John Peace, owner, dies at 81

John H. Peace, a New York owner and breeder who had several leadership posts in racing, died Saturday at a hospital in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. He was 81.

The former chairman of the William Esty Company advertising agency, Peace had served on the boards of directors of the Breeders' Cup and The Blood-Horse. He was also a trustee emeritus of the New York Racing Association and a member of The Jockey Club.

Peace's best horse was his homebred West by West, the winner of the 1992 Jamaica Handicap, 1993 Nassau County Handicap, and 1994 Widener Handicap. Peace also owned Top Secret, the winner of the 1995 Astarita Stakes and the 1997 Gallant Bloom Stakes.

Peace is survived by his wife, Agnes, three sons, and three daughters.