Hall of Fame Jockey Jerry Burgess passes away on July 27 at the age of 82.

© Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame

By Greg Thompson, StallioneSearch.com

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX–JULY 27, 2026–Quarter Horse racing Hall of Fame jockey and longtime Texas racing steward Jerry Burgess, whose distinguished career in the saddle was followed by decades of respected service as a racing official, passed away peacefully at approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at his home in Grand Prairie, Texas, surrounded by his family. He was 82.

One of the most admired and respected figures in Quarter Horse racing, Burgess devoted virtually his entire life to the sport. From riding match races as a youngster in southeastern Oklahoma to winning some of Quarter Horse racing's most prestigious events before becoming one of the industry's most trusted stewards, Burgess left an enduring legacy that touched generations of horsemen.

An Oklahoma native, Burgess was raised around horses from an early age. His family's cattle operation relied on horses for ranch work, while others were raced at the numerous bush tracks throughout southeastern Oklahoma. At just 10 years old, he began riding in match races, developing the skills that would eventually propel him to one of the sport's most accomplished riding careers.

Burgess officially launched his professional career in 1960 at the age of 16, competing aboard both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds at racetracks across the country. Although successful with both breeds, he became best known as one of Quarter Horse racing's premier jockeys during one of the sport's golden eras.

His signature victory came in 1975 when he guided the J.B. Montgomery-trained Bugs Alive In 75 to victory in the Grade 1 All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs, the sport's richest and most prestigious race. Five years later, Burgess came within inches of winning a second All American Futurity aboard Mighty Deck Three, who finished a heartbreaking nose behind Higheasterjet in one of the closest finishes in the Labor Day classic's storied history.

Earlier that same summer, Burgess piloted Mighty Deck Three to victory in the Grade 1 Rainbow Futurity at Ruidoso Downs, then worth $498,000.

Burgess also is forever linked with one of Quarter Horse racing's greatest legends, Dash For Cash. He was aboard the future World Champion for his first stakes victory in the Lubbock Futurity at Lubbock Downs and later reunited with the colt to capture the 1977 Vessels Maturity at Los Alamitos Race Course.

Following his retirement from riding in 1987, Burgess began a second distinguished career as a racing steward. He spent decades serving Texas racing with fairness, integrity, and professionalism, earning the respect of horsemen and fellow officials alike. His stewardship also extended beyond Texas, including officiating during the historic return of Quarter Horse racing to Hialeah Park in Florida in 2010.

Among the highlights of his officiating career was serving as a steward for the 2004 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas.

The racing industry recognized Burgess' lifelong contributions with induction into the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Ruidoso Race Horse Hall of Fame in 2011, honors that celebrated both his remarkable accomplishments as a jockey and his lasting influence on the sport.

Burgess is survived by his wife, Georgia; his daughter, Shaena, and son-in-law, G.R. Carter Jr.; his son, Mike Burgess, and daughter-in-law, Charlotte; his daughter, Alana; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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