Meshach A. "Mesh" Tenney

Mesh Tenney had more than one reason to celebrate on Jan. 29, 1935. The trainer got married in the morning, and later that afternoon saddled his first winner, Silver Cord, for fellow Mormon and childhood friend Rex Ellsworth. That day marked the beginning of a remarkable career for the trainer, who saddled some of the best runners in America during the 1950s and 1960s.

Inducted

1991

Born

Nov. 16, 1907, Dublan, Mexico

Died

Nov. 6, 1993, Provo, Utah

Career

1935-1973

Biography

Mesh Tenney had more than one reason to celebrate on Jan. 29, 1935. The trainer got married in the morning, and later that afternoon saddled his first winner, Silver Cord, for fellow Mormon and childhood friend Rex Ellsworth. That day marked the beginning of a remarkable career for the trainer, who saddled some of the best runners in America during the 1950s and 1960s.

Among Tenney's best horses were Hall of Fame member Swaps and fellow classic winner Candy Spots, as well as major winners Terrang, Olden Times, and Prove It.

A former cowhand, Tenney traveled with Swaps by boxcar from California for the 1955 Kentucky Derby, in which Swaps defeated Hall of Famer Nashua. The latter turned the tables in a match race and won the year’s championship, but Swaps returned as a 4-year-old to be Horse of the Year.

In 1963, Tenney sent out Candy Spots to win the Preakness Stakes after finishing third in the Derby.

Tenney led all North American trainers in money earned in 1962 and 1963. His horses set seven world records — six by Swaps, one by El Drag.