Johnny Longden
1907 - 2003
1907 - 2003
Article by Chris Pitt
Article by Chris Pitt
John Eric ‘Johnny’ Longden was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, on February 14, 1907. His father, Herb Longden, worked as a coal miner in Wakefield but decided to emigrate to Canada to make a better life for his family.
John Eric ‘Johnny’ Longden was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, on February 14, 1907. His father, Herb Longden, worked as a coal miner in Wakefield but decided to emigrate to Canada to make a better life for his family.
Herb went in advance with their eldest child and ended up in a town called Taber, in the south-western portion of the province of Alberta, where he worked in the coal mines, just as he’d done in Wakefield. By 1912 he’d saved enough money to send for his wife and young son to join him in Canada. However, their train to Southampton, where they were to board the ship taking them on the leg to New York City, was delayed getting to the port and they missed their scheduled voyage. The one they missed was the Titanic.
Herb went in advance with their eldest child and ended up in a town called Taber, in the south-western portion of the province of Alberta, where he worked in the coal mines, just as he’d done in Wakefield. By 1912 he’d saved enough money to send for his wife and young son to join him in Canada. However, their train to Southampton, where they were to board the ship taking them on the leg to New York City, was delayed getting to the port and they missed their scheduled voyage. The one they missed was the Titanic.
From the beginning, even at the age of five, young Johnny liked the fresh air and open spaces of his new country, so different from the urban grime of Wakefield. He learned to ride on a pony named Billie when aged seven or eight. When he was old enough to start work, he followed in his father’s footsteps by working in the local coal mine. During the summer months he began riding on the rough and ready fairground racing circuits. Eventually his love of horses and horse racing led him to leave the mines for good and make his way to Calgary, hoping to become a jockey.
From the beginning, even at the age of five, young Johnny liked the fresh air and open spaces of his new country, so different from the urban grime of Wakefield. He learned to ride on a pony named Billie when aged seven or eight. When he was old enough to start work, he followed in his father’s footsteps by working in the local coal mine. During the summer months he began riding on the rough and ready fairground racing circuits. Eventually his love of horses and horse racing led him to leave the mines for good and make his way to Calgary, hoping to become a jockey.
He rode his first winner on a horse named on Hugo K. Asher at Salt Lake City Racecourse in the US state of Utah in 1927. Progress was slow at first but, on July 8, 1929, he rode three horses at Victoria Park in Canada and won on all of them. This was his first treble.
He rode his first winner on a horse named on Hugo K. Asher at Salt Lake City Racecourse in the US state of Utah in 1927. Progress was slow at first but, on July 8, 1929, he rode three horses at Victoria Park in Canada and won on all of them. This was his first treble.
But the real breakthrough came when he moved to California. On December 14, 1931 he rode a horse named Bahamas to win the Pacific Coast Breeders Association Handicap at Tanforan, an important event in those days. That was Johnny’s first stakes race triumph in the United States. Many hundreds were to follow in the next 35 years that lay ahead of him.
But the real breakthrough came when he moved to California. On December 14, 1931 he rode a horse named Bahamas to win the Pacific Coast Breeders Association Handicap at Tanforan, an important event in those days. That was Johnny’s first stakes race triumph in the United States. Many hundreds were to follow in the next 35 years that lay ahead of him.
Bahamas provided Johnny with another big winner that winter, winning the Caliente Derby and the new Caliente track in Tijuana. He then rode Bahamas in the Caliente Handicap, the year it was famously won by the great Australian champion Phar Lap, who cruised past his toiling rivals to win as he liked.
Bahamas provided Johnny with another big winner that winter, winning the Caliente Derby and the new Caliente track in Tijuana. He then rode Bahamas in the Caliente Handicap, the year it was famously won by the great Australian champion Phar Lap, who cruised past his toiling rivals to win as he liked.
The greatest horse Johnny ever rode was undoubtedly Count Fleet, who scooped the 1943 American Triple Crown of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. These were to be Johnny’s only victories in any of the three Triple Crown races.
