Lone Star Park to Host Celebration of Life for Hall of Fame Jockey Jerry Burgess

The family of Hall of Fame jockey and longtime racing steward Jerry Burgess invites friends and members of the racing community to a celebration of his life Saturday, October 10, at Lone Star Park. The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. in the track’s Dash for Cash Room.

Burgess passed away on July 27 at his home in Grand Prairie. He was 82. An Oklahoma native, he began riding match races as a youngster and went on to become one of Quarter Horse racing’s leading jockeys. In 1966, he led the nation’s Quarter Horse riders with 117 official AQHA victories.

His best-known victory came aboard Bugs Alive In 75 in the 1975 All American Futurity (G1). Burgess also rode Mighty Deck Three to victory in the 1980 Rainbow Futurity (G1) and was aboard Dash For Cash for two stakes wins, including the 1977 Vessels Maturity. After retiring from the saddle, he served for decades as a racing steward. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Ruidoso Racehorse Hall of Fame in 2011.

The October 10 gathering will give family, friends and horsemen an opportunity to share memories of Burgess and the life he devoted to horses, racing and those close to him. Lone Star Park’s races begin at 6 p.m., and the fourth race will be held in his honor. Friends and family are invited to join the blanket presentation in the winner’s circle.

The celebration will take place at Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas. Guests who are not licensed by the Texas Racing Commission should stop at the Will Call window for an admission pass.

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