Retired jockey Garth Patterson dies

Garth Patterson, a prominent jockey during the 1960s and ‘70s, was found dead on January 25 at his home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was 66.

Patterson won more than 2,000 races during his career, which began in 1962.

Known as “Dawg”, Patterson was one of Churchill Downs’ most successful riders in stakes, his best year coming in 1984 when he won six. He also captured the 1975 Kentucky Oaks (G2) aboard Sun and Snow and rode in three Kentucky Derbys and a host of other stakes that decade before weight problems forced him to hang up his tack and turn to training.

Patterson realized that he would rather race ride and got himself in shape for a return to competition. He launched a comeback in 1981. 

Patterson also enjoyed success at Oaklawn Park as well as tracks in New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. He led the rider standings at Monmouth Park in 1964 and got to meet President Dwight D. Eisenhower.