Interview with Eddie Arcaro, March 1, 1976

Interview Summary

Eddie Arcaro was an American Thoroughbred racing Hall of Fame jockey who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and began his career as a horse exerciser at Latonia Race Course (later Turfway Park) in Florence, Kentucky. In the 1930s, he began racing horses and in 1934, he became a contract rider for Calumet Farm in Lexington. He is tied with Bill Hartack for most Derby wins at five, and has the most wins in the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes with six. He won the US Triple Crown twice, on Whirlaway (1941), and on Citation (1948). In this interview, Arcaro discusses several top jockeys, assessing their styles, their records, and the time period in which they were riding. He speaks at length about Bill Shoemaker, discussing his talent, techniques, his wins, and why he was a great jockey.

Interview Keyword

Bill Shoemaker Horse racing Horses Jockeys Bill Shoemaker Jack Gordon Westrope Don Meade Johnny Longden

Interview LC Subject

Arcaro, Eddie, 1916-1997 Arcaro, Eddie, 1916-1997--Interviews Jockeys--Interviews Longden, Johnny, 1907-2003 Meade, Don Shoemaker, Bill, 1931-2003 Thoroughbred horses Westrope, Jack Gordon, 1918-1958 Workman, Raymond

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections and Digital Programs, University of Kentucky Libraries.