Dave Erb, Kentucky Derby-winning jockey aboard Needles, dead at 95

Dec 27, 2019 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Dave Erb, who rode Hall of Fame champion Needles to victory in the 1956 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, died Nov. 22 at the age of 95. The news was first reported by BloodHorse.com on Dec. 27, sourcing the Jockeys Guild and a member of the Erb family.

The reigning champion 2-year-old colt when he captured the Kentucky Derby by three-quarters of a length as an 8-5 favorite, Needles was the first Florida-bred to win the Run for the Roses. Needles went on to finish second to Fabius in the Preakness at Pimlico before rebounding to win the Belmont Stakes by a neck. Also winner that season of the Flamingo S. at Hialeah and the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, Needles was voted champion 3-year-old colt.

In addition to Needles, Erb was also the regular rider for Hall of Famer Swoon's Son and piloted Swaps, the 1955 Kentucky Derby winner, to a world-record victory in the 1955 Californian S. at Hollywood Park.

A native Nebraskan, Erb turned to training after his retirement from the saddle. His best charge was Hurry to Market, the champion 2-year-old of 1963 when he won the Garden State S.

Erb was a long-time resident of Saratoga Springs, New York, and at the time of his death was one of only three surviving jockeys to have won the Kentucky Derby in the 1950s. The others are Bill Boland, who won the 1950 Derby aboard Middleground at age 16, and Ray York, who piloted 1954 winner Determine.