Hartack, "Bill" [William J. Jr.]
Horse Racing
b. Dec. 9, 1932, Ebensburg, PA
d. Nov. 26, 2007
Often called "Willie" early in his career, Hartack resented the diminutive and insisted on being called "Bill" after he became a successful jockey. The very intelligent Hartack was noted for his pride, honesty, and outspokenness, to the point where some considered him arrogant.
During the 1950s, Hartack joined Eddie Arcaro and Willie Shoemaker in a triumvirate of great jockeys. He led the nation in victories from 1955 through 1957 and in 1960, and he was the leading money winner in 1956 and 1957. His $3,060,501 in 1957 was a record for ten years.
Hartack and Arcaro are the only jockeys ever to win five Kentucky Derbies. Hartack did it aboard Iron Liege in 1957, Venetian Way in 1960, Decidedly in 1962, Northern Dancer in 1964, and Majestic Prince in 1969. He also won the Preakness three times, with Fabius in 1956, Northern Dancer in 1964, and Majestic Prince in 1969, and he had one Belmont Stakes winner, Celtic Ash in 1960.
A rider for the famous Calumet Farms through most of the 1950s, Hartack lost that position in 1958 because of continued arguments with management and trainers over the handling of horses. Hartack liked to take a horse to the lead and hold it throughout a race, while trainers often preferred to have him rein the horse back for a time and win with a stretch drive.
In 1978, Hartack went to Hong Kong and raced there for three years. After his retirement in 1981, he served as a television commentator and racing official.
During his American riding career, Hartack rode 4,272 winners in 21,535 mounts, a percentage of 19.8.