BANNING, Calif., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Hall of Fame jockey Johnny Longden, who won the Triple Crown in 1943 aboard Count Fleet as part of a remarkable 40-year career, died Friday on his 96th birthday.
At Santa Anita Park, where Longden rode to some of his greatest victories, plans had already been in place to celebrate Longden's birthday. Video clips of his career highlights were shown throughout the program and the fifth race was named in his honor.
Born in England, Longden won his first race in 1927 in Utah and went on to ride 6,031 more winners during a career that continued through 1966. The record was broken by Bill Shoemaker, whose mark was eclipsed in 1999 by Laffit Pincay Jr.
Nicknamed "The Pumper" for his ability to get the best out of his mounts, Longden was horse racing's winningest jockey in 1938, 1947 and 1948.
Based in California, he won the Santa Anita Derby and Hollywood Derby five times to go with four Santa Anita Handicaps and four Hollywood Gold Cups.
Longden was elected to the Racing Hall of Fame in 1958 but kept riding until 1966, when he retired at the age of 59.
Three years later, he became the first man to both ride and train a Kentucky Derby winner when Majestic Prince captured the "Run for the Roses" and the Preakness Stakes before losing the Belmont Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths.
