Conn McCreary

Biography

Famous for his driving, come-from-behind finishes, Conn McCreary won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes with Pensive in 1944 and won a second Derby with Count Turf (1951) and a second Preakness with Blue Man (1952).

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, the 4-foot-8 McCreary was developed into a jockey by trainer Steve Judge. He began his professional career in 1937 and earned his first win the following year at Arlington Park. At the age of 19, he was the third-leading rider in North America in both wins and earnings.

Several top trainers, including Hall of Famers Ben Jones, Bert Mulholland, Hirsch Jacobs, Horatio Luro, Harry Trotsek, and Woody Stephens, called upon McCreary to ride such top horses as Hall of Famers Twilight Tear, Stymie, and Armed, as well as Sun Again, Stefanita, Platter, Lucky Draw, Paper Tiger, Joe Jones, Princequillo, Miss Grillo, Oil Capitol, Clem, and Marta.

McCreary won the Saratoga Handicap six times, the Diana four times, the Sanford three times, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Alabama, Blue Grass, Saratoga Cup, and Acorn twice each. His final major victory was in the 1959 Brooklyn Handicap, defeating Hall of Famer Sword Dancer aboard My Babu.

After retiring from riding with 1,263 wins, McCreary trained stakes winners Irish Rebellion, Mara Lark, and Selari’s Miss. 

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1944 Kentucky Derby — Pensive
Won the 1951 Kentucky Derby — Count Turf
Won the 1944 Preakness Stakes — Pensive
Won the 1952 Preakness Stakes — Blue Man 

Other Highlights

Won the Saratoga Handicap — 1941, 1943, 1945, 1946, 1953, 1956
Won the Diana Handicap — 1946, 1947, 1954, 1956
Won the Sanford Stakes — 1944, 1945, 1954
Won the Alabama Stakes — 1941, 1943
Won the Blue Grass Stakes — 1941, 1949
Won the Saratoga Cup — 1941, 1953
Won the Jockey Club Gold Cup — 1943, 1958