O. Eric Guerin

Biography

A native of Maringouin, Louisiana, Oliver Eric Guerin rode his first winner, Sweet Shop, in 1941 at Narragansett Park. The following year, he was the leading apprentice rider in North America.

In 1947, Guerin won the Kentucky Derby aboard Jet Pilot. One of the most popular riders of his era, Guerin went on to win the Preakness and two editions of the Belmont. 

The best horse Guerin ever rode was Hall of Famer Native Dancer, champion at ages 2 and 3 and Horse of the Year as a 4-year-old in 1954. Guerin’s wins aboard Native Dancer included the 1953 Preakness and Belmont.

Guerin won the Belmont again in 1954 with champion High Gun. He rode numerous other champions, including Hall of Famer Bed o’ Roses, Berlo, One Count, Summer Tan, Battlefield, Blue Peter, Crafty Admiral, But Why Not, Next Move, Parlo, Conniver, Romanita, Grecian Queen, and Rose Jet.

Overall, Guerin won 2,712 races, including the Hopeful four times, the Travers, Alabama, Saratoga Special, Coaching Club American Oaks, Gazelle, Prioress, and Beldame three times each.

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1947 Kentucky Derby — Jet Pilot
Won the 1953 Preakness Stakes — Native Dancer
Won the 1953 Belmont Stakes — Native Dancer
Won the 1954 Belmont Stakes —High Gun

Other Highlights

Won the Hopeful Stakes — 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952
Won the Alabama Stakes — 1946, 1947, 1956
Won the Saratoga Special — 1948, 1951, 1952
Won the Prioress Stakes — 1950, 1953, 1955
Won the Coaching Club American Oaks — 1950, 1953, 1960
Won the Gazelle Handicap — 1950, 1953, 1960
Won the Beldame Stakes — 1952, 1954, 1960
Won the Travers Stakes — 1952, 1953, 1963