The greatest horse Johnny ever rode was undoubtedly Count Fleet, who scooped the 1943 American Triple Crown of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. These were to be Johnny’s only victories in any of the three Triple Crown races.
Johnny rated Busher as the best filly he rode during his career. She won 15 of her 21 starts, with three seconds and one third. In 1945 he rode her to victory in the Hollywood Derby, Santa Margarita Handicap, Santa Susana Stakes and San Vicente Stakes.
Johnny rated Busher as the best filly he rode during his career. She won 15 of her 21 starts, with three seconds and one third. In 1945 he rode her to victory in the Hollywood Derby, Santa Margarita Handicap, Santa Susana Stakes and San Vicente Stakes.
Among the best of the older horses he partnered was Noor, formerly owned by the Aga Kahan and trained by Frank Butters in Newmarket. Johnny won six stakes races on Noor in 1950 including the Hollywood Gold Cup and the Santa Anita, Golden Gate and San Juan Capistrano Handicaps. Johnny was never beaten on Noor in California. They beat the 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation four times.
Among the best of the older horses he partnered was Noor, formerly owned by the Aga Kahan and trained by Frank Butters in Newmarket. Johnny won six stakes races on Noor in 1950 including the Hollywood Gold Cup and the Santa Anita, Golden Gate and San Juan Capistrano Handicaps. Johnny was never beaten on Noor in California. They beat the 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation four times.
In August 1949 Johnny and his wife Hazel decided to take some time off and visit England and Ireland for a holiday. On the journey over from New York to England on the Queen Elizabeth, he received a cablegram asking him to ride a colt called Pink Larkspur in the Blandford Stakes at the Curragh.
In August 1949 Johnny and his wife Hazel decided to take some time off and visit England and Ireland for a holiday. On the journey over from New York to England on the Queen Elizabeth, he received a cablegram asking him to ride a colt called Pink Larkspur in the Blandford Stakes at the Curragh.
Thus, no sooner had he arrived in England than he was on a plane to Dublin, where he received a royal welcome at Dublin airport. In the race itself, Johnny decided the pace was too slow and sent Pink Larkspur on into a ten-length lead with a full half-mile left to run. The horse’s connections were staggered and thought Johnny had gone on far too soon, but Pink Larkspur kept going to win by ten lengths.
Thus, no sooner had he arrived in England than he was on a plane to Dublin, where he received a royal welcome at Dublin airport. In the race itself, Johnny decided the pace was too slow and sent Pink Larkspur on into a ten-length lead with a full half-mile left to run. The horse’s connections were staggered and thought Johnny had gone on far too soon, but Pink Larkspur kept going to win by ten lengths.
Johnny salutes the crowd after winning his last race.
Johnny salutes the crowd after winning his last race.
Johnny and his wife stayed a few more days in Ireland before returning to England, making their headquarters at London’s Claridge’s Hotel. They met Gordon Richards, the Aga Kahan and Sir Winston Churchill among others during their stay and were taken to Newmarket, where they visited various stables and studs and watched horses doing their morning work on the gallops.
Johnny and his wife stayed a few more days in Ireland before returning to England, making their headquarters at London’s Claridge’s Hotel. They met Gordon Richards, the Aga Kahan and Sir Winston Churchill among others during their stay and were taken to Newmarket, where they visited various stables and studs and watched horses doing their morning work on the gallops.
Johnny made a low-key British riding debut with two rides at Folkestone on September 3, 1949. The first of them, Castle Square in the Fillies’ Nursery Handicap, was slowly away and finished fifth of the eleven runners. The second mount was a horse called Whim II, who started at 5-2 on to beat two moderate rivals in the Dymchurch Welter Plate and duly did so in a canter by eight lengths. He completed his visit with a ride on El Arabi for the Aga Khan at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting, finishing eighth of the 21 runners.
