About Philip “P.G.” Johnson
American jockey Philip “P.G.” Johnson has a $4 million estimated net worth. Before moving his stable to the east coast, Johnson began his career at tracks in his own state, Illinois, and Michigan. He spent the most of his sixty years in business in New York State, where he also won titles at Aqueduct three times, Belmont Park four times, and Saratoga one time each. But it was at Saratoga that he joined the ranks of jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. and Fourstardave, two other Spa superstars.
For 36 years running:
He saddled at least one winner at Saratoga in 40 of the 41 years he participated there, which spans 36 years from 1962 to 2003. It is an extraordinary training feat that has never been done before and is unlikely to ever be replicated. Excellent Tipper, who won the 1995 Sword Dancer, and Maplejinsky, who won the 1988 Alabama, are two of his Saratoga stakes winners.
P.G. finally receives justice:
Johnson was ultimately admitted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs in 1997 after it had previously rejected him twice. But he was not yet finished. The winning streak extended all the way up to 2003. However, his career did really complete a circle in 2002. The $4 million Breeders’ Cup Classic was won by Volponi, a horse he co-owned with his family under the name Amherst Stable, who was the 43-1 long shot and had the greatest victory margin in Classic history.
a welcome back for Johnson:
It seemed appropriate for him to win the Classic in his hometown of Chicago at Arlington Park, where he purchased and trained his first equine, a colt by the name of Song Master, for only $75 at an auction. Song Master wouldn’t win for him for another two years. He was joined in the Arlington winner’s circle by his wife Mary Kay and their two daughters to accept the trophy. Sadly, his wife would die after 60 years of marriage 19 months later. Just two more months would pass before he committed suicide.
Funeral plans and requests from the family:
The funeral arrangements are private, therefore a memorial service will be planned at a later time. Daughters Kathy and Karen, who were partners in the Amherst Stable, their spouses Don Brockway and Noel Michaels, and granddaughter Emma Brockway all survive Johnson. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made to the Grayson-Jockey Club Equine Research Foundation.
Summing-Up
Song Master, Johnson’s first racehorse, cost $75 to buy at auction. The horse ultimately earned his keep by triumphing at Hawthorne Race Course two years later. Johnson had a successful 60-year career, but this was his first victory.
After returning from Saratoga for minor surgery on August 6, trainer Phil “P.G.” Johnson passed away at his home. His Spa win run had been stopped at 36 years, therefore he had planned to go back to Saratoga.
Philip Johnson’s total assets at the time of his passing were $4 million.
