Robert N. Ussery

Biography

Robert Nelson “Bobby” Ussery got his career off to a fast start by winning with his first mount, Reticule, in the 1951 Thanksgiving Day Handicap at Fair Grounds. By the end of the decade, Ussery had several major victories, including the Travers Stakes, Whitney Handicap, Alabama Stakes, and the Queen’s Plate to his credit.

Ussery was a top rider in Florida throughout the 1950s, then moved to New York, where in 1959 he rode a record 215 winners. In 1960, Ussery was the top North American rider in stakes purses won. He rode juvenile champion colt Hail to Reason that year and won the Preakness, Flamingo, and Florida Derby on Bally Ache.

Ussery ranked among the top 10 North American riders in earnings nine times during his career and was among the top 10 in wins six times. In 1967, he won the Kentucky Derby aboard Proud Clarion. Ussery also crossed the finish line first in the 1968 Derby, but his mount, Dancer’s Image, was later disqualified.

Notable wins for Ussery included the Manhattan Handicap, Whitney Handicap, Alabama Stakes, Travers Stakes, Hopeful Stakes, Mother Goose Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks, Brooklyn Handicap (twice), Wood Memorial (twice), Saratoga Special, Carter Handicap, Canadian International, and Queen’s Plate, among others.

Ussery became the 10^th North American rider to surpass 3,000 career wins and ranked fifth all time in earnings at the time of his retirement in 1974.   

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1967 Kentucky Derby — Proud Clarion
Won the 1960 Preakness Stakes — Bally Ache

Other Highlights

Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1963, 1971
Won the Wood Memorial Stakes — 1965, 1968
Won the Whitney Handicap — 1957
Won the Alabama Stakes — 1958
Won the Travers Stakes — 1958
Won the Queen's Plate — 1959