Jockeys: All-Time Greats: July 2009 Archives
Many people new to racing are unfamiliar with the name of Jean Cruguet, and this is a pity. No, make that a sin.
Every year the oft-times fickle racing community falls in love with a potential Triple Crown Winner. And every year since 1978, this love affair goes sour when, for whatever reason--the would-be conquerer fails to pass the test.
Jean Cruguet is my favorite all-time Jockey. The reasons for this are myriad, not the least of
which is that he's a beloved friend, so I know a bit about the inner workings of the man's mind.
But even those who don't know Jean have ample reason to love and respect the man: in case you're either a newbie to racing or a long-time fan who's lived under a rock for the last 40 years--Jean Cruguet is the only undefeated Triple Crown Jockey. Of the 11 racing teams that went into the Kentucky Derby in search of the Crown, only Cruguet and his mount (my all-time favorite Thoroughbred), the mighty Seattle Slew, went into the Derby and emerged on the other side of the Belmont, undefeated.
In an era before racing purses (prize money) had reached the stratosphere--Cruguet earned in excess of $51 million for the owners of his mounts. That's a phenomenal figure: the purse for the 1977 Kentucky Derby was a mere $227,500. Cruguet earned that money the old-fashioned way: by racing his butt off, and more-often-than-not, finishing first.
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THE ALPHA MARE, commonly known as M.E. Altieri, is a writer/editor/activist who lives and breathes the art and sport of horse racing—both Arabian and Thoroughbred.
In 19 -- (we're not sharing the year!), at age four, Mare first rode a horse—an American Quarter Horse—on her cousin's farm in Stephentown, New York. That same year her Mother took her to Green Mountain Park, a now- (sadly) defunct Thoroughbred track in Pownal, Vermont. Next stop, Saratoga Race Course. The seed was planted, and a passion, born.
While she does have other interests, none hold a candle to her passion for horses. She finds that horses are far-more intelligent, compassionate and kind than 99% of the people she meets.
Mare has just finished editing a beautiful history book, about Iraqi Purebred Arabians, and is eager for the western world to discover the book, its author and the history of this strain of the breed. Additionally, she contributes to several horse publications (racing and otherwise), including Arabian Finish Line, Desert Mirage and Galopp Magasinet. The Alpha Mare Series, a book series for children, will debut on Caballito Books.
An Alumna of Mount Holyoke College, Mare is a member of American Horse Publications, the Arabian Jockey Club and Arab Business Club. She invites you to read the blog—and to comment here in the Comments section. Become involved in the equine industry via whatever interests you most—and tell Mare about your passion for the horses, the people and the scene. In the words of the great Harvey Pack, Mare offers this benediction: "May the Horse be with you."
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Many people new to racing are unfamiliar with the name of Jean Cruguet, and this is a pity. No, make that a sin.
M.E. Altieri
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