Written By: Ben Cosgrove
It’s hardly surprising that racing fans can reel off the names of dozens or even scores of great horses far easier than they can bring to mind, say, ten great jockeys. Here’s one you should know: the late, great Johnny Longden an English-born, Canadian-raised titan who first made a name for himself riding in California and, by the end of his four-decade career, had won the Triple Crown (aboard Count Fleet) and most every important race in the land.
As LIFE magazine put it in a May 1952 issue:
When wizened 42-year-old jockey Johnny Longden booted home his 3,999th winner, the routine of horse racing at California’s Hollywood Park was completely upset. Fans suddenly stopped playing form and, anxious to help Longden get his 400th win, began playing his horses for sentimental reasons. Officials who had planned a big ceremony fidgeted: Longden himself acted coy. “I never give it no thought,” he said. “I know it’s come, just like night and day.” It came seven races later hen, next day, he won No. 4,000, about 1,000 more than any other U.S. jockey.
Famous for getting his horses off to a fast start and keeping them out in front, little (4 ft. 11 in.) Johnny Longden has at one time or another won almost every big race in the country. Despite his age and a fat bank account, he is still the most industrious jockey going, riding six or seven races every day of the week and occasionally flying down to Agua Caliente, Mexico to ride on Sunday. Rising horses, says Longden, is the one thing he really enjoys. And he expects to win 5,000 before he is 50.
In fact, he ended his career with more than 6,000 wins including his very last race, the 1966 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita Park, where Longden had enjoyed so many of his greatest triumphs.
But Longden wasn’t merely a Hall of Fame rider who competed as a jockey until he was 59; he is also the only man to ride to victory in the Kentucky Derby, and then train a horse that won the Derby, as well, in 1969 with Majestic Prince.
Johnny Longden was, in many ways, one of the major figures in horse racing for decades. He should be remembered, and celebrated, for even longer. This is a start.
Liz Ronk edited this gallery for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.
Johnny Longden, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden, 1945.
Martha Holmes Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden, 1945.
Martha Holmes Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden (second from right) with fellow jockeys, Hollywood Park, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden (second from right) with fellow jockeys, Laurel Park, Maryland, 1952.
Mark Kauffman Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden (second from right) with fellow jockeys, Laurel Park, Maryland, 1952.
Mark Kauffman Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden (left) and fellow jockey, California, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden, Hollywood Park, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden wins at Hollywood Park, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden at Hollywood Park in 1945.
Martha Holmes Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden poses after his 4,000th career win in 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden and son at the track, 1945.
Martha Holmes Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden and family, 1945.
Martha Holmes Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden with his pet cockateil, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden and family, 1945.
Martha Holmes Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden (hands in pockets) in 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
Johnny Longden and friend, 1952.
George Silk Time & Life Pictures/Shutterstock
