Santa Anita's John Shear Dies at 102

Shear, who saved a child from a loose horse at the track, served for over six decades and was honored with a race and plaque in his name.

John Shear, a longtime staffer at Santa Anita, has died at the age of 102. He began his career as an exercise rider and later worked in the paddock.
Shear gained national attention at age 90 when he saved a 5-year-old girl from a loose horse that bolted out of the track's paddock. He was run over and suffered multiple fractures, but the child was unhurt.
Born in England and raised in an orphanage, Shear immigrated to Vancouver after serving in World War II. He wanted to be a jockey and agreed to go to Santa Anita when his employer asked.
Shear retired from the track in good health at age 100 in 2021. The same year, the track renamed a stakes race the John Shear Mile in his honor and unveiled a bronze plaque in the paddock honoring his six decades of service.
Shear is survived by his wife Diane and son Michael.