Eddie J. Delahoussaye

Biography

Known for his patience in bringing horses from behind to win major races, Louisiana native Eddie Delahoussaye began his career at Fair Grounds in New Orleans as a teenager. He rode his first winner at Evangeline Downs in 1968, then went on to win riding titles in Louisiana, Illinois, and Kentucky before settling permanently in California in 1979.

Delahoussaye won consecutive editions of the Kentucky Derby with Gato Del Sol in 1982 and Sunny’s Halo in 1983. He also won the Preakness and Belmont in 1988 with champion Risen Star, and the 1992 Belmont and Breeders’ Cup Classic with Hall of Famer A.P. Indy.

Delahoussaye won a total of seven Breeders’ Cup races, including the 1984 Distaff on Hall of Famer Princess Rooney. Delahoussaye was the leading rider in North America in 1978 with 384 wins and finished his career in the top five in wins and stakes victories at both Hollywood Park (1,535 wins, including 170 stakes) and Santa Anita Park (1,453 wins, including 159 stakes).

When he retired in 2002, Delahoussaye had 6,384 wins and purse earnings of $195,884,940. At the time of his retirement, he ranked 11th all time in wins and sixth in earnings.

Achievements

North America's leading rider in wins — 1978

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1982 Kentucky Derby — Gato Del Sol
Won the 1983 Kentucky Derby — Sunny's Halo
Won the 1988 Preakness Stakes — Risen Star
Won the 1988 Belmont Stakes — Risen Star
Won the 1992 Belmont Stakes — A.P. Indy

Breeders' Cup Highlights

Won the 1984 Distaff — Princess Rooney
Won the 1989 Turf — Prized
Won the 1991 Juvenile Fillies — Pleasant Stage
Won the 1992 Sprint — Thirty Slews
Won the 19992 Classic — A.P. Indy
Won the 1993 Sprint — Cardmania
Won the 1993 Distaff — Hollywood Wildcat

Other Highlights

Won the Santa Barabra Handicap — 1983, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1999
Won the Del Mar Derby — 1984, 1986, 1987, 1992, 2000
Won the Eddie Read Handicap — 1980, 1982, 1988, 1989
Won the Kentucky Oaks — 1980, 1984
Won the Samta Anita Derby — 1984, 1992
Won the Pacific Classic Stakes — 1994, 1995