Jonathan Sheppard: Steeplechase training legend dead at 82

Jonathan Sheppard, an 82-year-old English horse trainer whose accomplishments will endure forever, has passed away.
Sheppard, a Hertfordshire native, rose to fame as a Hall of Fame trainer in the US and ruled the chasing scene in both countries.

Although he did not have much success outside of his home nation, Flatterer finished as runner-up in the 1987 Champion Hurdle. The astounding 1,242 victories over jumps and £19.6 million won by Sheppard were made possible by the one and only horse in history to win the American steeplechase Triple Crown.
He set records for top trainer over jumps 26 times and winning the money title 29 times, but he also had success on the Flat. Informed Decision earned Forever Together another success after he won the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Jonathan Sheppard: Steeplechase training legend dead at 82

At the age of 82, Jonathan E. Sheppard passed away on August 27, 2023. Sheppard died of an unidentified cause before he could breathe again.

He received admission to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1990.
Sheppard was chosen to lead the National Steeplechase Association in 2004.

Sheppard and Sidney Watters, Jr., who were both inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008, are the only individuals in American racing to have trained champions in both jumps and flat racing. Twelve Eclipse Awards have been won by horses owned by Sheppard as of 2010: