A near-miss with the Titanic in 1912 redirected the path of John Eric Longden, who eventually migrated from Alberta to California in 1927. Standing only four feet and eleven inches tall, he leveraged his slight stature to become one of the most prolific figures in the history of Thoroughbred racing, earning the nickname The Pumper.
Ascent in the Saddle
Longden established his reputation at Santa Anita Park, where he rode until 1966. In 1943, he secured the United States Triple Crown aboard Count Fleet. His dominance in the sport was consistent throughout the 1940s, as he led the nation in race wins in 1938, 1947, and 1948, while also topping the earnings list in 1943 and 1945. He helped form the Jockeys' Guild in 1940.
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By 1956, Longden surpassed the record of 4,870 wins previously held by Sir Gordon Richards. He ultimately concluded his riding career with 6,032 victories from 32,413 mounts. His final competitive appearance occurred at the 1966 San Juan Capistrano Handicap at Santa Anita Park, where he rode George Royal to a victory that was later immortalized in an oil painting displayed at the track clubhouse.
Transition to Training
Following his retirement from competition, Longden transitioned into a successful training career. He operated the Alberta Ranches Ltd. stable alongside partners Frank McMahon, Wilder H. Ripley, and Max Bell. In 1969, he became the first individual to win the Kentucky Derby both as a jockey and a trainer, achieving the feat with the colt Majestic Prince. His sons, Eric and Vance Longden, also followed him into the training profession.
Recognition and Public Profile
Longden received numerous accolades, including the 1952 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award and induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958. Beyond the track, he appeared as himself on the sitcom I Love Lucy in 1957. He remained active in the horse racing community until his death in 2003 at his home in Banning, California.
Fast facts
- Born: 14 February 1907, Wakefield, England
- Died: 14 February 2003, Banning, United States
- Career wins: 6,032
- Triple Crown winner: 1943 (Count Fleet)
- Kentucky Derby winning trainer: 1969 (Majestic Prince)
- Inducted into National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: 1958
- Religion: Mormonism
- Burial site: Live Oak Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
Was Johnny Longden ever scheduled to travel on the Titanic?
Yes, in 1912, he and his family missed their scheduled voyage to New York City after their train arrived late at the port of Southampton.
What unique record does he hold regarding the Kentucky Derby?
He is the only person to win the race as both a jockey and a trainer.
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