Career
After high school, he enrolled at the University of Maryland, lasting one semester. Aitcheson enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four years during the Korean War as a gunner’s mate on the aircraft carrier United States Ship Oriskany. Upon his discharge, Aitcheson returned to Maryland and applied for his professional steeplechase jockey"s license.
Aitcheson retired as the winningest steeplechase jockey in history, posting 440 jump wins from 2,457 mounts over a career spanning more than two decades, exceeding the next highest career total by almost ten percent (42 more than Alfred P "Paddy" Smithwick) In addition, Aitcheson holds the single season jump wins record of 40.
He took his first national steeplechase riding title in 1961, adding two more in 1963 and 1964. Doug Small and Tommy Walsh upended his reign in 1965 and 1966, respectively, but Aitcheson took four consecutive titles between 1967 through 1970.
Aitcheson was named the Maryland Horse Council"s Horseman of the Year for 2006. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1978.
Years Active: 1957–1977
Number of Mounts: 2,457
Number of Winners: 478
Winning Percentage: 19.5%
8 Virginia Gold Cups
7 Carolina Cups
6 International Gold Cups
5 Temple Gwathmeys
5 Noel Laing Steeplechases
5 Midsummer Steeplechases
5 Manly Steeplechases
2 Colonial Cups.
