaway), 1948 (Citation)
- Nickname: Banana Nose
- Burial site: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery
Questions readers ask
How many times did Eddie Arcaro win the Kentucky Derby?
He won the race five times, a record he shares with Bill Hartack.
What was Arcaro's total number of Triple Crown race wins?
He achieved a record 17 victories across the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes.
