Voting Station

Bill Hartack

Please vote to return to collections.

Athlete

The Resume

    (December 9, 1932-November 26, 2007)
    Born in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania
    5'4
    Record:
    21,535 mounts
    4,272 winners (19.8% winning percentage)
    Five Kentucky Derby wins (tied with Eddie Arcaro for most)
    Three Preakness wins
    One Belmont win
    Inducted into the thoroughbred racing Hall of Fame (1959)

Why he might be annoying:

    He was initially called 'Willie,' but later insisted on 'Bill,' partly because of his dislike for Willie Shoemaker.
    He was fired from Calumet Farms after repeatedly arguing with management and trainers (1958).
    A Sports Illustrated profile noted, 'He does indulge himself in the vilest of black moods, during which he refuses to speak to close friends, scowls and glowers at almost everyone.'
    His agent said, 'I spend most of my time apologizing to the people he's insulted.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    His father recalled, 'I used to take the stick a lot to Billy. I don't believe in letting a kid have his way.'
    Of his five Kentucky Derby winners, only one entered the race as a favorite.
    He was the first jockey to win $3 million in a year (1957), setting a record that stood for a decade.
    At 26, he became the youngest person elected to the racing Hall of Fame.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 14 Votes: 92.86% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 4 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 20.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 5 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 16 Votes: 43.75% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 17 Votes: 70.59% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 22 Votes: 63.64% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 46 Votes: 71.74% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 20 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 66 Votes: 50.0% Annoying