Ex-jockey and trainer Donald Richardson dies at 89

Retired trainer Donald Richardson, whose George Royal carried Hall of Fame jockey Johnny Longden to victory in the final mount of Longden’s career, passed away Jan. 22, according to published reports. Richardson was 89.

Richardson, born July 11, 1934, was a jockey and trainer in Western Canada and spent much of his career at Exhibition Park (renamed Hastings Park) in Vancouver, British Columbia. His final starter was in 2008, according to Equibase. Richardson also started horses in Southern California at Hollywood Park, Del Mar, and Santa Anita.

The best horse associated with Richardson was George Royal, the Canadian-bred he rode early in the horse’s career and later trained. Richardson saddled George Royal in 1966 when he scored his second victory in the San Juan Capistrano at Santa Anita, the final mount of Longden’s career.