Hollie Hughes (October 16, 1888 - January, 1981) was a trainer ofThoroughbredracehorses who won the1916 Kentucky Derby and was a six-time winner of the most prestigioussteeplechase race in the United States, theAmerican Grand National. His career successes earned him induction into theU. S. Racing Hall of Fame in 1973.[2][3][4] In 1979,a New York-bred race atAqueduct Racetrack was named in his honor.[5]
Hughes was born on a farm not far fromAmsterdam, New York. At age 15 he took a job at Gen. Stephen Sanford'sHurricana Stud Farm in Amsterdam where, by 1914, the then 26 year-old was appointed head trainer for the Sanford racing operations. Although he would remain in that position for the next 61 years until retiring in 1975 at the age of 87, Hughes joined theUnited States Army duringWorld War I.[6]
In 1916 Hollie Hughes won theKentucky Derby withGeorge Smith. A winner of 20 stakes races, Hollie Hughes enjoyed his most success with steeplechase runners. In addition to his six American Grand National wins, horses under his care won all the major steeplechase events.[7]
The May 2, 1998 issue of theNew York Times wrote thatRon Turcotte,Secretariat's jockey, had often told a story about meeting Hollie Hughes just before the 1973Belmont Stakes. Hughes told him: "Son, you're riding the greatest horse that ever looked through a bridle. I have seen them all, includingMan o' War. Secretariat is the best I've ever seen. You will win the Belmont. Don't fall off."[8]
Hollie Hughes was married to actressGrace Davison from 1926 until her death in 1964.
Hollie Hughes died in January 1981 at age 92.