From CHRB
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 8, 2020) — Darrel McHargue, a jockey for 16 years until 1988, when he retired from the saddle to become a racing official – the last 30 years as a steward/Chief Steward with the California Horse Racing Board – has been elected to the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame for his riding accomplishments. He will be inducted August 7.
McHargue is best known for a brilliant 1978 campaign in which he won the Eclipse Award as champion jockey, while setting what at the time was a single-season earnings record for a jockey of $6,188,353. He won the 1975 Preakness and such other major races as the Apple Blossom Handicap, Blue Grass Stakes, Del Mar Debutante, Hollywood Derby, Hopeful Stakes, La Brea Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita Handicap, Santa Margarita Stakes, Strub Stakes, and Swaps Stakes. He also rode in Europe in the early 1980s. He won 2,553 races in North America.
McHargue became a CHRB steward in 1990. In recognition of his ability and commitment, he was named Chief Steward when the CHRB created that position in 2015. As such, he assists in adjudicatory proceedings as appropriate and oversees day-to-day activities of all stewards in the state, including safety stewards.
“Being named to the Hall of Fame came as a complete surprise to me…a shock, really,” said McHargue. “I’ve been blessed to have two careers spanning nearly 50 years in a sport that I love. I was born under a lucky star.”
Scott Chaney, the newly appointed Executive Director of the CHRB, worked the previous 15 years as a steward and came to appreciate McHargue’s advice and guidance.
“Darrel has been a mentor to me for many years as a steward, and continues to offer sage advice in my new position.” Said Chaney. “I couldn’t be happier that he has been recognized in this way – it is an honor and well deserved.”