John J. Hyland
In the late 19th century, when the Futurity was run at the old Sheepshead Bay track and was by far the richest race in America, trainer John J. Hyland won it three times in a five-year span. Hyland won the Futurity with His Highness in 1891, The Butterflies in 1894 (the first filly to win the race), and Requital in 1895, all owned by Tammany Hall politician David Gideon and his partner, John Daly.
1956
Sept. 15, 1853, Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland
Sept. 8, 1913, Berlin, Germany
1886-1913
Biography
In the late 19th century, when the Futurity was run at the old Sheepshead Bay track and was by far the richest race in America, trainer John J. Hyland won it three times in a five-year span. Hyland won the Futurity with champion His Highness in 1891, with champion The Butterflies in 1894 (the first filly to win the race), and with champion Requital in 1895, all owned by Tammany Hall politician David Gideon and his partner, John Daly.
For Gideon and Daly, Highland also trained 1894 Suburban Handicap winner Ramapo, and a top 3-year-old in Keenan, winner of the 1895 Brooklyn Derby and Tidal Stakes.
Born in Ireland in 1853, Hyland arrived in New York City as a child and took to the racetrack at a young age. After a short stint as a jockey ended because he grew too big for the saddle, Hyland turned to training and found great success. After his time with Gideon and Daly, Hyland, in 1896, took over the stable of August Belmont II. For Belmont, Hyland sent out Hastings to win the Belmont Stakes and Hall of Famer Henry of Navarre to win the Suburban with 129 pounds that year. In 1902, Hyland won a second Belmont Stakes for Belmont with Masterman, a son of Hastings.
For Belmont, Hyland also trained Hall of Fame filly Beldame as a 2-year-old. With adverse legislation causing a decline of New York racing in the first decade of the 20th century, Hyland went to Europe. He spent his final few years as a trainer in Germany. Hyland was hired by the Cologne-based banker Baron Oppenheim and helped Oppenheim’s stable earn a single-year record of $233,847 in 1913. Hyland died in Berlin that September.
Of his time in Germany with Baron Oppenheim, the Thoroughbred Record said, "He met with a full measure of success in his handling of the stable and had come to be tremendoulsy popular locally."
Achievements
Triple Crown Highlights
Won the 1896 Belmont Stakes — Hastings
Won the 1902 Belmont Stakes — Masterman
Other Highlights
Won the Futurity Stakes — 1891, 1894, 1895
Won the Suburban Handicap — 1894, 1896
Won the Champagne Stakes — 1892
Won the Metropolitan Handicap — 1894
Won the Brooklyn Derby — 1895
Won the Fall Handicap — 1895
Won the First Special — 1895
Won the Flatbush Stakes — 1895
Won the Gazelle Stakes — 1895
Won the Long Island Handicap — 1895
Won the Tidal Stakes — 1895
Won the Lawrence Realization Stakes — 1896
Won the Twin City Handicap — 1896
Won the United States Hotel Stakes — 1901
Won the Great Filly Stakes — 1903
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