Earl Sande

Biography

Earl Sande earned his place in racing history by winning nine Triple Crown events, including a sweep of the series in 1930 with Hall of Famer Gallant Fox. He also won the Kentucky Derby in 1923 with Hall of Famer Zev and 1925 with Flying Ebony, and the Belmont four other times with Hall of Famers Grey Lag (1921) and Zev (1923), as well as Mad Play (1924) and Chance Shot (1927).

A native of South Dakota, Sande began riding at the fairs in the West. He began to make a name for himself in 1918, winning 18 stakes that year, including four on Hall of Famer Billy Kelly. In 1923, he won 39 stakes, including 10 with Zev.

Sande led all North American jockeys in earnings in 1921, 1923, and 1927. He won the Jockey Club Gold Cup and Saratoga Handicap four times each, the Dwyer, Metropolitan, Lawrence Realization, Saratoga Special, Suburban, and Toboggan three times each, and the Coaching Club American Oaks, Brooklyn, Saratoga Cup, and Blue Grass twice each. He also rode Hall of Famers Crusader, Man o’ War, and Sir Barton.

Sande came out of retirement to ride Gallant Fox through his memorable 1930 season before retiring again and going on to train. He was North America’s leading trainer in 1938, developing champion Stagehand. He later returned to the irons to ride 10 races at the age of 55, winning once. Overall, Sande rode 968 winners.  

Achievements

North America's leading rider in earnings — 1923, 1925, 1930
North America's leading trainer in earnings — 1938

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1923 Kentucky Derby — Zev
Won the 1925 Kentucky Derby — Flying Ebony
Won the 1930 Kentucky Derby — Gallant Fox
Won the 1930 Preakness Stakes — Gallant Fox
Won the 1921 Belmint Stakes — Grey Lag
Won the 1923 Belmont Stakes — Zev
Won the 1924 Belmont Stakes — Mad Play
Won the 1927 Belmont Stakes — Chance Shot
Won the 1930 Belmont Stakes — Gallant Fox

Other Highlights

Won the Saratoga Handicap — 1920, 1924, 1927, 1928
Won the Jockey Club Gold Cup — 1921, 1922, 1927, 1930
Won the Dwyer Stakes — 1921, 1926, 1930
Won the Suburban Handicap — 1923, 1924, 1930
Won the Saratoga Special — 1923, 1925, 1926