H. Allen Jerkens

Who is H. Allen Jerkens?

Harry Allen Jerkens is an American Thoroughbred race horse Hall of Fame trainer.

Jerkens' father owned a riding academy on Long Island that led to his interest in horse racing and in 1950 he trained his first winner. Sometimes called the "Giant Killer", he is best known for his upsets. Jerkins saddled 1973 Whitney Handicap winner Onion, 1973 Woodward Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Prove Out, and Beau Purple, who defeated Kelso in 3 of their four meetings. In addition his horses have defeated other greats such as Buckpasser, Cougar II, and Forego.

In 1973, H. Allen Jerkens was voted the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer and in 1975 he became the youngest trainer ever inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at the age of 45. Still active, he has trained more than 160 stakes winners including Duck Dance and Tunex.

His son Jimmy followed in his footsteps and is also a successful trainer.