J. Linus "Pony" McAtee

Biography

John Linus “Pony” McAtee competed and more than held his own against the likes of Hall of Fame riders Earl Sande, Laverne Fator, and Sonny Workman in a career that spanned from 1914 through 1932.

Born in Frenchtown, New Jersey, in 1898, McAtee became a contact rider for the powerful stable of Commander J. K. L. Ross, for whom he won the 1916 Preakness Stakes with Damrosch. McAtee later rode for such prominent owners as Hall of Fame members Harry Payne Whitney and Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, as well as George D. Widener and R. L. Gerry.

McAtee considered Hall of Famers Exterminator and Twenty Grand the best of the champions he rode, and his victory in the 1930 Metropolitan Handicap aboard Jack High the best race he ever rode. McAtee won the Kentucky Derby in 1927 aboard Whiskery and in 1929 aboard Clyde Van Dusen. He was North America’s leading rider in 1928 with $301,295.

Three times each he won the Alabama, Belmont Futurity, Champagne, Saratoga Special, and Flash Stakes. McAtee was still at the top of his profession at age 35 when he retired in 1932 with 930 wins.

Achievements

North America's leading rider in earnings — 1928

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1927 Kentucky Derby — Whiskery
Won the 1929 Kentucky Derby — Clyde Van Dusen
Won the 1916 Preakness Stakes — Damrosch

Other Highlights

Won the Alabama Stakes — 1920, 1926, 1930
Won the Futurity Stakes — 1924, 1928, 1930
Won the Metropolitan Handicap — 1918, 1930
Won the Kentucky Oaks — 1921