James H. Butwell

Biography

The regular rider of Hall of Fame member Roamer and winner of the Belmont Stakes aboard Sweep in 1910 and Hourless in 1917, Jimmy Butwell began his career in Colorado and continued to gather experience at minor tracks until arriving in New York in 1909 with a contract to ride for Hall of Fame member James R. Keene.

A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Butler won 153 races in 1909, including the Belmont Futurity on Sweep, the Withers on Hilarious, the Ladies Handicap on Hall of Famer Maskette, and the Toboggan on De Mund.

Butwell was North America’s leading money-winning rider in 1912 and the leader in races won in 1920. In 1914, Roamer gave Butwell the first of his two victories in the Travers Stakes, the second coming with Omar Khayyam in 1917.

Butwell’s major wins also included the 1913 Preakness Stakes on Buskin and the Saratoga Cup with Olambala (1909), Roamer (1915), and Omar Khayyam (1917).

Overall, Butwell won 1,402 races, a record at the time of his retirement, including 168 stakes victories. After retiring from the saddle, Butwell served as a racing official in New England and Florida.

Achievements

North America's leading rider in earnings — 1912
North America's leading rider in wins — 1920

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1913 Preakness Stakes — Buskin
Won the 1910 Belmont Stakes — Sweep
Won the 1917 Belmont Stakes — Hourless

Other Highlights

Won the Saratoga Cup — 1909, 1915, 1917
Won the Travers Stakes — 1914, 1917
Won the Kentucky Oaks — 1912