When being the world’s leading money-earner really meant something

In 1947, four horses were listed as the world's leading money-winner. Today, the list of leading winners has gone global and new names bound onto the lists with alarming ease. The totals have soared to the point they are almost meaningless. Winx raced long enough last year to top the nouveau riches of Arrogate and still get in foal. Thunder Snow, Gentildonna and Orfevre linger in the top ranks. The 1947 calendar advertised only four races for the older horse division worth $100,000. Whirlaway won 32 of 60 starts and earned $561,161 in 1943. Assault won the 1946 Triple Crown and made $411,445. Stymie won $516,285 for Hirsch and Ethel Jacobs.

The Special was a non-betting contest. Armed won by eight lengths. Stymie was shut out of the race. The season ended with Stylie with $816,080, Armed at $761,500, and Assault at $623,370. Jimmy Demaret led the PGA tour money list with just shy of $28,000. Pitcher Hal Newhouser of Detroit Tigers was the highest paid major league ballplayer at £70,00. Joe Louis was only pro athlete making racehorse kind of money. In 1947, JimmyDemaret was highest-paid PGC player with £28k.