Joe Aitcheson, Jr.

Biography

Joe Aitcheson, Jr. did not begin riding professionally until the age of 28. After high school, Aitcheson enrolled at the University of Maryland before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served four years during the Korean War as a gunner’s mate on the U.S.S. Oriskany. Upon his discharge at age 28, Aitcheson became a steeplechase jockey, arguably the greatest of all time. He first rode for Frank “Pop” Adams, then signed with Hall of Fame trainer D. M. “Mikey” Smithwick in 1957.

Aitcheson, a seven-time leading jockey in wins, topped the rider standings for the first time in 1961 with 37 victories. He led the list again with 38 wins in 1963 and set a single-season record with 40 wins the following year. Despite numerous injuries, Aitcheson led all riders in wins again in 1967 with 36, in 1968 with 33, in 1969 with 32, and in 1970 with 25.

Upon his retirement, Aitcheson had won a record 440 jump races, plus 38 races on the flat at hunt meetings. He rode Hall of Famers Bon Nouvel and Tuscalee, as well as champions Pearl, Amber Diver, Top Bid, and Soothsayer.

Aitcheson won the Virginia Gold Cup eight times, the Carolina Cup seven times, the International Gold Cup six times, the Temple Gwathmey, Noel Laing, Midsummer, and Manly steeplechases five times each, and the Colonial Cup twice. 

Aitcheson, whom legendary writer Red Smith once said was “held together with bailing wire and tape” because of the numerous injuries he suffered through riding, became the first jockey ever to receive the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association’s F. Ambrose Clark Memorial Award in 1976.

Achievements

North America's all-time leading steeplechase rider in wins (440)

North America's leading steeplechase rider in wins — 1961, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970

Other Highlights

Won the Virginia Gold Cup — 1957, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1971, 1972
Won the Carolina Cup — 1959, 1960, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1975, 1977