John Thomas Ward Jr.
August 2, 1945 - April 24, 2021
Paris, Kentucky -
"Special people touch our lives, in everything they do, and leave us changed long after they have gone"
John Thomas Ward, Jr. passed away peacefully at Hospice, UK Markey Center April 24, 2021. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Donna C. Ward, his sister Teresa Ward Tune Sharp, two nephews James Bradley Tune, Jr and Evan Ward Tune, his aunt Priscilla Roberts Fallon, an uncle, Francis Arthur Roberts, Jr. and numerous cousins. John was born in Lexington, August 2, 1945 to Pearl Roberts and John T. Ward Senior. He graduated from Lafayette High School and the University of Kentucky, with a degree in Agriculture Economics. John was a distinguished amateur equestrian rider. Being a third generation horseman, on both the Roberts and Ward sides of his family, and a direct descendant of Daniel Boone brought out his pioneering spirit to promote new and innovative ideas to always try to improve and advance the industry. John earned his post college "degrees" working with his horse trainer uncle, Sherrill Ward, as well as John Gaver of Greentree Stables. John joined his father in the family business of training and rehabilitating Thoroughbreds. The stable was located on Keeneland property as well as his childhood home. Riding their horses every day, Johnny and William "Buddy" Bishop started a childhood friendship that evolved into life...as they also formed a love for their beloved Keeneland. During his years of training he was the first trainer to serve on the Kentucky Racing Commission, under three Governors. After retirement from training, he served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Chairman of the Racing Commissioners International, Co-Chair of the Kentucky Integrity Task Force, a member of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, and a presenter at the 2004 Jockey Club Round Table. John, served on the board and was President of the KTA/KTOB. His success on the race track included developing Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, Eclipse Award Breeders Cup Distaff Winner Beautiful Pleasure, Ky Oaks winner Gal in a Ruckus and numerous other stakes winners. Once retired from the Racing Commission, John worked daily on their 200 acre farm in Bourbon County, Sugar Grove Farm. He and Donna enjoyed their farm life, along with their cattle, retired race horses and their Beloved Dogs and Cats. A man that truly loved the Thoroughbred Industry, he wanted to always make it better for the entire industry. A special Thank you to those that took care of Johnny at Baptist Health, UK Hospital and Hospice at the Markey Cancer Center. The family will honor John's request that final arrangements will be Family Private. In John's honor the family requests contributions to the Grayson Jockey Club Foundation, Hospice of the Bluegrass, or your favorite charity.

John T. Ward Jr. served the sport he loved with integrity, passion and class as both a trainer and an industry executive. A third-generation horseman, he achieved the heights of racing success as a trainer, winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) with Monarchos and Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) with champion Beautiful Pleasure.

He captured six stakes at Keeneland, led by the 2002 Breeders’ Futurity (G2) with Sky Mesa. Ward also leaves a legacy of tireless commitment to bettering all aspects of the industry as former Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, founding member and past President of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, former Chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International and a leader in the advancement of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund. Keeneland extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.