Johnny made a low-key British riding debut with two rides at Folkestone on September 3, 1949. The first of them, Castle Square in the Fillies’ Nursery Handicap, was slowly away and finished fifth of the eleven runners. The second mount was a horse called Whim II, who started at 5-2 on to beat two moderate rivals in the Dymchurch Welter Plate and duly did so in a canter by eight lengths. He completed his visit with a ride on El Arabi for the Aga Khan at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting, finishing eighth of the 21 runners.
His next visit to England was in June 1954 for Epsom, where he won the Durdans Handicap Stakes on Bird Song for trainer Peter Hastings-Bass on the first day of the Derby meeting. He rode Irish challenger Blue Sail in the Derby itself, finishing tenth in a field of 22 behind Never Say Die, who gave Lester Piggott his first Derby triumph.
His next visit to England was in June 1954 for Epsom, where he won the Durdans Handicap Stakes on Bird Song for trainer Peter Hastings-Bass on the first day of the Derby meeting. He rode Irish challenger Blue Sail in the Derby itself, finishing tenth in a field of 22 behind Never Say Die, who gave Lester Piggott his first Derby triumph.
He returned in September 1956 and had just two mounts, one of them a winner – in Scotland, rather than England. Riding the odds-on favourite Hindu Wand in the Edinburgh Gold Cup, Johnny took the lead two furlongs out and held off the challenge of Bill Rickaby on Cunningham by half a length.
He returned in September 1956 and had just two mounts, one of them a winner – in Scotland, rather than England. Riding the odds-on favourite Hindu Wand in the Edinburgh Gold Cup, Johnny took the lead two furlongs out and held off the challenge of Bill Rickaby on Cunningham by half a length.
Earlier that year, he had become thoroughbred racing’s winning-most rider when riding Arrogate to victory in the Del Mar Handicap, the California seaside track where “the surf meets the turf”. In so doing, he registered his 4,871st triumph, passing the previous record set by Sir Gordon Richards. He had by then been America’s leading jockey in races won in 1938 (236 wins), 1947 (316 wins) and 1948 (319 wins), and leading jockey in prize-money won in 1943 (his Triple Crown year) and in 1945.
Earlier that year, he had become thoroughbred racing’s winning-most rider when riding Arrogate to victory in the Del Mar Handicap, the California seaside track where “the surf meets the turf”. In so doing, he registered his 4,871st triumph, passing the previous record set by Sir Gordon Richards. He had by then been America’s leading jockey in races won in 1938 (236 wins), 1947 (316 wins) and 1948 (319 wins), and leading jockey in prize-money won in 1943 (his Triple Crown year) and in 1945.
He finished 1956 with a career-best score of 320 winners, though he was not champion that year, losing out to Bill Hartack with 347. In February 1957, shortly after his 50th birthday, he rode his 5,000th winner on a horse named Bente at Santa Anita.
He finished 1956 with a career-best score of 320 winners, though he was not champion that year, losing out to Bill Hartack with 347. In February 1957, shortly after his 50th birthday, he rode his 5,000th winner on a horse named Bente at Santa Anita.
Johnny rode in England for the last time in 1958, taking three mounts at Epsom’s Derby meeting. On the first day, Tuesday, June 3, he finished sixth on Laurinda in the opening race, then landed the Woodcote Stakes – by tradition the first two-year-old race of the season over six furlongs – on Loyal Lady for Epsom trainer Tommy Carey. The following day he rode the Paddy Prendergast-trained Alberta Blue – an appropriate name, considering that Johnny had grown up and learned to ride in Alberta – in the Derby, dead-heating for sixth place behind fellow Irish raider Hard Ridden, partnered by Charlie Smirke.
Johnny rode in England for the last time in 1958, taking three mounts at Epsom’s Derby meeting. On the first day, Tuesday, June 3, he finished sixth on Laurinda in the opening race, then landed the Woodcote Stakes – by tradition the first two-year-old race of the season over six furlongs – on Loyal Lady for Epsom trainer Tommy Carey. The following day he rode the Paddy Prendergast-trained Alberta Blue – an appropriate name, considering that Johnny had grown up and learned to ride in Alberta – in the Derby, dead-heating for sixth place behind fellow Irish raider Hard Ridden, partnered by Charlie Smirke.
