14 Facts About Johnny Longden

John Eric "Johnny" Longden was an American Hall of Fame and National Champion jockey and a trainer of Thoroughbred racehorses who was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England.

Johnny Longden's father emigrated to Canada in 1909, settling in Taber, Alberta.

Johnny Longden, who was called "The Pumper" by his fellow jockeys because of his riding style, rode many of the great thoroughbreds of the day.

Johnny Longden was the leading jockey in purses won in 1943 and 1945.

Johnny Longden was voted the prestigious George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 1952.

In 1958, Johnny Longden was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Johnny Longden retired the following year as the jockey with the most wins in racing history with 6,032 victories from his 32,413 mounts.

Johnny Longden's last ride was in the 1966 San Juan Capistrano Handicap at Santa Anita Park, which he won aboard George Royal in a stretch duel.

Johnny Longden operated a racing stable under the name Alberta Ranches Ltd.

Johnny Longden was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame on its formation in 1976.

Johnny Longden went on to become the second ever recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award in 1985, given annually to jockeys who have made significant contributions to the sport.

The June 12,1954 issue of the Daily Racing Form reported that Johnny Longden was an owner of a Standardbred racehorse which he personally drove to victory in a race at Sportsman's Park in Phoenix, Arizona.

Johnny Longden was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Johnny Longden died on his 96th birthday on St Valentine's Day at his home in Banning, California.