thomas w. murphy
Unexcelled as a trainer-driver of the Standardbred, Tom Murphy's career extended from the turn of the century until he retired in 1927. He was known as the "Wizard of the Reins," setting 34 major world records with trotters and 20 more with pacers. His fastest drive, 1:56 3/4, was behind Peter Manning in 1922 at Lexington. Horses that held world marks handled by Murphy include Miss Harris M, Margaret Dillon, Highland Scott, Arion Guy, Tilly Brooke, Czar Worthy, Merriman and Peter Volo. From 1909 to 1927 Murphy was the leading moneywinning driver in 16 of 19 seasons. In 1931 he came out of retirement to train Thoroughbreds and won the 1931 Kentucky Derby with Twenty Grand. In 1951 Murphy returned to Standardbreds as an owner and again was successful with horses such as Bullet Hanover 1:55.3 and Jim Harrison 2:00.1. Thomas Murphy died in 1967 at age 90.
Published in the Harness Racing Museum's 1994 book, The Immortals