At age two, emigrated with his family to Taber, Alberta, Canada. In 1927 went to California to find work as a Thoroughbred racing jockey.
Won horseracing's US Triple Crown in 1943 aboard Count Fleet.
Died on his 96th Birthday.
Rode 6,032 winning horses (a world record at the time) in a racing career that covered nearly 40 years, including a sweep of the 1943 Triple Crown aboard Count Fleet.
Only man in history to win the Kentucky Derby as a jockey (1943 on Count Fleet) and as a trainer (Majestic Prince in 1969).