Max Hirsch

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For the economist, see Max Hirsch (economist)

Maximilian J. "Max" Hirsch (July 12, 1880 - April 3, 1969) was an American Hall of Fame Thoroughbred racehorse trainer.

Born in Fredericksburg, Texas, Hirsch became one of the most successful trainers in Thoroughbred horse racing history. Hirsch conditioned horses for various owners including Virginia Fair Vanderbilt but is best known for his work with the King Rach Stable whom he joined in the 1930s and for whom he trained until his death in 1969.

Max Hirsch won the first of his four Belmont Stakes in 1928 with Vito. In 1936, he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes with Bold Venture and in 1946 captured the U.S. Triple Crown with Assault. Hirsch won his third Kentucky Derby with Middleground in 1950 who also won the Belmont Stakes.

Hirsch trained Hall of Fame horses Stymie, Grey Lag and Sarazen. He said Sarazen's win over the French Champion Epinard in the tird race of the 1924 International Specials was his greatest thrill in racing. Hirsch's other notable horses include the 1954 Belmont Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner, High Gun.

Max Hirsch was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1959. His son Buddy followed in his footsteps and too was voted into the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame.