J. D. Mooney

John David Mooney (November 24, 1901 – November 16, 1966) better known as J. D. Mooney was an American jockey and trainer who won the 1924 Kentucky Derby on Black Gold and the 1929 King's Plate on Shorelint.

Jockey In his youth, Mooney worked as a stable boy at the Fair Grounds Race Course. He became an apprentice jockey at the age of 18, riding in his first official race on May 10, 1920, at Churchill Downs. He won his first race seven days later. He later returned to New Orleans and was the leading rider at the Fair Grounds during the 1920–21 winter season. At Latonia Race Track, Whiskaway broke the one mile and 70 yard world record. Although Black Gold was bumped at the start, the horse was able to recover and won the race by three-quarters of a length. In total, Mooney made $37,000 in 1924.

Trainer Health issues eventually forced Mooney to retire for good. By 1938, he owned a stable of five horses. He trained 1962 Canadian Horse of the Year Crafty Lace. Grandsons John Mooney, Daniel Mooney and Mike Mooney were also involved in Thoroughbred racing.