Laverne Fator

Biography

The leading money-winning rider in 1925 and 1926, Laverne Fator in those years won consecutive editions of the Belmont Futurity with Pompey and Scapa Flow, respectively, as well as the Carter Handicap with Silver Fox and Nedana, and the Gazelle Handicap with Nedana and Corvette.

In 1925, Fator also won his second Brooklyn Handicap, on Mad Play, after winning the race previously in 1921 with Hall of Famer Grey Lag, defeating Hall of Famer Exterminator and Mad Hatter.

Born in 1902 in Hailey, Idaho, Fator was one of three brothers who became professional riders. In 1919, Hall of Fame trainer Sam Hildreth paid Fator the large sum of $15,000 to sign a contract with the elite Rancocas Stable.

Aboard champion Black Maria, Fator won the 1927 Aqueduct Handicap and the inaugural running of the Whitney Handicap in 1928. He won the Travers with Little Chief (1922) and Brown Bud (1927); the Champagne with Surf Rider (1921) and Mate (1930); and the Alabama with Prudery (1921).

Overall, Fator won 1,075 races.

Achievements

North America's leading rider in earnings — 1925, 1926

Other Highlights

Won the Manhattan Handicap — 1919, 1922, 1928
Won the Gazelle Handicap — 1920, 1925, 1926
Won the Carter Handicap — 1922, 1925, 1926
Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1921, 1925
Won the Travers Stakes — 1922, 1927
Won the Futurity Stakes — 1925, 1926