McCabe began his career as a jockey before becoming a leading trainer during the latter part of the 19th century and for the first few decades of the 20th century. He began his training career as an assistant to
James G. Rowe Sr., and after 1884, took charge of the
Dwyer Brothers Stable when Rowe left. Following the dissolution of the Dwyer Brothers racing partnership, McCabe stayed as the trainer for
Philip J. Dwyer until late 1901, when he signed with the prominent
Canadian owner,
William M. Hendrie.[3]
Frank McCabe was inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2007.