Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Loses Longtime Horseman, Jack Johnston

Admin • January 8, 2023

Jack was a breeder, owner and tireless supporter of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry.

The CTHS Alberta is saddened to share the news of the recent passing of longtime Alberta horseman, Jack Johnston. Our sincere condolences go out to Jack's family and friends.


Jack was a breeder, owner and tireless supporter of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry. He was a most valued CTHS Alberta Director from 1993 until 2015 and was awarded the Ken Cohoe Trophy for Horseperson of the Year in 2010, along with his wife Linda, in recognition of a ‘lifelong personal involvement and dedication to the love of the Thoroughbred horse.’ 


In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jack’s memory may be made to the S.P.C.A, S.T.A.R.S. or a charity of the donors choice.


Obituary Notice published in MountainViewTODAY - December 27, 2022 for Jack Ranold Johnston


'Jack Johnston will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda; son, Donald (Kerry); daughter, Ivey (Carl); step-daughter, Gale (Brent); step-son, Dale (Vicky); sisters, May (Bob) Bannerman and Fay (Dallas) Haeberle; numerous grandchildren, great- grand-children and nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his first wife, Margret Anne.


Jack always had a great love for horses and was a strong supporter to the horse world. He was a color inspector for the Pinto Association, was one the founding directors of the Didsbury Light Horse Association as well as an active member for most of his life. He was the leader for the Didsbury 4-H Horse Club as well as judging horse shows throughout the province.


Jack, Linda and family established Peaceful Valley Stables in the late 70’s. A thoroughbred boarding, breeding and foaling facility. Soon Jack became directly involved in the Canadian Thoroughbreed Horse Society and served as a director on the board for many years.


He always enjoyed horse racing and in later years always had a horse at the track. Having sold the farm Jack and Linda moved to Olds in December 2021.


Many thanks to the nursing staff and doctors at the Olds Hospital for the great care and compassion shown to him.


 In lieu of flowers a donation in Jack’s memory may be made to the S.P.C.A, S.T.A.R.S. or a charity of the donors choice.'



MOUNTAIN VIEW TODAY Obituary Notice for Jack Johnston


Share

By Lindsay Ward July 16, 2025
If you’re looking to responsibly retire your Thoroughbred, The Jockey Club provides a list of resources and programs to help you do so.
By Lindsay Ward July 16, 2025
OTTB Profile is the first Equineline report centered on Thoroughbreds retiring from the track or enjoying their second careers.
By Admin June 26, 2025
Presented at the 2024 CTHS Yearling Sale - first 2YO Race of the Season Set for Friday, June 27th! 
By Lindsay Ward June 2, 2025
Click on the picture for a step by step reminder of how to transfer Jockey Club Digital Certificates to a sales company or new owner.
By Lindsay Ward May 26, 2025
n Memory of Golden Made (1998 - 2025) Today, we say goodbye to Golden Made, whose beauty, kindness and spirit made her a favourite for everyone on the farm. Golden Made earned over $372,000 on the track with 11 wins from ages 2 to 5, but her greatest gift to us was in the breeding shed: 12 foals, 12 to race, 12 to win. She was perfect. Highfield Stock Farm was fortunate to purchase Golden Made at the Keeneland January Sale in 2007, and she has been a cherished part of our broodmare band ever since.
By Lindsay Ward May 6, 2025
2024 Alberta Thoroughbred Industry Award Winners Celebrated at the 51st Night of Champions The achievements of Alberta’s Thoroughbred industry were proudly recognized on Saturday, May 3, as the new racing season kicked off at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. More than 130 owners, breeders, trainers, and passionate fans gathered in the Triple Crown Suites for the annual Night of Champions celebration. Against the backdrop of a thrilling day of live racing — and the excitement of the Kentucky Derby — Alberta’s top Thoroughbreds and their connections were honored for their success during the 2024 season. With champions crowned and the starting gates open, the 2025 season began in true Alberta racing style.
By Admin May 5, 2025
The Princess of the Track is now Queen of the Hill. Absolutely marvelous, Big Hug was named Alberta’s Horse Of the Year Saturday at the annual Night of Champions Awards dinner at Century Mile. Also named Alberta’s 2024 Champion Older Mare and Champion Alberta-bred, Big Hug won six of her eight starts in Alberta last year capturing the Founders Distaff, CTHS Sales stake, the Fall Classic Distaff and the R.K. ‘Red’ Smith Handicap for owner/trainer Rick Hedge and Lori and Martin Neyka’s Empire Equestrian. Purchased by Hedge for just $3,400 at the Alberta Yearling Sale, the now-five-year-old mare won $175,500 last year and $354,000 in her career. Big Hug was sired by Mr. Big and is out of the mare Temeeku, who broke her maiden for no tag at Del Mar, California. “Best horse I’ve ever trained,” said Hedge, 76, who has trained many outstanding thoroughbreds in his career and many more as a jockey.
By Admin April 8, 2025
The Western Canadian Derby Series is back and bigger than ever for 2025! 🏇 $100,000 Derby Bonus for any 3-year-old who sweeps the Manitoba Derby (Aug 4), Canadian Derby (Aug 23), and BC Derby (Sept 13) – now all back in the lineup! 💰 Plus, a $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus is up for grabs based on points earned across all three races #horseracingalberta #albertaracing #ridersup #FeelTheRush #bestinthewest
By Lindsay Ward April 7, 2025
Equineline and T.I.P. today announced the launch of a new report centered on Thoroughbreds in their second careers.
By Lindsay Ward March 25, 2025
Dual-Breed Dream: Thoroughbred Jockey Omar Moreno Finds New Passion In Standardbreds While Moreno will continue to be active in Thoroughbred racing, his wintertime passion for harness racing has given him a deeper appreciation for all horses Chris Lomon/Woodbine Communications21 hours ago