Tod Sloan

Biography

James Forman “Tod” Sloan rode his first winner on March 6, 1889, at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, and went on to be a sensation both on and off the racetrack throughout the 1890s. Sloan popularized the crouched riding style and used short stirrups to his advantage, revolutionizing race riding.

In 1896, he won 128 races from 430 mounts (29.8 percent). Sloan then won 137 of 369 (37.1 percent) in 1897, and was even better in 1898, winning 166 of 362 (45.9 percent). He won the Manhattan on Belmar, the Futurity on Ballyhoo Bey, the Brooklyn on Ornament, the Brighton Cup and Lawrence Realization on Hall of Famer Hamburg, and several stakes on Jean Bereaud.

Sloan made the first of many trips to England in 1897, and his style of riding and opulent manner of living brought him great notoriety there. He called himself “Todhunter,” while English racegoers called him “Toddy,” and playwright George M. Cohan called him “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in a popular Broadway musical based on his life.

Sloan was a tremendous success in England, winning the Ascot Gold Cup, One Thousand Guineas, and Miller Park Stakes, among others. In 1899, he won five races on three six-race cards — in California, New York, and England.

Suspicion he was betting on his own mounts led to his banishment in England, and American authorities honored the judgment as well, which ended his career in 1900. Sloan subsequently spent time as a bookmaker, vaudevillian, and motion picture actor.   

Achievements

Won the Flatbush Stakes — 1897, 1900
Won the Autumn Stakes — 1898, 1900
Won the Manhattan Handicap — 1896
Won the Brighton Cup — 1898
Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1898
Won the Great Eastern Handicap — 1898
Won the One Thousand Guineas — 1899
Won the Ascot Gold Cup — 1900
Won the Futurity Stakes — 1900