Robert H. "Specs" Crawford

Biography

West Virginia native Robert “Specs” Crawford was a top steeplechase jockey during the 1920s. Known as “Specs” because of his freckles, Crawford began his career at Fort Erie and had success in Canada and Maryland before going to New York.

Crawford quickly rose to prominence on the New York courses, winning three major stakes aboard The Brook, the leading steeplechase earner of 1918.

Crawford was North America’s leading steeplechase rider in wins in 1919, 1920, 1922, and 1926, winning with 40 percent or more of his mounts in three of those years. Crawford won several major stakes, including the American Grand National with Greentree Stable’s Hall of Famer Jolly Roger in 1927 and 1928. Crawford also won the Grand National on Lytle in 1922 and aboard Erne II in 1926.

Overall, Crawford won 139 races, including three editions of both the Beverwyck and Corinthian. His stakes-winning mounts included Guingamp, Caribinier, Elmer Johnson, Minata, Hibler, Barklie, Not Much, Rabel, Sea Master, Flyman, and Warlock.

After increasing weight forced his retirement as a rider, Crawford turned to training. He saddled eight stakes winners.

Achievements

North America's leading steeplechase riders in wins — 1919, 1920, 1922, 1926

Other Highlights

Won the American Grand National — 1922, 1926, 1927, 1928
Won the Beverwyck Steeplechase — 1918, 1919, 1928
Won the Brook Steeplechase — 1920, 1923, 1927
Won the Corinthian Steeplechase Handicap — 1919, 1927
Won the Saratoga Steeplechase — 1920, 1925