Walter Miller

Biography

Walter Miller rose to the top of his profession at a stunning pace. At the age of 16, the Brooklyn native won the 1906 Preakness Stakes aboard Whimsical and 387 other races that year, setting a record for wins that stood for 44 years. Miller again topped all riders in wins in 1907 with 334.

Techniques gleaned from early mentors such as Hall of Famer jockey James McLaughlin and Hall of Fame trainer James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons, coupled with his own natural athletic abilities, enabled Miller to get his mounts away quickly and keep them in hand.

Miller rode undefeated Hall of Famer Colin to 11 of his 15 wins and also rode Hall of Famer Peter Pan. He also rode champion Ballot. Miller’s major wins included the Travers, Alabama, Brooklyn, Dwyer, Toboggan, Futurity, Saratoga Cup, and two editions of both the Champagne and Matron.

Miller, who won his first race in 1904 at the old Bennings track near Washington, D.C., had a brief American career, ending in 1909. Increasing weight and a succession of fines for rough riding forced Miller to move his tack to Europe, where he rode with success in Austria and other countries. His overseas patrons included the German Kaiser and Baron Oppenheim, and his major wins included the Berlin Grand Prix.

Overall, Miller won a total of 1,094 races in America.  

Achievements

North America's leading rider in wins — 1906, 1907

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the 1906 Preakness Stakes — Whimsical

Other Highlights

Won the Sheepshead Bay Handicap — 1905, 1906, 1908
Won the Excelsior Handicap — 1905, 1908
Won the Champagne Stakes — 1906, 1907
Won the Huron Handicap — 1906, 1907
Won the Matron Stakes — 1906, 1907
Won the Alabama Stakes — 1906
Won the Travers Stakes — 1906
Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1907
Won the Dwyer Stakes — 1907
Won the Futurity Stakes — 1907
Won the Saratoga Handicap — 1907
Won the Saratoga Cup — 1907
Won the Saratoga Special — 1907