John Creager, AQHA Champion Jockey In 1994, Passes Away At Age 75

John Creager, an AQHA Champion Jockey, esteemed horseman, and respected mentor to many young riders at Los Alamitos, passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 75.

Born on August 9, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, John initially pursued his love for sports on the baseball diamond, playing for Weber State University before answering his true calling in the saddle in the early 1970s.

Known as the revered "dean of the jockey colony" at Los Alamitos Race Course through the 1990s and into the turn of the century, John rose to become one of Quarter Horse racing’s premier pilots. He stands as one of only four riders in history to surpass 2,000 wins at Los Alamitos, finishing his brilliant career in the fall of 2002 with 2,018 local victories and 86 stakes wins—ranking 14th all-time.

Throughout his career, John’s patient, hands-off riding style was key in guiding legendary champions to the winner’s circle, including Sgt Pepper Feature, Down With Debt, Griswold, Ah Sigh, Chicks Beduino, Florentine, Jodys Glory, Prissy Fein, Real Easy Chick, and Fabulous Form. Among his most historic rides was guiding Sgt Pepper Feature past Denim N Diamonds in a thrilling renewal of the 1982 Champion of Champions.

Creager’s banner year arrived in 1994 when he was named AQHA Champion Jockey, tying for the national lead with 15 stakes wins and riding earners of over $2 million. That season, he partnered with AQHA World Champion Down With Debt across multiple Grade 1 victories while also piloting Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Ah Sigh.

The Frank Nakamura-owned juvenile swept through the Miss Kindergarten, Ed Burke Memorial Futurity, and Golden State Futurity. The following year, Ah Sigh captured the La Primera Del Año Derby, Los Alamitos Derby, and completed a sweep of the Golden State series in the Golden State Derby—all with Creager in the irons.

Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments on the track, John earned immense respect for his professionalism and generosity in the room. He served as a mentor to countless young riders, helping to shape the careers of top jockeys like Eddie Garcia. After his retirement, John spent several years at Rolling A Ranch working with horses there.

As his dear friend and cattleman Rick Machado remembered him on a Facebook post Thursday morning: “A World Champion jockey, great horseman, and truly wonderful man. John touched so many lives and will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

John’s quiet dignity on the racetrack, competitive spirit, and enduring legacy at Los Alamitos will not be forgotten. For more information, contact larace@losalamitos.com.

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