Jockey Hartack’s 5 Derby trophies will be auctioned
A set of five Kentucky Derby jockey trophies won by Hall of Famer rider Bill Hartack will be auctioned this month at a Julien’s Auctions event in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The sterling silver, engraved trophies feature a horse and rider on the lid and a pair of horseshoe-shaped wreath handles. They have an estimated value of $300,000 to $500,000, according to a news release.
Born in 1932, Hartack was the first jockey to top $3 million in earnings in a year, which he din 1957 when he won the Kentucky Derby with Iron Liege. He also won the run for the roses in 1957, Venetian Way in 1960, Decidedly in 1962, Northern Dancer in 1964 and Majestic Prince in 1969.
His five Derby wins ties him with Eddie Arcaro for the most by a jockey. Hartack won his five from 12 months, and Arcaro had 21.
He was inducted into the racing Hall of Fame in 1959, the youngest rider ever to be so honored, according to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s website.
Hartack retired in 1974 with 4,272 North American wins and purse earnings of more than $26 million. He died in 2007 of heart disease, according to the Hall of Fame.
You can read his full bio here and see details of the auction here.