Gregg McCarron, former jockey and trainer, passes at age 77

Gregg McCarron, a winner of 2,403 races from 1969 to 1993 and brother to fellow jockey Chris McCarron, passed away January 8 at his farm in Mt. Airy, Md. He was 77.

A Massachusetts native, McCarron began his career at Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park in New England. He later rode at many other tracks, including those in Maryland, where he ended his riding career. McCarron later trained from 1995 to 2008 and won 88 races with total purse earnings of $1.8 million.

McCarron during his riding career also had 2,316 seconds and 2,407 thirds for purse earnings of $27.26 million.

He won multiple Grade I stakes with On the Sly (1977 Jockey Club Gold Cup), Bounding Basque (1983 Wood Memorial Stakes) and Broom Dance (1982 Alabama Stakes). In all, he won 29 graded stakes including the Selima and Chrysanthemum at Laurel Park and the Riggs and Gallorette at Pimlico Race Course.

After he retired, McCarron became a racing commentator for NBC Sports and covered the Breeders' Cup for several years.

In a release from the family, Chris McCarron said: “Gregg led me to my career as a jockey and he was there for me every step of the way. He was my idol and I always tried to emulate everything he did. He mentored me in my formative years and I would not have had the career I did without him in my life.”

McCarron is survived by his wife, Darlene; son Matt; a grandson; eight siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews. Matt McCarron is a retired two-time champion steeplechase jockey.

As of January 10, no memorial service had been planned.

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