“Caricature showing politicians and people representing different professions revolving around head of Richard “Boss” Croker as the Sun.”

In the annals of racing history, Mr Richard Croker, the inaugural former Tammany Boss to triumph at the Derby, emerges as a true son of Ireland, hailing from the quaint town of Blackrock where he was born in 1843. His lineage, a blend of Irish and English West Country stock, traces back to the ancient Croker family of Ballynagarde, a branch of the venerable Croker of Lineham, Devon. This illustrious family, steeped in the annals of time, is commemorated in the age-old distich: “Croker, Crewys, and Coplestone, When the Conqueror came, were at home.”

The saga of the Crokers in Ireland unfolds with John Croker of Ballynagarde, assuming the mantle of High Sheriff of Limerick in 1755. Among his five sons, the fourth, Richard, would eventually carve his own niche in history. Fast forward to the present, and we find John Croker’s grandson, Mr Richard Croker of Orby, who, in a span of twenty-two years, traversed the corridors of New York politics, ascending from alderman in 1868 to the esteemed position of City Chamberlain and the future leader of Tammany.

However, amid the political maneuverings that defined his public life, it is on the racetrack that Mr Richard Croker found solace and triumph. A man whose passion for racing was as fervent as his commitment to public service, he deftly balanced the demands of politics with the thrill of the turf. His journey was not without its share of twists, with the newspapers erroneously declaring his demise on one occasion. Unfazed, Mr Croker responded with characteristic wit, revealing himself alive and well, calmly enjoying a steak in a restaurant, much to the chagrin of those who had prematurely penned his obituary.

In the intricate tapestry of Mr Croker’s life, Limerick emerges as a significant thread. As the birthplace of his forebear, John Croker, who once held the prestigious title of High Sheriff, Limerick weaves a connection to the roots of a man destined to leave an indelible mark on both sides of the Atlantic. The resonance of his Irish heritage, entwined with the broader narrative of British and American history, adds a unique layer to the story of Mr Richard Croker.

As we reflect on the multifaceted journey of this Irish-American luminary, it becomes evident that his legacy transcends political realms and racetracks. In an era defined by the interplay of power and pastures, Mr Croker’s tale serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who navigate the complex intersection of public life and personal passion.

Pall Mall Gazette – Thursday 06 June 1907