Rigan McKinney

Biography

Rigan McKinney led both amateur and professional steeplechase riders in wins in 1933, 1934, 1936, and 1938. When he retired in 1940, McKinney had 147 career steeplechase wins, more than any other jockey in history.

A daring rider undeterred by fear of injury, McKinney rode in horse shows as a teenager and entered steeplechasing in 1929. In 1931, he won the American Grand National in record time aboard Green Cheese. He again won the Grand National in 1938 with Annibal.

McKinney won three editions of both the Saratoga Steeplechase (1933, 1936, 1938) and Chevy Chase Steeplechase (1930, 1936, 1938), and twice won the Harbor Hill (1930, 1936), Manly (1931, 1938), Broad Hollow (1932, 1938), Brook (1933, 1938), Meadow Brook (1933, 1938), and International Steeplechase (1934, 1935).

McKinney rode several standouts during his career, including Rioter, Chenango, Beacon Hill, Amagansett, and Ossabaw.

After retiring as a rider, McKinney trained steeplechase stakes winners Navigate, Drift, The Heir, Quiet, Hot, Banner Waves, and Sundowner.

Achievements

North America's leading steeplechase rider in wins — 1933, 1934, 1936, 1938

Other Highlights

Won the Chevy Chase Steeplechase Handicap — 1930, 1936, 1938
Won the Saratoga Steeplechase Handicap — 1933, 1936, 1938
Won the American Grand National — 1931, 1938
Won the Broad Hollow Steeplechase Handicap — 1932, 1933
Won the International Steeplechase Handicap — 1934, 1935