Lexington in Fayette County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Sam Hildreth
1866 - 1929
Photographed By Ken Smith, July 12, 2012
1. Sam Hildreth Marker
Admonished by his father that one could not settle down if he wanted to be a racing man, Sam Hildreth wrote years later of such family sojourns as himself and all nine brothers and sisters being taken by wagon train from Missouri to Texas. His father had about a dozen race horses and had heard of an owner in Texas who wanted some action. The Hildreth star of the time, Red Morocco, was called on to oblige. Sam Hildreth was ever held by the "The Spell of the Turf," as his autobiography was titled. He was a jockey and blacksmith before forming a stable of his own in the East. When racing was shut down in New York, he ventured to France to train steeplechasers. Hildreth was America's leading trainer in earnings nine times between 1909 and 1924 and the leading owner three times. He later trained for oilman Harry Sinclair's Rancocas stable, which led the owners list three years. Among the many champions Hildreth trained was Zev, which defeated the English derby winner Papyrus in a pioneering international match race in New York in 1923.Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals
this page online
Location. 38° 2.504′ N, 84° 29.389′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Kentucky, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 60) and Midland Avenue (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling west. Located in Thoroughbred Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Midland Avenue, Lexington KY 40508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John W. Galbreath (here, next to this marker); William T. Young (here, next to this marker); Robert A. Alexander (here, next to this marker); Samuel D. Riddle (here, next to this marker); Harry Payne Whitney (a few steps from this marker); Capt. Harry Guggenheim (a few steps from this marker); Mrs. Henry Carnegie Phipps (a few steps from this marker); Andrew Jackson (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.
Photographed By Ken Smith, July 12, 2012
2. Sam Hildreth Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 497 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