Back in America that same year, 1958, Johnny was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. Though by then in his 50s, he continued to enjoy plenty of big race success.
Back in America that same year, 1958, Johnny was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. Though by then in his 50s, he continued to enjoy plenty of big race success.
Among his greatest triumphs was the 1961 Washington D.C. International on T.V. Lark, a horse on whom he’d already won the Los Angeles Handicap, the Hawthorne Gold Cup in Chicago and the Knickerbocker Handicap in New York. There were runners that year from Ireland, France, Russia, Denmark and Venezuela but from the outset it became a two-horse race between the American pair T.V. Lark and Kelso, who battled it out every step of the way over the lightning fast turf course. Kelso was ridden by another American racing legend, Eddie Arcaro, and was considered well-nigh invincible. However, at the end of the mile-and-a-half journey it was T.V. Lark by half a length in a course record time of 2 minutes 26.2 seconds. The third horse finished 12 lengths behind the American duo.
Among his greatest triumphs was the 1961 Washington D.C. International on T.V. Lark, a horse on whom he’d already won the Los Angeles Handicap, the Hawthorne Gold Cup in Chicago and the Knickerbocker Handicap in New York. There were runners that year from Ireland, France, Russia, Denmark and Venezuela but from the outset it became a two-horse race between the American pair T.V. Lark and Kelso, who battled it out every step of the way over the lightning fast turf course. Kelso was ridden by another American racing legend, Eddie Arcaro, and was considered well-nigh invincible. However, at the end of the mile-and-a-half journey it was T.V. Lark by half a length in a course record time of 2 minutes 26.2 seconds. The third horse finished 12 lengths behind the American duo.
Among the best horses Johnny rode during the early 1960s were Fleet Nasrullah, on whom he won the San Pasqual Handicap and the richly-endowed California Stakes in 1960; Four-and-Twenty, on whom he landed the Hollywood Derby and Santa Anita Derby in 1961; and Real Good Deal, whom he rode to win the California Derby, Hollywood Derby and Golden Gate Handicap in 1964.
Among the best horses Johnny rode during the early 1960s were Fleet Nasrullah, on whom he won the San Pasqual Handicap and the richly-endowed California Stakes in 1960; Four-and-Twenty, on whom he landed the Hollywood Derby and Santa Anita Derby in 1961; and Real Good Deal, whom he rode to win the California Derby, Hollywood Derby and Golden Gate Handicap in 1964.
In August 1965, Johnny registered his 6,000th win on a horse named Prince Scorpion at Exhibition Park in Vancouver, British Colombia. He retired the following year, having ridden 6,032 winners from 32,413 mounts. He went out in the best possible way, winning the marathon San Juan Capistrano Handicap on George Royal, his final ride, on March 1, 1966.
In August 1965, Johnny registered his 6,000th win on a horse named Prince Scorpion at Exhibition Park in Vancouver, British Colombia. He retired the following year, having ridden 6,032 winners from 32,413 mounts. He went out in the best possible way, winning the marathon San Juan Capistrano Handicap on George Royal, his final ride, on March 1, 1966.
Johnny then embarked on a training career and won with his first runner, the Argentine-bred Attention III, ridden by Bill Shoemaker, at Hollywood Park on May 11, 1966, just two months after hanging up his riding boots. By then, his two sons, Eric and Vance Longden, had both become trainers.
Johnny then embarked on a training career and won with his first runner, the Argentine-bred Attention III, ridden by Bill Shoemaker, at Hollywood Park on May 11, 1966, just two months after hanging up his riding boots. By then, his two sons, Eric and Vance Longden, had both become trainers.
He continued to ride work on his horses and in 1969 became the only person to ever win the Kentucky Derby as both a jockey and trainer when saddling Frank McMahon’s colt Majestic Prince to win the ‘Run for the Roses’, ridden by Bill Hartack.
