Apr. 3, 1962 - Eddie Arcaro (pictured riding Whirlaway in 1941), the greatest money-winning jockey in the history of horse-racing, announced his retirement today. In a career that dated back to the days when Max Schmeling was heavyweight champion and Babe Ruth was still hitting home runs for the Yankees, Arcaro, now 46 years old, rode in 24,092 races and finished first in 4,779 of them. His mounts amassed over $30 million in earnings, with approximately 10% — the jockey’s standard share — going to Arcaro. He was active as a rider for 31 years. Arcaro, whose superb skills in his hazardous profession have earned him the nickname of “The Master,” made known his intention to retire at a news conference in Toots Shor’s Restaurant. He will become a field representative and consultant of the American Totalisator Company, which makes electronic betting equipment and operates it at 165 horse tracks, dog tracks, and jai alai frontons.
