George H. "Pete" Bostwick

Biography

George Herbert “Pete” Bostwick was America’s top amateur steeplechase rider each year from 1928 through 1932, and again in 1941.

The 5-foot-4, 110-pound Bostwick was versatile enough as a rider to win both over jumps and on the flat in the same day at Belmont Park on two occasions in 1932.

An eight-goal player on six polo teams that won U.S. Open Championships, Bostwick won the Meadow Brook and International Steeplechase Handicap four times each, the Glendale, Corinthian, and Brook twice each, and single editions of the Temple Gwathmey, Bushwick, and Harbor Hill, among others.

Bostwick went on to a distinguished career as a trainer, conditioning Hall of Fame members Oedipus and Neji, as well as champions Ancestor and Barnabys Bluff. He was the first steeplechase trainer to earn $1 million in purses.

Achievements

North America’s leading amateur steeplechase rider — 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1941

North America’s leading steeplechase trainer in earnings — 1940, 1951, 1955

Other Highlights

Won the Brook Handicap (as trainer) — 1950, 1951, 1954, 1955
Won the American Grand National (as trainer) — 1951, 1957, 1958, 1962
Won the Temple Gwathem (as trainer) — 1955, 1957