Sam Boulmetis
Baltimore native Sam Boulmetis made his debut in the saddle at Tropical Park in 1948 and rode his first winner, Stepinthedark, the following year at Garden State.
1973
Feb. 17, 1927, Baltimore, Maryland
May 30, 2021, Red Bank, New Jersey
1948-1966
2,783
$15,425,953
Racing Record
16.85
Win %
Biography
Baltimore native Sam Boulmetis made his debut in the saddle at Tropical Park in 1948 and rode his first winner, Stepinthedark, the following year at Garden State.
During a career in which he won 2,783 races, Boulmetis said his best mount was multiple champion and Hall of Fame member Tosmah. His victories with Tosmah included the Astarita, Frizette, Miss Woodford, Matron, Maskette, and Beldame against her own gender, and the Arlington Classic and John B. Campbell against males.
Boulmetis won the Washington, D.C., International on Mahan, the United Nations Handicap on champion Career Boy, the Widener on Oligarchy, the Suburban on Helioscope, and the Flamingo twice with Charlie McAdam and Bally Ache. He won the Oceanport Stakes four times, the Monmouth Handicap three times, and earned four leading rider titles at Monmouth.
Other standouts ridden by Boulmetis included Don Poggio, Vertex, Blue Sparkler, Errand King, Palestinian, and Dedicate.
When he retired in 1966, Boulmetis had earnings of $15,425,953, which ranked him in the top 10 up to that time. Boulmetis later became a racing official and served many years as the state steward for New Jersey.
Achievements
Leading rider at Monmouth Park — 1949, 1953, 1955 1956
Other Highlights
Won the Oceanport Stakes — 1951, 1955, 1955, 1962
Won the Monmouth Handicap — 1951, 1955, 1961
Media
