Trainer Jack Bradley dies at age 83

John M. “Jack” Bradley, a longtime trainer on the New York Thoroughbred circuit and a former jockey, died Sunday in an assisted-living home in Loudon County, Tenn., of thyroid cancer, according to his daughter. Bradley was 83.

Bradley grew up near Belmont Park in New York, and he started his career in New York as a jockey when he was 15 years old, according to his daughter, Shan Koehler. Stewards discovered he had lied about his age when he was 16, and he was forced off the track, Koehler said.

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Bradley turned to training and served as an assistant for several years before striking out on his own. In addition to New York, Bradley trained in Florida, Maryland, Louisiana, and Illinois, Koehler said.

He retired in 2000 and recently moved to Tennessee to be closer to family members, Koehler said. He is survived by his daughter Shan; a son, Kelley; and four grandchildren. His wife preceded him in death.