Sometimes overlooked amidst the majesty of the thoroughbred horses are the jockeys, and to an even greater extent, the trainers. It is easy to forget that it takes a good pilot to guide these enormous animals to victory, without whom the sport could not exist. Trainers are the behind the scenes people that work day in and day out to get the horses fit and ready to run.

Everyone has heard of Man o’  War, Secretariat, Seabiscuit, and other famous horses, but horse racing has other legendary stars in its jockeys and trainers. Have you heard of Willie Shoemaker, Laffit Pincay, Jerry Bailey?

These are just some of the legendary jockeys and trainers who have graced the sport and made the grand spectacle that is horse racing possible.

Willie Shoemaker rode some of the all time great horses including Spectacular Bid, Ferdinand, Swaps, and Damascus. Shoemaker held the record for all time victories until that record was broken in 1999 by another hall of fame rider, Laffit Pincay. He once said that said that Spectacular Bid was the greatest horse he ever rode.

Laffit Pincay rode Triple Crown winner Affirmed to as well as greats such as Swale who he rode to Kentucky Derby victory in 1984. Jerry Bailey is the most recently retired jockey who can be said to be among the all time greats. He retired in 2006 after being named the Outstanding Jockey of North America for a record seven times. He also holds the record for most Breeders Cup wins with 15, including three consecutive Breeders Cup Classic wins.

Don’t forget about legendary trainers Charlie Whittingham, Bobby Frankel, and Jimmy Jones to name a few.

Whittingham is one of the most acclaimed trainers in U.S. history. He won the Eclipse Award for outstanding trainer in 1971, 1982, and 1989.  He trained greats such as Ferdinand and Sunday Silence.

Bobby Frankel  trained champions such as Squirtle Squirt, Sightseek, Empire Maker, and his greatest charge, the great Ghostzapper, who in 2004 many regarded as the greatest horse to have come along in twenty years. Unfortunately, Frankel recently passed away and will be remembered as one of the most successful and respected trainers of all time.