James Winkfield

Biography

Jimmy Winkfield became only the second jockey to win consecutive editions of the Kentucky Derby, achieving the feat with His Eminence in 1901 and Alan-a-Dale in 1902.

Born in Chilesburg, Kentucky, in 1882, Winkfield won 161 races in 1901, including the Clark Handicap, Latonia Derby, and Tennessee Derby. In 1904, Winkfield was one of several American jockeys who went abroad to race. During the next 12 years, he became Russia’s champion jockey three times, won the Russian Derby four times, the Russian Oaks five times, the Czar’s Prize three times, and the Warsaw Derby twice. He also rode successfully in Germany.

During the Russian Revolution in 1917, Winkfield helped the racetrack community and 200 horses escape from Odessa on a 1,000-mile journey.

Winkfield later rode in France, where he won the Prix President de la Republic, Grand Prix of Deauville, and Prix Eugene Adam, among others.

When he retired from riding at age 50, records indicated Winkfield had won more than 2,500 races in various countries in a career of more than 30 years. He became a successful trainer in France until war again forced him to flee.

Winkfield briefly trained in the United States before returning to France after World War II. He died at Maisons-Laffitte, near Paris, in 1974.

The United States House of Representatives passed a resolution to honor Winkfield in 2005 and the New York Racing Association named a race in his honor that runs each year at Aqueduct.

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1901 Kentucky Derby — His Eminence 
Won the 1902 Kentucky Derby — Alan-a-Dale

Other Highlights

Won the Clark Handicap — 1901
Won the Latonia Derby — 1901
Won the New Orleans Derby — 1901
Won the Tennessee Derby — 1901