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Earl Sande: Hall of Fame Jockey, Leading Trainer, Racing Legend

When Justify completed his historic sweep of the Triple Crown on June 9, 2018, his veteran Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith received well-deserved praise for his part in guiding the colt to glory, becoming the oldest jockey in history to win the Triple Crown in the process.

But Smith is hardly the first veteran jockey to reap the rewards of a Triple Crown. In fact, there was once a jockey — the undisputed best in the country — who had earned such a high level of respect that he was called back from retirement to ride a Triple Crown winner. His name? Earl Sande.

Whirlaway in the Belmont Stakes winner's circle.

Triple Crown Winner Whirlaway: Calumet's Mercurial and Brilliant Star

It's never a good thing when your boss calls you a knucklehead.

“You can teach him,” quipped legendary trainer Ben A. Jones of Whirlaway in the spring of 1941, “but you can't teach him much. ”

Morello Shreds Gotham Field, Venti Valentine Upsets Busher

The Grade 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve picked up another starter March 5—or at least a prospective starter—in a 3-year-old with the kind of connections worthy of a sentimental favorite.

Forbidden Kingdom Rules Over San Felipe Field

Veteran trainer Richard Mandella has run just six horses in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and none since 2004, in part due to unfortunate circumstances, such as when Omaha Beach was scratched from the race in 2019 due to a throat issue. But the Hall of Fame conditioner just might be returning to Churchill Downs this year with a talented 3-year-old.

Simplification Takes Fountain of Youth, Kathleen O. Prevails in Davona Dale

Tami Bobo's Simplification rebounded off a runner-up finish to White Abarrio in the Feb.

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