Henry B. Johnson saddled the 1,000th winner of his career when City Ghost won the seventh race at Delta Downs Friday. The 82-year-old has been training Thoroughbreds since 1983.
“It's nice to get it out of the way, because it was a long time getting it done,” said Johnson.
Breeder and owner Russell Welch and his wife, Janis, were at Delta Downs for the win by their filly by Shaman Ghost. Welch has trusted Johnson with his Texas and Louisiana-breds for the past seven years.
“He was sort of humbled by it all,” Welch said of the post-race presentation. “We are both rodeo cowboys and H.B. does an outstanding job breaking babies. He did tell me that evening that reaching the milestone would never have been possible without the support of his owners.”
Johnson concurred with Welch, citing Dennis Milligan, Jerry Myers, Greg Hoffman, Jerry Chiles, David and Susan Bunn, as well as Paul and Marianne Phillips as a few of his longtime owners.
“I have been fortunate to have great owners who understand the importance of patience,” acknowledged Johnson.
Prior to his training career, Johnson was a rodeo competitor specializing in-bull and steer riding. In a training career that spans four decades, Johnson has saddled 6,486 horses with earnings over $15 million. Top earners included Albert's First ($477,318); Wa Bert ($356,488); Political Whit ($347,190); Icy Gentleman ($320,795) and Jimi's a Star ($314,060).
Johnson credits his wife, Jinnie, who is a major part of his operation, assistant trainer Jose Gomez and Oscar Nunez, who he hails as the “backbone” of the stable's grooms.
Retirement is not on the immediate radar for Johnson, who will turn 83 in January.
“I like doing what I do and can't think of anything else I would enjoy as much as this,” Johnson said.
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