He continued to ride work on his horses and in 1969 became the only person to ever win the Kentucky Derby as both a jockey and trainer when saddling Frank McMahon’s colt Majestic Prince to win the ‘Run for the Roses’, ridden by Bill Hartack.
Johnny Longden went on to enjoy a long life. He died on his 96th birthday, February 14, 2003, at his home in Banning, California.
Johnny Longden went on to enjoy a long life. He died on his 96th birthday, February 14, 2003, at his home in Banning, California.
Johnny Longden’s British and Irish winners were:
Johnny Longden’s British and Irish winners were:
Pink Larkspur, Curragh, August 27, 1949
Pink Larkspur, Curragh, August 27, 1949
Whim II, Folkestone, September 3, 1949
Whim II, Folkestone, September 3, 1949
Bird Song, Epsom, June 1, 1954
Bird Song, Epsom, June 1, 1954
Hindu Wand, Edinburgh, September 17, 1956
Hindu Wand, Edinburgh, September 17, 1956
Loyal Lady, Epsom, June 3, 1958
Loyal Lady, Epsom, June 3, 1958
His biggest winners were:
His biggest winners were:
Kentucky Derby: Count Fleet (1943)
Kentucky Derby: Count Fleet (1943)
Preakness Stakes: Count Fleet (1943)
Preakness Stakes: Count Fleet (1943)
Belmont Stakes: Count Fleet (1943)
Belmont Stakes: Count Fleet (1943)
American Derby: Black Sheep (1962)
American Derby: Black Sheep (1962)
Arkansas Derby: With Regards (1942)
Arkansas Derby: With Regards (1942)
Brooklyn Handicap: The Chief (1938)
Brooklyn Handicap: The Chief (1938)
California Derby: May Reward (1948), Miz Clementine (1954), No Regrets (1956), Finnegan (1959), Real Good Deal (1964)
California Derby: May Reward (1948), Miz Clementine (1954), No Regrets (1956), Finnegan (1959), Real Good Deal (1964)
Californian Stakes: Imbros (1954), Seaneen (1958), Fleet Nasrullah (1960)
Californian Stakes: Imbros (1954), Seaneen (1958), Fleet Nasrullah (1960)
Champagne Stakes: Andy K (1939), Count Fleet (1942)
Champagne Stakes: Andy K (1939), Count Fleet (1942)
Del Mar Handicap: Grantor (1952), Arrogate (1955, 1956)
Del Mar Handicap: Grantor (1952), Arrogate (1955, 1956)
Del Mar Oaks: Gin Mah (1964)
Del Mar Oaks: Gin Mah (1964)
Golden Gate Handicap: Triplicate (1947), Noor (1950), Fleet Bird (1953), Alidon (1955), Sisters Prince (1959), Prince Cohen (1960), Gem Town (1961), Mandate (1962), Real Good Deal (1964)
Golden Gate Handicap: Triplicate (1947), Noor (1950), Fleet Bird (1953), Alidon (1955), Sisters Prince (1959), Prince Cohen (1960), Gem Town (1961), Mandate (1962), Real Good Deal (1964)
Hawthorne Gold Cup: T.V. Lark (1961)
Hawthorne Gold Cup: T.V. Lark (1961)
Hollywood Derby: Busher (1945), Solidarity (1948), Pedigree (1949), Four-and-Twenty (1961), Real Good Deal (1964)
Hollywood Derby: Busher (1945), Solidarity (1948), Pedigree (1949), Four-and-Twenty (1961), Real Good Deal (1964)
Hollywood Gold Cup: Noor (1950), Royal Serenade (1953), Correspondent (1954), Prince Blessed (1961)
Hollywood Gold Cup: Noor (1950), Royal Serenade (1953), Correspondent (1954), Prince Blessed (1961)
