McLaughlin, "Jimmy" (James)
Horse Racing
b. Feb. 22, 1861, Hartford, CT
d. Jan. 19, 1927
Though his racing career ended more than a hundred years ago, McLaughlin still holds the record for most victories in the Belmont Stakes with six. He won with Forester in 1882, George Kinney in 1883, Panique in 1884, Inspector B in 1886, Hanover in 1887, and Sir Dixon in 1888. McLaughlin also won the 1881 Kentucky Derby aboard Hindoo and the 1885 Preakness aboard Tecumseh.
A homeless orphan as a young teen-ager, McLaughlin was informally adopted by thoroughbred trainer William Daly, who taught him how to ride. He began his jockeying career when he was fifteen. Among his best mounts was Luke Blackburn, one of the finest thoroughbreds of the era, who won 22 of 24 races.
Weight problems forced McLaughlin to retire from riding in 1892 and he then became a successful trainer. He later served as a race official.