Johnny Longden facts for kids

Johnny Longden (born February 14, 1907 – died February 14, 2003) was a famous American jockey and horse trainer. He was born in Wakefield, England. His family moved to Canada when he was young. Johnny became a champion in horse racing, winning many races and even training a Kentucky Derby winner! He is remembered as one of the greatest in the sport.

Johnny Longden's Racing Career

Jayne Mansfield with jockeys Johnny Longden, Eddie Arcaro and Willie Shoemaker (left to right) in 1957

Johnny Longden's family almost sailed on the Titanic in 1912. Luckily, their train was late, and they missed the ship. This delay saved their lives!

As a young man, Johnny worked in mining. But his love for horses led him to California in 1927. He wanted to become a jockey.

Becoming a Champion Jockey

Johnny Longden became a top jockey at Santa Anita Park. By 1956, he had won more races than any other jockey in history. He broke the record of 4,870 wins. Other jockeys called him "The Pumper" because of his riding style.

In 1943, Johnny achieved a huge goal. He won the United States Triple Crown. This means he won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. He rode a horse named Count Fleet to these victories.

You can see a statue of Johnny Longden at Santa Anita Racetrack. It stands with statues of other famous jockeys.

Awards and Retirement

Johnny Longden was a founding member of the Jockeys' Guild in 1940. He was the top jockey in the U.S. for wins in 1938, 1947, and 1948. He also won the most prize money in 1943 and 1945. In 1952, he received the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. This award honors jockeys who show great character.

In 1958, Johnny was added to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He retired from riding in 1966. He had won 6,032 races in his career. His very last race was the 1966 San Juan Capistrano Handicap. He won it riding George Royal. An oil painting of this exciting finish hangs at Santa Anita Park.

Johnny Longden: From Jockey to Trainer

After retiring as a jockey, Johnny Longden became a horse trainer. He made history by becoming the only person to win the Kentucky Derby as both a jockey and a trainer. He won the 1969 Derby as a trainer with a horse named Majestic Prince.

Johnny's wife, Hazel, also made history. In 1971, she became the first woman to train a stakes winner at Santa Anita Park. Johnny's sons, Eric and Vance, also became horse trainers.

In 1976, Johnny was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. He received the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award in 1985. This award honors jockeys who have made big contributions to horse racing. In 1994, he received a special Eclipse Award. This award celebrates his amazing career.

Johnny Longden on "I Love Lucy"

In 1957, Johnny Longden and his wife Hazel appeared on the TV show I Love Lucy. In the episode, Johnny was supposed to receive a trophy. It was for being the jockey with the most wins ever.

But Lucy Ricardo, a character on the show, accidentally got the trophy stuck on her head! She had to travel through New York City with the trophy on her head. Finally, she made it to the awards dinner. A very confused Johnny Longden received the trophy, with Lucy's head still inside it!

Later Years and Legacy

Johnny Longden was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He passed away on his 96th birthday, February 14, 2003. He died at his home in Banning, California.

As of 2006, Johnny Longden still held five track records at Santa Anita Park. His legacy as a champion jockey and trainer lives on.