Lamplighter with Simms up

Lamplighter with Simms up

Photograph of horse sports

This photograph, taken in the 1890s, features the Thoroughbred Lamplighter with jockey Willie Simms up.

Lamplighter was the American Co-Champion Older Male Horse in 1893. He was owned by horseman and co-owner of the Monmouth Park Racetrack, Pierre Lorillard IV.

Lamplighter is often associated with his rival Tammany. The two met at a match race in 1893 in which Tammany bested Lamplighter by four lengths.

The Lamplighter Stakes, held annually during the last week of May at Oceanport, New Jersey’s Monmouth Park Racetrack, was named in honor of the East Coast favorite, Lamplighter.

Willie Simms was born in 1870 and began his riding career at East Coast tracks at the age of 17. He was sought after by prominent owners of his era, including Pierre Lorillard, John E. Madden, Mike and Phil Dwyer, and James R. Keene. He claimed Belmont Stakes victories in 1893 (aboard Commanche) and 1894 (aboard Henry of Navarre); Kentucky Derby wins in 1896 (aboard Ben Brush) and 1898 (aboard Plaudit).

He was inducted in the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame in 1977.

John C. Hemment

1890s

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