Eddie Arcaro, American jockey and sportscaster (d. 1997)

George Edward Arcaro: The Unrivaled Legend of American Horse Racing

Born on February 19, 1916, George Edward Arcaro would go on to carve an indelible legacy in the annals of American Thoroughbred horse racing. Widely celebrated as the greatest jockey in the history of the sport, Arcaro's career was marked by an astonishing record of achievements, including winning more American classic races than any other rider. Perhaps his most iconic feat was becoming the only jockey ever to claim the prestigious U.S. Triple Crown not once, but twice – a testament to his unparalleled skill and enduring dominance on the track until his passing on November 14, 1997.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Arcaro’s journey to the pinnacle of horse racing began far from the glamorous racetracks. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, into an impoverished family, the son of Pasquale and Josephine Arcaro, Italian immigrants seeking a new life in America. His father, a man of resilience, navigated various jobs, including working as a taxi driver and, during the challenging era of Prohibition, even operating an illegal liquor enterprise to support his family. George himself faced early obstacles; born prematurely and weighing a mere three pounds, he was notably smaller than his peers throughout his childhood. This physical characteristic led to a playful but sometimes challenging early life, even resulting in his rejection from a baseball team due to his diminutive stature. Ultimately, his full height reached just five-foot, two inches – a perfect build, as fate would have it, for a jockey.

From "Banana Nose" to Racing Stardom

Affectionately nicknamed "Banana Nose" by his fellow riders, a moniker he carried with a sense of camaraderie, Arcaro's professional career galloped into action at a remarkably young age. He secured his very first victory in 1932, at just 16 years old, at the Agua Caliente racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico. This early success foreshadowed a glittering future. In the formative years of his career, particularly during 1934, the inaugural season of Narragansett Park, Arcaro was a comparatively unknown talent. He honed his craft by riding many of his early races at 'Gansett, steadily building the foundation for what would become an extraordinary and record-breaking career that solidified his place as a true legend of the turf.

Frequently Asked Questions About George Edward Arcaro

Who was George Edward Arcaro?
George Edward Arcaro was an American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey, widely considered the greatest in the sport's history, and a Hall of Fame inductee.
What were his major achievements in horse racing?
Arcaro won more American classic races than any other jockey and is famously the only rider to have won the prestigious U.S. Triple Crown twice in his illustrious career.
Where was Arcaro born and what was his family background?
He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Pasquale and Josephine Arcaro, who were Italian immigrants. His father held various jobs, including a taxi driver and an operator of an illegal liquor business during Prohibition.
When did George Edward Arcaro begin his racing career?
Arcaro won his first race at the age of 16 in 1932 at the Agua Caliente racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico. He was also a prominent rider at Narragansett Park during its inaugural year in 1934.
What was Arcaro's nickname?
Among his peers, George Edward Arcaro was affectionately known by the nickname "Banana Nose."