William J. Hartack
Riding Career: 1953-1974, in America
Number of Mounts: 21,535
Number of Winners: 4,272
Winning Percentage: 19.8%

Bill Hartack rode in the third quarter of this century and won with 19.8% of his mounts. He was born in Pennsylvania and rode his first winner at West Virginia's Waterford Park at age 20.

Hartack was known as an intelligent, knowledgeable rider, with a keen desire to win, and excellent skill at transmitting that desire to his mounts.

Significant Mounts
Northern Dancer Kelso Round Table
Tim Tam Majestic Prince Carry Back
Gen. Duke Jewel's Reward Dedicate
Barbizon Ridan Idun
Royal Native Airman's Guide Iron Leige

Among Hartack's victories were five Kentucky Derbys, two in record time, three Preakness wins, and one Belmont Stakes. He twice won two out of the three races comprising the Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness with Northern Dancer and Majestic Prince. Hartack prolonged his riding career by leaving the U.S. for Hong Kong where riders are competitive under higher weights. He later worked as a racing official.

Awards and Achievements
Leading jockey in races won 1955-1957, 1960
Leading jockey in purse monies 1956-57
First jockey to earn $3 million in a year
Inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1959

Bill Hartack led all jockeys in races won for 4 seasons and was the first jockey to earn $3 million in a year, an earnings record that was not broken for ten years. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1959.

Information provided by Piglett