Hollywood Juvenile Championship: Little Request (1952), Lucky Mel (1956)
Hollywood Juvenile Championship: Little Request (1952), Lucky Mel (1956)
Hollywood Oaks: June Bride (1949), Dingle Bay (1962)
Hollywood Oaks: June Bride (1949), Dingle Bay (1962)
Kentucky Oaks: Blue Grass (1947)
Kentucky Oaks: Blue Grass (1947)
Louisiana Derby: Rushaway (1936), Wise Fox (1938), Amber Light (1943)
Louisiana Derby: Rushaway (1936), Wise Fox (1938), Amber Light (1943)
Metropolitan Handicap: Snark (1937)
Metropolitan Handicap: Snark (1937)
San Antonio Stakes: First Fiddle (1946)
San Antonio Stakes: First Fiddle (1946)
San Felipe Handicap: Sir Bim (1945), Owners Choice (1947), Your Host (1950), Decorated (1953), Flutterby (1961)
San Felipe Handicap: Sir Bim (1945), Owners Choice (1947), Your Host (1950), Decorated (1953), Flutterby (1961)
San Fernando Stakes: Four-and-Twenty (1962)
San Fernando Stakes: Four-and-Twenty (1962)
San Juan Capistrano Handicap: Noor (1950), Be Fleet (1951), St Vincent (1955), George Royal (1965, 1966)
San Juan Capistrano Handicap: Noor (1950), Be Fleet (1951), St Vincent (1955), George Royal (1965, 1966)
San Luis Rey Handicap: Tee Dee Gee (1953)
San Luis Rey Handicap: Tee Dee Gee (1953)
San Marcos Handicap: Rablero (1963)
San Marcos Handicap: Rablero (1963)
San Pasqual Handicap: Thumbs Up (1945), Be Fleet (1952), Fleet Nasrullah (1960)
San Pasqual Handicap: Thumbs Up (1945), Be Fleet (1952), Fleet Nasrullah (1960)
Santa Anita Derby: On Trust (1947), Salmagundi (1948), Your Host (1950), Swaps (1955), Four-and-Twenty (1961)
Santa Anita Derby: On Trust (1947), Salmagundi (1948), Your Host (1950), Swaps (1955), Four-and-Twenty (1961)
Santa Anita Handicap: Thumbs Up (1945), Noor (1950), Moonrush (1951), Bobby Brocato (1956)
Santa Anita Handicap: Thumbs Up (1945), Noor (1950), Moonrush (1951), Bobby Brocato (1956)
Santa Barbara Handicap: Berseem (1955), Oil Royalty (1964)
Santa Barbara Handicap: Berseem (1955), Oil Royalty (1964)
Santa Margarita Handicap: Busher (1945), Canina (1946), Miss Doreen (1948), Blue Butterfly (1955), Our Betters (1957)
Santa Margarita Handicap: Busher (1945), Canina (1946), Miss Doreen (1948), Blue Butterfly (1955), Our Betters (1957)
Santa Maria Handicap: In Reserve (1956)
Santa Maria Handicap: In Reserve (1956)
Santa Susana Stakes: Sweet Nancy (1939), Busher (1945), Pixie Erin (1962)
Santa Susana Stakes: Sweet Nancy (1939), Busher (1945), Pixie Erin (1962)
San Vicente Stakes: Merry Maker (1937), Busher (1945), Salmagundi (1948)
San Vicente Stakes: Merry Maker (1937), Busher (1945), Salmagundi (1948)
Suburban Handicap: Snark (1938)
Suburban Handicap: Snark (1938)
Sunset Handicap: Ace Admiral (1949)
Sunset Handicap: Ace Admiral (1949)
Washington D C. International: T.V. Lark (1961)
Washington D C. International: T.V. Lark (1961)
Withers Stakes: Count Fleet (1943), Who Goes There (1944)
Withers Stakes: Count Fleet (1943), Who Goes There (1944)
Wood Memorial Stakes: Count Fleet (1943), Lucky Draw (1944)
Wood Memorial Stakes: Count Fleet (1943), Lucky Draw (1944)